Madras Mahal: Authentic South Indian Cuisine in New York City

Madras Mahal Introduce

In New York City, a culinary hub for flavors from around the globe, Indian food holds a special and beloved place. While there's a multitude of options, finding a restaurant that truly specializes in a specific regional cuisine can be a rewarding experience. Madras Mahal, located on the bustling stretch of Lexington Avenue known as "Curry Hill," is a celebrated destination for authentic South Indian vegetarian food. It stands out by offering a wide-ranging menu that caters to both a dedicated local following and curious tourists. This is a place that promises a true taste of South India, from its crispy Dosai to its comforting Uttappam, all in a casual and accessible setting.

Madras Mahal has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on vegetarian and vegan options, making it a go-to spot for those with dietary preferences or who simply want a healthy and flavorful meal. The menu is incredibly extensive, featuring traditional dishes from South India and other parts of the country, like Gujarat and Punjab. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a full meal, you'll find plenty to choose from. The restaurant is a popular choice for lunch and dinner, and its reputation for great value, especially for its lunch buffet, makes it a favorite among those who work in the area. While some online feedback has highlighted specific issues with takeout, the overall consensus for dine-in and a la carte dishes is positive, with many customers praising the food's taste and quality. The fact that it is often slightly less crowded than some of its neighbors makes it a comfortable and preferred choice for many.

Madras Mahal is located at 104 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA. This address places it directly in the heart of the city's "Curry Hill" district, a well-known area for authentic Indian restaurants and groceries. Its location is highly convenient and easily accessible for New Yorkers and visitors. For those using public transportation, the restaurant is just a few blocks from several major subway stations. The 6 train stops at 28th Street, which is a very short walk away, providing a direct route from both Uptown and Downtown. The N, R, and W lines also have a stop at 28th Street, making the location a breeze to get to.

The accessibility of Madras Mahal extends to its surroundings as well. Its position on a main thoroughfare means it's a prominent and easy-to-find destination. For drivers, there is paid street parking available in the vicinity, though as with any part of Manhattan, it’s important to plan ahead. The prime location on Lexington Avenue makes it a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal, whether you're taking a lunch break from work or meeting up with friends for dinner. Its easy access contributes to its popularity as a go-to place for groups and solo diners alike.

Madras Mahal offers a few key services to cater to its customers' dining preferences.

Dine-in: The restaurant provides a casual and comfortable atmosphere for a sit-down meal. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner with friends, family, or as a solo diner.
Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home or on the go, Madras Mahal offers a convenient takeout service. You can place your order and pick it up at your convenience.
Onsite Services: The staff provides table service, and the restaurant is well-equipped for lunch and dinner crowds. The option of a lunch buffet (as mentioned by reviewers) adds another layer of convenience and value for patrons.

Madras Mahal is known for several key features and highlights that make it a favorite among its patrons.

Authentic South Indian Cuisine: The restaurant specializes in a range of traditional South Indian dishes, including an extensive selection of Dosai and Uttappam. These are served with authentic accompaniments like Coconut Chutney and Sambar, providing a genuine taste of the region.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The menu is entirely vegetarian and includes many vegan-friendly options, making it a fantastic choice for those with these dietary preferences. This focus allows them to perfect their vegetarian dishes and offer a truly diverse and healthy menu.
Great Value: Reviewers highlight the "great value for lunch buffet," and the a la carte dishes are noted for their generous portions at a reasonable price. This makes it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and filling meal.
Comfort Food and Healthy Choices: The menu is a perfect blend of rich, comforting dishes and healthy, light options. You can find everything from flavorful curries like Palak Paneer to lighter fare like salads and soups, catering to various moods and dietary goals.
Extensive Menu: The sheer size of the menu is a highlight. With sections dedicated to appetizers from South India and Gujarat, a huge selection of Dosai, Uttappam, and curries from Punjab, there is a seemingly endless variety of dishes to try.
Family-Friendly: The restaurant’s casual atmosphere and a wide variety of dishes make it a great choice for families and groups. It is a welcoming and comfortable place for people of all ages.

To get in touch with Madras Mahal for information or to place an order, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 104 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA

Phone: (212) 684-4010

Mobile Phone: +1 212-684-4010

In a city with a plethora of dining options, what makes Madras Mahal a truly worthwhile choice? The answer lies in its dedication to a specific, authentic cuisine and its commitment to offering great value. For those seeking a genuine taste of South India, this is the place to go. The extensive menu of Dosai, Uttappam, and regional curries provides a culinary journey that is both exciting and satisfying. The fact that the entire menu is vegetarian is a major selling point, not just for vegetarians but for anyone looking for a flavorful, plant-based meal. The inclusion of healthy options and quick bites also makes it a versatile choice for different occasions.

While a small number of reviews have pointed to specific service issues with takeout, the majority of the feedback highlights the restaurant's strengths: delicious food, great value, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of its more crowded neighbors. For a New Yorker, having a reliable, high-quality, and budget-friendly option in the heart of "Curry Hill" is invaluable. Madras Mahal is a place where you can enjoy a comforting meal, explore new flavors, and feel a sense of warmth in a casual setting. It’s a great option for a solo lunch, a group dinner, or a simple takeout meal that will transport you to the vibrant flavors of South India.

Madras Mahal Services

Appetizers From South India
South India - Served With Coocnut Chutney & Sambar.*hot And Spicy.
Idli $4.95
two steamed lentil and rice mix cakes- spice free.
Idli Vadai Combo $4.95
one each of idli and medu vada
Idli In Sambar Bowl $4.95
idli soaked in hot bean soup.
Idli In Rasam Bowl* $5.95
idli soaked in rasam soup.
Dahi Idli $5.95
idli two steamed idly with dosai podi, yogurt, coconut and spicy chutney. dairy item.
Cocktail Idli Vadai* $5.95
idli and medu vada cooked with spice and curry leaves.
Medu Vadai $4.95
two fried lentil flour donuts.
Masala Vada $5.95
lentil fritter with split chickpeas with onion and curry leaves.
Vadai In Sambar Bowl $4.95
medu vada soaked in hot bean sauce.
Vadai In Rasam Bowl $5.95
medu vada soaked in rasam soup.
Bonda $4.95
two fried potato ball fritters.
Masala Cashew Nuts* $4.95
spicy madras style fried cashews. true beer companion!
Uppma $7.95
cream of wheat cooked with mild spices, cashews and mixed vegetables.

Appetizers From Gujarat
Served With Date Fruit And Mint Chutney. Item Labeled With An Asterisk, Indicate *hot And Spicy.
Batata Vada $4.95
two fried potato balls, hot and sweet.
Kachori (tuar)* $4.95
two chickpea and green pea balls, hot and sweet.
Bhel Puri $4.95
mixed puffed rice, indian noodles and rice flour crisp topped with onion, sweet and sour sauce served cold.

Appetizers From All India
Served With Sweet And Sour Chutney. Item Labeled With An Asterisk, Indicate Hot And Spicy.
Papadam $2.95
two delicately spiced thin lentil wafers. true beer companion!
Masala Papadam* $3.95
two thin wafers with butter, onion, coriander and tomato spiced with lemon. dairy item.
Alu Chaat $4.95
potato with tangy spices served cold. dairy item.
Samosa $4.95
two crisp turnovers filled with spiced potato and green peas.
Channa Chat $4.95
chickpeas with rangy spices served cold. dairy item.
Pakora* $4.95
six fritters made of chopped vegetables and chickpea flour.
Bhajjia $4.95
six slices of assorted vegetables fried in chickpea batter.
Dahi Vada $5.95
two lentil balls in spiced date and tamarind yogurt sauce served cold. dairy item.
Madras Mahal Hors D'oeuvres $9.95
a selection of our warm appetizers from medu vada, kachori (tuar), samosa. bhajia includes 1 pc medu vadai, 1 pc kachori, 1 pc samosa and 6 pc bhajjia
French Fries Or Onion Rings $4.95
kids special!

Soups And Salads
Item Labeled With An Asterisk, Indicate Hot And Spicy.
Rasam $3.95
a traditional south indian spiced lentil essence soup.
Sambar $3.95
a traditional south indian hot bean soup.
Mulligatawny Soup $3.95
delicious blended beans with lemon and herbs served with ginger sticks.
Mixed Vegetable Soup $3.95
mixed harvest vegetables with light spices, served with ginger sticks.
Katchumber $4.95
chopped vegetable salad with a mildly spiced vinegar lemon dressing.
Garden Salad $5.95
fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and carrots served with raita (#95) dressing. dressing is dairy.

Breads
Chappati $3.95
two whole wheat thin flat bread- spice free.
Pulka $3.95
two oil-free flat breads- spice free.
Paratha $3.95
flaky multi-layered bread- spice free.
Alu Paratha $4.95
bread stuffed with delicately seasoned potato served with raita and chutney.
Pea Paratha $4.95
bread stuffed with mildly spiced peas served with raita and chutney.
Poori $4.95
two puffed breads, deep fried- spice free.
Poori And Masala $7.95
two puffed bread served with spice mashed potato on side served with pickle.

Rice
Item Labeled With An Asterisk, Indicate Hot And Spicy.
Plain Rice $3.95
basmati
Tomato Or Lemon Or Tamarind Rice $7.95
Bisi Bella Rice $8.95
fragrant rice cooked with vegetables and fine yogurt.
Kashmiri Pullav $8.95
fragrant rice cooked with dried fruits, saffron, nuts and vegetables.
Yogurt Rice $8.95
fragrant rice cooked with mixed vegetables and fine yogurt. dairy item.
Mix Vegetable Biryani* $8.95
rice mixed with deliciously sauteed vegetables tossed in a lightly spiced sauce and topped with crispy fried julienne onion served with a raita
Pongai $9.95
rice cooked with lentils, cashews and mild spices. served with sambar and pickle. real south indian treat!

Entrees - Dosai
From The South. Crepes Served With Coconut Chutney And Sambar & Pulka Hot Lentil Bean& Pulka Item Labeled With An Asterisk, Indicate Hot And Spicy.
Sada Dosai $7.95
crepe made of rice and lentil flour- spice free.
Mysore Sada Dosai* $7.95
plain spiced crepe.
Masala Dosai $7.95
crepe rolled with lightly spiced onion and potato.
Mysore Masala Dosai* $7.95
spiced crepe rolled with lightly spiced onion and potato.
Butter Dosai (sada/masala) $7.95
crepe rolled with butter, onion and potato. dairy item.
Paper Dosai (sada/masala)* $8.95
thin crispy crepe with or without spicy mashed potato
Paneer Dosai $8.95
crepe filled with shredded homemade cheese, made medium or spicy. dairy item.
Plain Rava Dosai (sada/masala) $8.95
cream of wheat, rice flour crepe with cilantro. this item may take 15 minutes to cook.
Onion Rava Dosai (sada/masala)* $8.95
wheat and rice crepe with spiced potato, onion and cilantro. this item may take 15 minutes to cook.
Madras Rava Dosai (sada/masala)* $8.95
spiced wheat and rice crepe with onion, potato, hot pepper and cilantro. this item may take 15 minutes to cook.

Entrees - Uttappam
From The South. Served With Coconut Chutney And Sambar "hot Lentil Bean Sauce" Item Labeled With An Asterisk, Indicate Hot And Spicy.
Plain $7.95
rice and lentil flour pancake- spice free.
Onion And Pea $7.95
spice free.
Onion And Hot Pepper* $7.95
Hot Pepper And Pea* $7.95
Mixed Vegetable $7.95
onion, tomato, peas and carrots- spice free.
Coconut $7.95
coconut and cilantro- spice free.
Tomato Or Cilantro $7.95
Shredded Paneer $7.95
homemade shredded cheese- spice free. dairy item.
Madras Mix Uttapam $8.95
four different toppings of your choice

Curries From Gujarat
Western Regional Curries. Served With Basmati Rice. Item Labeled With An Asterisk, Indicate Hot And Spicy.
Undhiyu $9.95
potato, eggplant, yam, snow peas and spices.
Sukhi Bhaji* $9.95
boiled potato stir fried with hot pepper, onion and nuts.
Whole Moog $9.95
green lentils cooked in a spicy sweet and sour sauce.
Kala Chana $9.95
black chickpeas, tomato and onion in a spicy sweet and sour sauce. dairy item.
Tuver Beingan* $9.95
eggplant and pigeon peas with onion and hot spices.
Kadhi $9.95
a spicy sweet soup of yogurt and chickpea flour. dairy item.

Curries From Punjab
Northern Regional Curries. Served With Basmati Rice. Option To Add Extra Rice. Item Labeled With An Asterisk, Indicate Hot And Spicy.
Chana Sag $9.95
chickpeas in creamed spinach and spices. dairy item.
Chana Masala* $9.95
chickpeas with spices, onion and cilantro. dairy item.
Alu Chana $9.95
potato cubes and chickpeas in lightly spiced sauce. dairy item.
Gobi Masala $9.95
cauliflower gently cooked with tomato and mild spices.
Alu Gobi* $9.95
potato cubes and cauliflower with mild spices.
Bhindi Masala $9.95
okra sauteed with onion, tomato, and hot spices.
Beingan Bharta $9.95
baked eggplant mashed sauteed with onion, tomato and spices.
Alu Beingan $9.95
potato and eggplant cooked with tomato, onion, and mild spices.
Yellow Dal Tadka $9.95
yellow lentil liquid gravy with onion and garlic sizzle.
Malai Kofta $10.95
vegetable balls in a rich creamy mild sauce. dairy item.
Mutter Paneer $10.95
fresh homemade cheese simmered with green peas and mild spices. dairy item.
Alu Mutter $10.95
potato cubes with green peas and spices. dairy item.
Palak Paneer $10.95
fresh homemade cheese in a thick puree of cream, spinach and herbs. dairy item.
Alu Palak $10.95
potato in a thick puree of cream, spinach and herbs. dairy item.
Shahi Paneer $10.95
cheese cubes, onion and tomato in a creamy sauce. dairy item.
Vegetable Korma $10.95
navaratna. mixed vegetables, nuts and mild spices in a creamy sauce. dairy item.
Tofu Gobi Matarwala $10.95
tofu cooked with cauliflower, green peas and mild spice.
Alu Gobi Broccoli $10.95
mixture of potato, cauliflower and broccoli with mild spices.
Vegetable Vindaloo* $9.95
flavor of ginger, garlic, onion with potato and other vegetable. very spicy.

Accompaniments
Item Labeled With An Asterisk, Indicate Hot And Spicy.
Raita $2.25
cool yogurt with onion, cucumber, tomato and mint. dairy item.
Mango Chutney $1.50
pieces of mango in a sweet and sour sauce.
Achar* $1.50
spicy indian pickle
Dosai Podi* $1.50
special south indian powdered spice in oil or butter
Plain Yogurt Or Plain Ghee (butter) $1.95
dairy item.
Sambar Or Coconut Chutney $1.95

Desserts
All Desserts Include Dairy
Ice Cream $3.95
mango or vanilla
Kulfi $3.95
sweet milk, pistachio and cardamom indian ice cream.
Kheer/payasam $3.95
rice pudding.
Gulab Jamun $3.95
two dessert cheese balls in a sweet syrup
Skrikhand $3.95
a yogurt pudding with pistachio, almond cardamom
Gajar Halwa $3.95
shredded carrots and condensed milk in a sweet syrup.
Badham Halwa $4.95
made from almonds with milk, ghee (butter) and saffron.
Cafe Thunder $4.95
fine flavored cold coffee topped with vanilla ice-cream.
Mahal Special $6.95
badam halwa topped with choice of ice cream or kulfi (#102)

Beverages
Item Labeled With An Asterisk, Indicate Hot And Spicy.
Soda $1.95
choice of flavor.
Water $1.95
choice of flavor.
Homemade Mango Juice $2.95
Milk $1.95
choice of cold or warm. dairy item.
Lassi $3.95
yogurt shake. choice of sweet, salty or spicy. dairy item.
Mang Lassi $3.95
homemade yogurt shake with indian mango. dairy item.
Chaas Or Moru* $3.95
moru- thin watery yogurt shake with salt and spices. dairy item.
Mango Milkshake $3.95
dairy item.
Coffee $1.95
regular or decaffeinated served with milk and sugar on the side. dairy item.
Tea $1.95
regular or decaffeinated served with milk and sugar on the side, also served iced.
Malsa Tea $1.95
indian tea leaves steeped with milk and herbs, milk and sugar are on the side.
Madras Coffee $1.95
hot milk infused with coffee- sugar free. dairy item.

Madras Mahal Details

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Offerings
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Children
Good for kids

Madras Mahal Photos

Madras Mahal Location

Madras Mahal

New York New York County New York Lexington Avenue

104 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA

Madras Mahal Reviews

An average rating of ★2.8 from 8 user reviews.

pav bhajidosas

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Great value for lunch buffet. Dishes are tasty and their Pav Bhaji is excellent. The a la carte dishes offer a nice selection and are set up with the right quantity. The place is slightly less crowded than some of the other Lexington Indian restaurants making it one my preferred choices when in the area.
July 13 · Vinod Ravikumar
SHAME ON YOU. SHAME ON YOU. SHAME ON YOU.If there was negative marking i would give him that. We Ordered Tamrind rice (the heading says served with raita) He send it without raita. When complained he argues saying its not written and HANGS UP the phone. this guy needs to change his tone or else he will go out of business very soon. These guys deserve some cooking lessons as well the Idli was like white marbles and sambhar.SHAME ON YOU. SHAME ON YOU. SHAME ON YOU. SHAME ON YOU. SHAME ON YOU. SHAME ON YOU.
January 29 · Amar-Ekata Shah
The food was not bad. But the management argued over of their own groupon promotion. He was unwilling to honor the customer even with the promotion shown in published writing.
January 15 · Kevin Brown
Though not all of the food is spectacular, enough is very solid. Would recommend the Pav Bhaji Dosai and Shahi Handi.
July 24 · Alex Kesling
Great dosas
September 17 · Dmitry L