Review: [Closed] Lunch at Tamba Indian Grill & Bar
Tamba's interior: warm colors; comfortable booth, banquette, or traditional table & chair seating; bright and cheerful space
*NOTE: This restaurant has since closed.*
Restaurant: Tamba Indian Grill & Bar
Cuisine: Northern and Southern Indian
Location: 103 Lexington Avenue (btwn 27th & 28th Streets)
*All of my photos from this meal can be viewed on Flickr
It's only been a matter of weeks since Tamba first opened its doors to the public, but the restaurant is quickly becoming recognized for its delicious and affordable Indian cuisine among the slew of neighboring competitors in Manhattan's "Curry Hill." Emily and I arrived at Tamba on a Sunday at 1pm, and were both pleasantly surprised to see a number of other patrons enjoying the restaurant's bountiful lunch buffet. I say "pleasantly surprised" because: a) I assumed that most New Yorker's would be feasting on eggs and pancakes; b) Tamba was brand new and it already seemed to draw in a healthy crowd. This, my friends, was a very good sign.
Emily and I headed straight for the lunch buffet, which consisted of: fresh-off-of-the-griddle uttapam, green-chile pakora, an assortment of chilled vegetable salads, sambar, white basmati rice, vegetable biryani, mango chutney, raita, aloo gobi, palak paneer, chana masala, two chicken preparations (one being Tikka Masala), stewed goat, Indian rice pudding, and gulab jamun.
Tamba: homemade uttapam
Tamba: sauce accompaniments
Tamba: aloo gobi and palak paneer
Tamba: gulab jamun for dessert!
With over-loaded plates in hand, Emily and I slowly made our way back to our table. Shortly thereafter, a waiter approached to fill our water glasses and to inquire as to whether we'd like an additional beverage. I couldn't resist ordering Tamba's mango lassi, which was every bit as tart, tangy, sweet and creamy as I had hoped for. I noticed another Tamba employee walking through the restaurant serving lunch-buffet customers freshly-baked and buttered naan, piping-hot poori and tandoori chicken.
Tamba: mango lassi
Tamba: homemade naan
For a mere $12, Emily and I received an all-you-can-eat homemade Indian lunch + dessert, highlighted by the addition of assorted breads and tandoori chicken, served table side. Though some of the dishes stood out more than others and many of the items were on the greasier side, overall, I enjoyed Tamba's fresh and delicious food and bang-for-the-buck lunch deal. I look forward to my next visit.
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Until we eat again,
Lindsay, The Lunch Belle