ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in Midtown East
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
Spice Symphony - Midtown East
7.9
TripAdvisor Top 20 Hidden Gem serving rare Indo-Chinese fusion alongside traditional Indian dishes with notably attentive service. The unique menu features hard-to-find dishes like Chicken Lollipops and Hakka Noodles that bridge Indian spices with Chinese technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Lollipops, Chili Chicken, Hakka Noodles
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Rare Indo-Chinese menu with authentic street food flavors unavailable elsewhere in NYC
Who should go: Adventurous eaters and homesick Indo-Chinese lovers
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or weekend brunch
What to order: Chicken Lollipops, Triple Szechwan, Gobi Manchurian
Insider tip: Manager Nisar provides exceptional personalized service—ask for spice recommendations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; street parking challenging in Midtown. Nearby garage at San Carlos Hotel. Subway access excellent - garden level entrance at 150 E 50th St
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice tops perfectly acceptable. 'Casual yet classy' atmosphere welcomes business lunch and weekend diners alike
Noise level: Moderate - dimmed lighting creates intimate vibe. Can get lively when full but conversation-friendly. Curved banquettes offer some sound buffer
Weekend wait: 15-25 min without reservation; book via OpenTable for prime slots. Groups of 12+ accommodated with 2 days notice
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately - popular $45 lunch set moves quickly for business crowd
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - separate dedicated vegetarian menu with 20+ options including Gobi Manchurian, Paneer Chilli, Soya Kheema Mutter, and vegetarian biryani
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan section featuring dishes like Vegetable Manchurian, tofu lettuce wraps, Kung Po Tofu, and homemade mango-coconut-honey sorbet (lactose-free, gluten-free)
Gluten-free options: Limited but available - rice dishes, tandoori items, and sorbets work. Staff accommodating with modifications on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the low lighting creates a cozy, romantic atmosphere and the unique Indo-Chinese menu gives you plenty to discuss. Staff like manager Nisar are attentive without hovering. Reasonably priced wine list ($11/glass) keeps it affordable
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for parties of 2-4, especially weekday lunch. Weekend dinner may have short waits. For groups of 6+, definitely call ahead - they're accommodating with 1-2 days notice for larger parties
Is it kid-friendly? Family-friendly with shareable dishes like Chicken Lollipops that appeal to kids. Mild options available - ask staff to adjust spice levels. The garden-level space is comfortable but compact; works best with older children who can handle adventurous flavors
Best For
Better for: Authentic Indo-Chinese dishes nearly impossible to find elsewhere in Manhattan - Chicken Lollipops, Hakka Noodles, and Triple Szechwan rival what you'd find in Kolkata. Staff genuinely customize spice levels. Halal meat available. Outstanding wine list for an Indian restaurant
Skip if: You want a large, airy space - the garden-level dining room can feel snug when busy. Pure Chinese or upscale fine-dining seekers should look elsewhere. Not ideal for very young children given bold flavors