Veeray da Dhaba Introduce
For those in search of a truly authentic Indian culinary experience in the heart of New York City, Veeray da Dhaba is a name that consistently comes up. Located in the lively East Village, this restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a tribute to the roadside eateries, or "dhabas," of Punjab. It was founded by a trio of friends, including renowned Michelin-starred chef Hemant Mathur, who sought to bring the rustic, wholesome, and deeply comforting flavors of this region to the city.
Veeray da Dhaba stands out for its commitment to serving genuine, slow-cooked Indian food. Unlike many other establishments that cater to a Westernized palate, this spot is lauded for its rich, aromatic, and true-to-form dishes. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, creating a welcoming space where you can relax and savor the bold flavors of classic Punjabi cuisine. From the fragrant biryanis to the creamy butter chicken, every dish is crafted with a passion that shines through, making it a beloved gem for both locals and tourists alike.
Veeray da Dhaba is conveniently located at 222 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009, USA. This prime spot in the East Village makes it easily accessible from various parts of Manhattan.
The restaurant is within a short walking distance of major public transportation. The L train at 1st Avenue and the Union Square subway station, which is a major transit hub for the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W lines, are both nearby. This makes it a great destination for a planned night out or a spontaneous dinner. While paid street parking is available in the vicinity, navigating this busy neighborhood is often easiest on foot or by public transit. The central location is a huge advantage, placing it in the midst of other great shops, bars, and cultural attractions.
Veeray da Dhaba offers a range of services that cater to different dining preferences and needs.
Dine-in Service: The restaurant provides a comfortable and cozy indoor seating area where guests can enjoy a full-service dining experience. Reservations are required, particularly for groups of 5 or more, ensuring that your table is ready upon arrival.
Takeout and Delivery: For New Yorkers on the go, Veeray da Dhaba offers efficient takeout and no-contact delivery services. This allows you to enjoy their authentic Indian food from the comfort of your home or office, maintaining the quality and flavor of their dishes.
Catering: The restaurant also offers catering services for a variety of events, from small gatherings to large parties. Their catering menu features appetizers by the dozen and large trays of entrees, making it easy to bring the bold flavors of Punjabi cuisine to your next event. Orders for catering must be placed at least 48 hours in advance.
Beverage Program: In addition to their food menu, Veeray da Dhaba offers a selection of beverages, including classic Indian drinks like Mango Lassi and Masala Chai. They also have a curated list of alcoholic beverages, including beer, cocktails, and wine, to complement their flavorful dishes.
Veeray da Dhaba has several highlights and features that have solidified its reputation as a top-tier Indian restaurant in New York.
Authentic Punjabi Cuisine: The food is the star of the show. Customers rave about the authentic and intensely flavorful dishes, which capture the essence of traditional Punjabi cooking. The restaurant's philosophy is to serve wholesome, rustic food that evokes the comfort of a home-cooked meal.
Standout Dishes: Many patrons consider the Butter Chicken at Veeray da Dhaba to be the best they've ever had, praising its creamy texture and perfect blend of spices. Other highly recommended items include the flavorful Biryanis (especially the Goat Biryani) and the tender Tandoori Chicken. Vegetarian and vegan options, such as the Dhaba Dal and Jackfruit Biryani, are also widely praised for their quality and taste.
Friendly and Attentive Service: The staff is consistently highlighted in reviews for being incredibly polite, helpful, and attentive. The warm, unforgettable service contributes significantly to the overall dining experience, making every guest feel welcomed and valued.
Versatile Menu: The menu caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. With offerings including small plates, vegetarian and vegan options, and halal food, everyone can find something delicious to enjoy. This inclusivity makes it a great choice for groups with diverse preferences.
Cozy and Welcoming Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as casual and cozy, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner. It's a place where groups can gather and feel comfortable, enjoying a communal meal in a pleasant setting.
For those ready to experience the flavors of Punjab in Manhattan, here is the essential contact information for Veeray da Dhaba.
Address: 222 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009, USA
Phone: (212) 777-1420
When you're choosing an Indian restaurant in New York, Veeray da Dhaba is a choice you won't regret. What makes it stand out is its deep commitment to authenticity and quality. This isn't just another Indian restaurant; it's a place that brings a specific, beloved style of regional cooking to life in the city. The food is consistently flavorful and well-prepared, from the perfectly spiced curries to the freshly made naan. The generous portions and reasonable prices for a Manhattan establishment also offer great value.
Beyond the food, the overall experience is what truly makes it a gem. The warm and attentive service makes every visit feel special, whether you are a first-time guest or a regular. The cozy, casual atmosphere is perfect for a variety of occasions, from a solo dinner to a group outing. By offering delicious and authentic food for dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering, Veeray da Dhaba has positioned itself as a true community staple and a go-to spot for Indian cuisine lovers in New York.
Veeray da Dhaba Food & drink
APPETIZERS
- Bhel Puri $6.00
Crispy rice puffs tossed with chopped onion, tomatoes, mint and tamarind chutney, sprinkled with chickpea noodles.
- Achari Paneer $9.00
Tandoor grilled cottage cheese marinated in turmeric & pickling spices, served with tomato chutney.
- Samosa Chaat $7.00
Deconstructed samosa topped with chickpeas, chopped onion & tomato, garnished with spiced yogurt, mint & tamarind chutney.
- Veeray di Gobhi $9.00
Crispy cauliflower florets flash fried & sauteed in garlic infused tomato sauce.
- Aloo Tikki Chole $7.00
Potato cakes topped with chickpeas, garnished with spiced yogurt, mint & tamarind chutney.
- Paneer Pakoda $9.00
Deep fried cottage cheese fritters, served with mint chutney.
- Chicken Malai Kebab $9.00
Tandoor grilled boneless chicken cubes mildly spiced with ginger & garlic, served with homemade plum chutney.
- Kalmi Kebab $9.00
Chicken drumsticks marinated in ginger-garlic, flavored with mace & cardamom.
- Achari Chicken Tikka $9.00
Tandoor grilled boneless chicken cubes marinated with pickling spices, served with cilantro & mint chutney.
- Chicken Bukhni Kebab $9.00
Tandoor grilled blackened chicken cubes marinated in mustard oil, dry red chillies, Indian green chillies & jalapeno peppers, served with homemade pineapple chutney.
- Lamb Seekh Kebab $10.00
Skewered & grilled ground lamb spiced with ginger, garlic & green chillies, served with mint chutney.
- Amritsari Macchi $10.00
Classic deep-fried fish seasoned with carom seeds, turmeric & Punjabi spices, served with mint chutney.
VEERAY'S TIFFIN (Individual Box)
- Vegetarian Tiffin $14.00
Vegetable of the day + Saag Paneer + Dal + Rice + Naan.
- Chicken Tiffin $14.00
Vegetable of the day + Butter Chicken + Dal + Rice + Naan.
- Lamb Tiffin $14.00
Vegetable of the day + Lamb Curry + Dal + Rice + Naan.
VEGETARIAN ENTRÉE (Served with 8 oz. Basmati Rice)
- Paneer Makhani $15.00
Cottage cheese cubes cooked in rich & mildly spiced tomato gravy.
- Saag Paneer $15.00
Mustard greens & spinach cooked together with cottage cheese cubes, flavored with ginger, onion & blend of spices.
- Matar Paneer $15.00
Cottage cheese & green peas cooked in tomato gravy.
- Pindi Chole $14.00
Classic dhaba style slow cooked chickpeas flavored with dried mango powder, onion, tomatoes & ginger-garlic.
- Punjabi Kadi $14.00
Vegetable fritters cooked in thick chickpea flour & yogurt gravy.
- Bhindi Masala $14.00
Cut okra sautéed with onion, tomatoes & garlic.
- Baigan Bharta $14.00
Char grilled & mashed eggplant cooked with green peas.
- Shalgam Saag $14.00
Mustard green & spinach cooked with turnips, flavored with ginger-garlic, onion & tomato.
- Aloo Gobhi $14.00
Potato and cauliflower pan seared with onion & tomato.
- Sarson da Saag & Makki ki Roti $18.00
Slow cooked mustard greens tempered with ginger & garlic, served with Punjabi corn bread.
- Dhaba Dal $14.00
Slow cooked black lentils cooked with a blend of aromatic spices.
- Tadka Dal $12.00
Yellow lentils tempered with ghee & smokey spices.
NON-VEGETARIAN ENTRÉE (Served with 8 oz. Basmati Rice)
- Tandoori Chicken $18.00
Cornish hen marinated in Punjabi blend of spices, roasted in tandoor.
- Butter Chicken $16.00
Boneless chicken, marinated and grilled in tandoor, finished in rich & mildly spiced tomato gravy.
- Chicken Korma $16.00
Tandoor grilled boneless chicken cooked in saffron infused gravy.
- Chicken Kali Mirch $16.00
Boneless chicken cubes cooked in freshly ground, black pepper gravy.
- Teekan Murgh $16.00
Boneless chicken cubes cooked in Jamaican peppers & red pepper gravy.
- Chicken Saag $16.00
Boneless chicken cooked with spinach, flavored with a blend of spices.
- Bhuna Gosht $18.00
Slow cooked goat, flavored with whole spices.
- Lamb Saag $18.00
Boneless lamb cubes cooked with spinach, flavored with a blend of spices.
- Ludhanvi Lamb Curry $18.00
Boneless lamb cubes cooked in an aromatic spiced gravy.
- Lamb Vindaloo $18.00
Boneless lamb cubes cooked in spicy vindaloo gravy.
- Chicken Vindaloo $16.00
Boneless chicken cubes cooked in spicy vindaloo gravy.
BIRYANI
- Chicken Biryani $16.00
Steamed basmati rice, layered with boneless chicken, flavored with saffron, rose water & fragrant spices.
- Goat Biryani $18.00
Steamed basmati rice, layered with goat on the bone, flavored with saffron, rose water & fragrant spices.
- Lamb Biryani $18.00
Steamed basmati rice, layered with boneless lamb cubes, flavored with saffron, rose water & fragrant spices.
- Jackfruit Biryani $15.00
Steamed basmati rice, layered with green jackfruit, cauliflower & potatoes, flavored with saffron, rose water & fragrant spices.
PUNJABI BREADS
- Naan $3.00
Plain/Butter
- Garlic Naan $4.00
- Chili Garlic Naan $4.00
- Olive Garlic Naan $4.00
- Paratha $4.00
Aloo / Gobhi/ Lachcha / Mint
- Amritsari Kulcha $4.00
Onion Cheese / Spinach Cheese
- Puri $4.00
- Tandoori Roti $3.00
SIDES
- Basmati Rice $3.00
- Plain Raita $3.00
- Cucumber Raita $4.00
- Boondi Raita $4.00
DESSERT
- Gulab Jamun $5.00
Indian munchkins soaked in honey syrup.
- Ras Malai $5.00
Cottage cheese flat cakes, soaked in sweetened, thickened milk & delicately flavored with crushed cardamoms.
BEVERAGES
- Punjabi Lassi $4.00
Salty / Sweet
- Mango Lassi $5.00
- Masala Chai $3.00
- Soda $2.00
Coke / Diet Coke / Sprite / Ginger Ale
Veeray da Dhaba Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Halal food
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Paid street parking
Veeray da Dhaba Photos










Veeray da Dhaba Location
Veeray da Dhaba Reviews
butter chickensaagpunjabi foodgarlic naanjackfruitgoat biryanidhaba dalpindi choleboxesbhel puri
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This Indian restaurant is a total standout. Best butter chicken I’ve ever had, insanely flavorful dishes, and warm, unforgettable service. A neighborhood gem.Full Review:This Indian restaurant is a total standout. Best butter chicken I’ve ever had, insanely flavorful dishes, and warm, unforgettable service. A neighborhood gem.We’ve officially found our go-to Indian spot, and honestly, it might be the best Indian food in the area. My partner and I were so blown away, we came back three times in one week.The space is clean, cozy, and welcoming. The staff? Incredibly kind and attentive. Lakshmi went above and beyond. Her recommendations weren’t just good—they made our entire experience unforgettable.Now for the food:Butter Chicken – Unbelievably good. Creamy, perfectly spiced, and the chicken was insanely tender. Easily some of the best we’ve ever had.Lamb Chops and Tandoori Chicken – Bursting with flavor, juicy, and perfectly cooked. The sides that come with the lamb chops had us in heaven.Carrot Pudding – Yes, this dessert deserves its own shoutout. It's rich, warm, and one of the best sweet dishes we’ve had in the neighborhood.Every single bite was packed with flavor. No matter your spice preference, they get it just right.This place isn’t just a hidden gem. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves Indian cuisine. We'll be coming back again and again.
May 06 · hunterburressA nice place in Manhattan to have some good Indian Food. Loved the Biryani , it was a bit different from what I am used to (probably because of the added rose water),but liked it all the same and it was quite flavourful and tasty especially with the raita.The achari chicken tikka was great as well ,so was the garlic naan.Bhel puri was tasty ,but the quantity could have been more . (Nice presentation though)Disappointed that they did not have gazar ka halwa when I went :') ,but the delicious gulab jamun made up for it.Overall it was a nice experience,and for someone wanting to try out good North Indian food in Manhattan this would be a good choice.The staff were very polite and helpful as well ,and the service was quite swift I'd definitely recommend this restaurant.
April 12 · Laba Kumar DekaI went in craving some naan and a quick meal. The KINDEST woman helped me and serviced me, making me feel so welcome as a solo diner! Food was amazing!!!! My fav was their aloo starter (I forgot the name but it is the potato fritter w chickpeas and tomatoes). I will def come back! What made me love this spot was truly the service. I wish that I asked for her name, I would put it here for all of you to read about!
June 06 · Laveena Lee (Amber)Super underrated! Got an order of paneer makhani to go and the staff were really sweet and they filled up my container to the BRIM (opened it and it alllmost dripped!) Super delicious and for the staff kind smiles I would definitely come back :) One portion will easily last two meals/people! Suuuuper yummy.
July 12 · Sahithi LingampalliVery nicely done Paneer Vindaloo, however, it took 3 attempts with several different wait staff to be able to order this. It gave the impression that certain items may not be made to order but it was hard to tell what was going on.The food itself was great, nice spicy curry and fresh paneer. Rice is not included here and is a $4 charge. The colorful far far were quite salty.
May 09 · Jeff H
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