Haandi: An Authentic Taste of South Asia on Lexington Ave

Haandi Introduce

In the heart of New York City’s bustling "Curry Hill" neighborhood, where the aroma of spices fills the air, **Haandi** stands out as a destination for truly authentic South Asian cuisine. This isn't a place for fancy decor or a high-end dining experience; it's a cozy, casual spot that prides itself on serving traditional and flavorful dishes that feel like they've come straight from a home kitchen in Lahore or Dhaka. For locals and visitors alike, Haandi offers a genuine taste of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi food, providing a no-frills, all-flavor experience that is both memorable and satisfying. As a New Yorker, you’ll appreciate its unpretentious atmosphere and the focus on what truly matters: the food.

Haandi’s menu is a rich tapestry of classic comfort foods from the region. The offerings go far beyond the typical fare, with a focus on hearty and traditional dishes. One of the most talked-about items is the **Halwa Puri**, an all-day breakfast staple that is often praised as being "made of perfection." This dish, which includes two puris, halwa, channay, and achari aloo, is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to authentic flavors. Beyond breakfast, the menu boasts a wide selection of meat and vegetable curries, with options like the savory **Shahi Beef Haleem**, tender **Nihari**, and the hearty **Karahi Chicken**. The selection of **Tandoori Specialties**, from **Goat Chops** to different types of kababs, further solidifies its reputation as a place for genuine, flavorful cooking.

While some customer feedback may point to issues with the atmosphere or cleanliness, the consensus among those who appreciate the cuisine is that the quality of the food is what truly shines. The generous portions and reasonable pricing make it a great value, especially in Manhattan. The restaurant's appeal to a diverse crowd, from local college students to family groups and tourists, speaks to its wide-ranging appeal. Haandi is a place where you can feel comfortable and welcomed, and where the focus is firmly on the delicious, authentic food. Its reputation for having a great tea selection and a welcoming atmosphere for all, including the LGBTQ+ community, makes it more than just a place to eat; it's a place to feel at home while enjoying a truly remarkable meal.

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### Location and Accessibility

Haandi is conveniently located at **113 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016**, right in the center of the bustling "Curry Hill" area of Manhattan. This makes it an easy destination for anyone in the Kips Bay neighborhood and beyond. The location is well-served by public transportation, with several bus routes and subway lines within walking distance, making it accessible from various parts of the city. For those who drive, the restaurant offers the rare convenience of both **free street parking** and **paid street parking** options, which is a significant plus in a crowded urban environment. The entrance is designed to be accessible, and the atmosphere inside is casual and welcoming.

The restaurant’s location is also a part of its identity, being surrounded by other South Asian establishments that create a vibrant and culturally rich streetscape. This makes it a great spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. The cozy interior and simple setup make it easy to drop in for a solo dining experience or with a small group. Whether you’re on your lunch break or looking for a late-night meal, Haandi’s central and accessible location makes it a practical and appealing choice.

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### Services Offered

**Dine-in:** Enjoy your meal in the casual and cozy indoor seating area, which is suitable for groups and families.
**Takeout & Curbside Pickup:** For those on the go, the restaurant offers convenient takeout and **curbside pickup** services, allowing you to grab your order quickly.
**Delivery & No-Contact Delivery:** Haandi provides both standard and **no-contact delivery**, ensuring you can enjoy their authentic dishes from the comfort of your home or office.
**Catering:** The restaurant offers catering services, including large trays of popular dishes like **Chicken Biryani**, perfect for events, parties, or family gatherings.
**Counter & Table Service:** Customers can order at the counter for a quick bite or enjoy table service for a more relaxed dining experience.
**All-Day Breakfast:** Haandi offers an all-day breakfast menu, which is a unique and popular feature, especially for those craving a traditional morning meal at any time.

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### Features / Highlights

**Authentic Pakistani, Bangladeshi, & Indian Cuisine:** The menu is filled with traditional recipes that reflect the rich culinary traditions of the region, setting it apart from more generic Indian restaurants.
**Halal Food:** Haandi is a **Halal restaurant**, which is a significant highlight for a wide range of customers, ensuring all meat dishes are prepared according to Halal standards.
**Extensive Menu:** From classic curries and tandoori specialties to a wide array of vegetarian options and traditional snacks like **Pani Puri**, the menu is incredibly diverse.
**All-Day Breakfast:** The **Halwa Puri** is a major draw, offering a beloved and authentic breakfast dish that you can enjoy at any time of day.
**Vegan & Vegetarian Options:** The menu has a separate section for **Vegetable Selections** and other plant-based dishes, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
**Late-Night Food:** The restaurant’s late-night hours make it a perfect spot for a quick bite after a long day or a late shift.
**Welcoming Atmosphere:** The restaurant is known for its casual, cozy, and friendly atmosphere, and is noted as being **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **transgender safe space**.
**Great Tea Selection:** The tea menu, including **Doodh Patti** and **Lahori Lassi**, is a highlight for many customers looking for authentic beverages.

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### Contact Information

**Address:** 113 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
**Phone:** (212) 685-5200

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### What is worth choosing?

For a true Haandi experience, there are several dishes that are an absolute must-try. The **Halwa Puri** is a non-negotiable choice for first-time visitors or anyone craving a traditional South Asian breakfast. The dish has garnered rave reviews for its authentic and delicious flavors, with one customer noting that the chole was "made of perfection." For a hearty and flavorful main course, the **Shahi Beef Haleem** is a standout option, a slow-cooked stew that is rich in both taste and tradition. If you're a fan of kebabs, the **Chapli Kabab** is a great choice, known for its distinct and flavorful taste.

Beyond the main dishes, the restaurant's rice specialties, like the **Mouthwatering Mutton Pulao** and **Chicken Biryani**, are highly recommended for their aromatic spices and tender meat. Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their freshly baked **Tandoori Breads**, especially the classic **Naan** or the flavorful **Garlic Naan**. To complete your meal, a refreshing **Mango Lassi** or a warm cup of **Doodh Patti** is the perfect complement. While some may mention that the atmosphere is simple, the food itself is a journey to South Asia. Haandi is worth choosing for its dedication to authentic flavors, its incredible value, and its wide selection of classic and hard-to-find dishes, making it a beloved gem in the heart of New York's Curry Hill.

Haandi Menu

Snacks
Slanty Chips $1.29
Vegetarian. Classic Pakistani chips (small bag).
Gol Gappe / Pani Puri (7 Pieces) $8.99
(Gol gappe, pani puri) South Asian street food compromising of spicy dipping water, semolina shells and a potato/chickpea filling.

Rice Specialties
Plain Basmati Rice $3.99
Steamed basmati rice.
Brown Rice $6.99
Brown basmati rice.
Lamb Pulao $13.99
Basmati rice cooked with mutton in a broth and special blend of spices, carrots and raisins.
1/2 Tray Chicken Biryani $79.99
Basmati rice cooked with chicken, a blend of spices and herbs. (Serves 8-10 persons).
Mouthwatering Mutton Pulao $14.99
Basmati rice cooked with lamb in a broth and special blend of spices.
Chicken Biryani $13.99
Extra long grain basmati rice cooked with chicken, a blend of masalas, spices and herbs.
Veal (Young Beef) Biryani $16.99
Extra long grain basmati rice cooked with veal(young beef), a blend of masalas, spices and herbs.
Chicken Pulao $12.99
Basmati rice and chicken cooked in chicken broth with aromatics and spices.

Tandoori Breads/ Breads
Tandoori Roti $1.99
Whole wheat bread made in tandoor.
Naan $2.99
Leavened white flour bread made in tandoor. (One piece).
Garlic Naan $5.99
Leavened white flour bread with garlic made in clay tandoor.
Lacha Paratha $3.99
Layered whole wheat bread made in tandoor.
Puri (1 Piece) $3.99
Deep-fried bread made out of whole wheat flour. Usually eaten with Halwa, Chana or Achari Aloo.
Aloo Paratha $6.99
Whole wheat bread stuffed with potatoes.
Naan With Sesame Seeds (Till) And Butter $3.49
Leavened white flour bread made in tandoor with sesame seeds and topped off with butter.
Keema (Meat) Naan $6.99
Leavened white flour bread stuffed with minced meat and baked in a tandoor oven.

Desserts
Mejdool Dates Large Box $8.99
Kheer $4.99
Rice pudding made with boiling milk, sugar, and rice for 3-4 hours. One serving.
Sheer Khurma $4.99
Festival vermicelli pudding prepared by Muslims on Eid ul-Fitr. Made with fine vermicelli, milk, dates, nuts and sugar.
Gajar Ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa) 12oz $12.99
Carrot-based sweet dessert pudding made with milk, sugar, khoya, cardamom and nuts.
Rasgulla (2 Pieces) $3.99
Spongy, white dessert of sweetened cheese balls in sweet cardamom syrup.
Mejdool Dates Small Box $4.99
Gajar Ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa) 8oz $6.99
Carrot-based sweet dessert pudding made with milk, sugar, khoya, cardamom and nuts.
Gulab Jamun $1.99
Deep fried milk ball made with ghee. (One piece).
Rasmalai $4.99
Sweet clotted cream patties with cardamom served in sweet cold milk. Two pieces.
Jalebi Box $8.99
South Asian dessert made by deep-frying a flour batter in Circular shapes, then soaked in a delicious sugary syrup.
Halwa $5.99
Made from a base of semolina and cooked with ghee, sugar, cardamom and saffron. So sweet and so good. (Will not contain nuts unless specified) Color may be light pink or natural semolina at times.
Mini Cham Chams (15 Pieces) $5.99
Sweet, irresistible, bite-sized mini rasgulas or cham chams, perfect for sharing. Made with cheese, sugar, rose water and soaked in a cardamom sugar syrup.

Vegetable Selections (served without rice or bread)
Chana Masala (Lahori Channay) $11.99
Vegan. Chick peas cooked in herbs and spices.
Aloo Gobi $11.99
Potatoes and cauliflower cooked in spices.
Achari Aloo (Pickled Potatoes) $11.99
Tangy potatoes seasoned with a blend of spices and pickles for a zesty, flavorful experience.
Curry Pakora $11.99
Vegetarian. Tangy and flavorful Punjabi Kadhi pakora with deep fried vegetable pakoras (fritters) dunked in a savory yogurt based curry.
Bhindi Masala $11.99
Okra cooked with special spices and herbs.
Eggplant With Potatoes $11.99
Eggplant with potatoes (aloo baingan).
Tarka Daal (Fry) $11.99
Vegan. Split yellow lentils cooked in butter and spices.
Mixed Vegetables $11.99
Cooked with fresh spices.
Aloo Mutter $11.99
Potatoes cooked with green peas in special sauce.
Mash Daal $11.99
White urid lentils cooked in butter and spices.
Aloo Palak $11.99
Potatoes and spinach cooked in spices.
Sarson Ka Saag (Little Bitter Taste) $11.99
Mustard greens cooked with ghee, herbs and spices.

🌺Today’s Specials 🌺
Whole Roasted Chicken $19.95
Whole chicken with mild Pakistani and Indian spices steamed and roasted until tender. Available on Thanksgiving Day!
Shahi Beef Haleem $13.99
Savory boneless beef stew cooked with variety of mixed lentils on low heat for 3-4 hours. (One serving).
Chana Chaat 12 Oz $9.99
Garbanzo chickpeas chaat made with tomatoes, onions and spices, served cold
Fall Of The Bone Lamb Shank $13.99
Marinated Lamb shank with yogurt and a special blend of Pakistani spices Steam Roasted for 3-4 hours.
Sheer Khurma $4.99
Festival vermicelli pudding prepared by Muslims on Eid ul-Fitr. Made with fine vermicelli, milk, dates, nuts and sugar.
Fruit Chaat 12 Oz $10.99
A Southeast Asian take on fruit salad. Made with seasonal fruit, splash of citrus juice and chaat masala.
Fancy Woven Medjool Date Basket $11.99
Cute baskets filled with dates and wrapped in cellophane for gifting or eating yourself.
Mutton Pulao (Lamb) $13.99
Basmati rice cooked with mutton in a broth and special blend of spices.

Extra Items
Veal (Young Beef) Biryani $16.99
Extra long grain basmati rice cooked with veal(young beef), a blend of masalas, spices and herbs.
Chana Chaat 12 Oz $8.99
Garbanzo chickpeas chaat made with tomatoes, onions and spices, served cold.

Haandi Specials
Sarson Ka Saag (Little Bitter Taste) $11.99
Mustard greens cooked with ghee, herbs and spices.

Beverages
Mango Lassi $4.99
Blend of yogurt, sugar, and mango.
Doodh Patti $2.99
Milk, sugar, boiled with orange pekoe tea.
Lahori Lassi $4.99
Soda $1.50
Choose your drink.
Mini Rooh Afza Bottle $2.99
8 fl oz refreshing rose flavored syrup that can be mixed into water or milk. Ramadan favorite.
Mango Lassi Gallon (For 6 People) $24.99
Vegetarian. Mango lassi gallon enough for 6 people.
Rooh Afza With Milk $3.99
16 oz cup made with pink rose syrup and milk, refreshing summer drink of the east.
Water Bottle $1.49
OG Poland Spring.
Roohafza With Milk Gallon (For 6 People) $13.99
Rose flavored, sweet, refreshing and cold roohafza with milk enough for 6 people.
Shezan Mango Juice $1.99
Mango juice box. Relive your childhood.
Mango Shake $5.99
Tea $1.99
Sweet Lassi $4.99
Blended yogurt, milk, ice and sugar.

Tandoori Specialties
Tandoori Chicken Wings (6 Pieces) $12.99
South Asian take on chicken wings, tandoori chicken wings marinated in yogurt, spices, then cooked to perfection with crispy skin and juiciness in a tandoor oven. (6 pieces).
Goat Chops (3 Pieces) $14.99
Chops marinated with herbs, spices and yogurt cooked in tandoor.
Beef Kabab (1 Piece) $3.99
Minced beef cooked with a special blend of spices in a tandoor oven.
Chicken Tikka With Bone (6 Pieces) $13.99
Chicken with bone marinated in spices and yogurt cooked in tandoor.
Chicken Tikka(Boneless) $12.99
Chicken white meat cooked in a clay oven with special herbs and spices.
Chicken Bihari Kabab (6 Pieces) $11.99
Chicken pieces marinated in a special blend of spices and cooked in a tandoor.
Chicken Seekh Kabab (1 Piece) $2.99
Minced meat seasoned with herbs and spices cooked in tandoor oven (one piece).
Tandoori Chicken Quarter $5.99
Chicken leg marinated in spices and yogurt cooked in tandoor oven.
Chapli Kabab $3.99
Minced chicken with tomatoes, onions, herbs and spices, shaped like a patty made on a tawa grill. (One piece).
Beef Bihari Kabab $13.99
Tender chunks of beef marinated in Pakistani spices and cooked in a tandoor oven.
Lamb Kabab (1 Piece) $3.99
Minced lamb cooked with a special blend of spices in a tandoor oven.

Beef and Goat Selections (served without rice or bread)
Lamb Curry $14.99
A rich and aromatic stew curry with braised lamb.
Beef Masala $14.99
Tender beef chunks cooked in a thick curry sauce.
Mutton Karahi $14.99
Lamb cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic sauce in ghee. (Clarified butter).
Nihari $14.99
Slow-cooked beef stew, with bone marrow. Beef Nihari.
Beef Paya $13.99
A beef bone broth made from cow trotters
Shahi Beef Haleem $13.99
Savory boneless beef stew cooked with variety of mixed lentils on low heat for 3-4 hours. (One serving).
Paya (Bone Broth) $14.99
Slow cooked, super addictive, and delicious . A Punjabi specialty. (Caution: natural bone marrow may make fingers sticky for a few minutes).

Appetizers
Shami Kabab $2.99
One piece minced meat cutlet mixed with lentils, herbs, and spices.
Dahi Phulki (Mini Gram Flour Dumplings In Yogurt Sauce) (8 Oz) $6.99
Gram flour dumplings mixed with onions, tomato and cilantro in a mild yogurt sauce. (8 oz)
Dahi Baray / Dahi Vada 12 Oz $9.99
Chaat made of fried dough balls in a yogurt and chutney sauce.
Chicken Samosa $2.49
Spiced ground chicken with cilantro, green chiles in a savory shell.
Gol Gappe / Pani Puri (7 Pieces) $8.99
(Gol gappe, pani puri) South Asian street food compromising of spicy dipping water, semolina shells and a potato/chickpea filling.
Chapli Kabab $3.99
Minced chicken with tomatoes, onions, herbs and spices, shaped like a patty made on a tawa grill. (One piece).
Steam Roast Chicken Leg $6.99
Slow roasted chicken quarter leg steamed in Pakistani spices.
Chicken Puff Pastry $3.99
Baked savory and buttery pastry filled with chicken.
Aloo Tiki $1.99
One piece mashed potato marinated in light spice and herbs.
Aloo Samosa $1.99
Crispy pastry turnover filled with minced potatoes and light spices. (One piece).
Pakora $9.99
Fried mix vegetables fritters. A pound.
Lamb Shank $13.99
Fried Fish (Sea Bass) $12.99
Boneless sea bass fish, fried in a Pakistani spice batter.
Chilli Pakora Stuffed With Aloo (1 Piece) $2.99
Deep fried green chili with a potato filling.

All Day Breakfast
Halwa Puri $12.99
Vegetarian. Includes 2 puris, halwa, Channay and achari aloo. (Serving for one person).
Desi Omelette $7.99
Egg omelette fried up Dhaba style.
Hard Boiled Egg $1.00
(One). Hard boiled egg.

Chicken Selections (served without rice or bread)
Chicken Jalfrezi $13.99
Chicken and seasonal vegetables, stir-fried and served in a thick spicy sauce that includes green chilli peppers.
Keema Tawa $12.99
Minced meat cooked with onions, tomatoes and blend of spices on hot plate.
Daal Chicken (Lentil Stew With Chicken) $13.99
Hearty dish composed of lentils, chicken, garlic, tomatoes, ginger slow slow cooked and stewed.
Achar Chicken $13.99
Chicken cooked in curry sauce with spices and pickles.
Hyderabadi Haleem $13.99
Savory boneless chicken stew cooked with a variety of mixed wheat, lentil, spices and herbs on low heat for 3-4 hours.
Chicken Makhni $12.99
Boneless chicken cooked in thick gravy with cream.
Karahi Chicken $13.99
Chicken cooked with ginger, tomatoes, spices in ghee. (Clarified butter).
Chicken Qorma $13.99
Chicken cooked in thick curry sauce and herbs.

Sauces / Chutneys / Condiments
Plum Chutney (Sauce) $4.99
Gluten free, vegan. Sweet plum sauce (small serving) to accompany grilled items or eaten eaten by itself (8 oz container).
Small Regular Yogurt Green Chutney $3.99
Mint, coriander and yogurt green chutney. (8 oz small container).
Chili Garlic Sauce Glass Bottle $6.99
Vegetarian. Savory and sweet dip to accompany samosas, pakoras, kebabs, patties, anything you like.
Apricot Chutney $4.99
Sweet apricot chutney sauce. (8 oz container).
Achar (Mixed Pickle) $4.99
Mixed vegetables pickled in oil and Pakistani spices. (8 oz container).
Large Regular Yogurt Green Chutney $5.99
The og mint, coriander and yogurt green chutney. (12 oz large container).

Haandi Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great tea selection
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Comfort food
Halal food
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Haandi Photos

Haandi Location

Haandi

New York New York County New York Lexington Avenue

113 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA

Haandi Reviews

An average rating of ★3.9 from 1404 user reviews.

buffetto gomicrowaveniharihaleemhalwa puripraydriverscollegedollar

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Total Disappointment – Not Worth VisitingWe took a bus all the way from Times Square expecting a good meal, but this place was a complete letdown. The food was served cold, even after being microwaved. The place was dirty, the staff had a terrible attitude, and on top of everything, they overcharged us. If the food had at least been tasty, it might’ve been somewhat worth it — but it was completely bland. Definitely not worth the time, money, or effort. Would not recommend.
August 22 · Acha Gujjar (Good Milkman)
OH MY GOODNESS- THE HALWA PURI IS SOOOOOO GOOD! ANC THE CHOLE WAS MADE OF PERFECTION. although some people say the atmosphere is dirty, The FOOD is all that matters!
August 17 · Jhon Williams
Was in Lexington and was craving desi food . .. have gone to haandi a long time ago and went back .. there are some tables inside to sit and dine . When you enter you see all the meat and veggies displayed and it looks inviting :) service is good. Pricing is good too. Atmosphere was average . Platter was about 15-16 $ and priced ok.Food looked fresh . The platter has naan , rice , veggie and a meat (optional)… tastes very good . It tasted like home food . Chole was super awesome . Went well with naan and rice . The meat curry was also super duper good . Right spice level and had perfect flavor … food taste is 5/5 but because of overall atmosphere , I had to give them a 4 star . ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 16 · Raj S
Reasonable and very tasty food a true desi taste feels like ho e away from home
June 25 · Mohsin Ali
Usually try not to leave negative reviews..but there was a bug in my food!
September 17 · nikoptis