posted by Archana on Chelsea, Dinner, Flexitarianism, Indian, Vegging Out

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I took an Indian cooking class at Chelsea restaurant Bombay Talkie last summer, and I think they’ve got a crack PR team because it totally made me want to go there for dinner. I’ve gone twice since the class, and even though this weekend’s venture wasn’t as impressive as my first, it’s still worth it to get your fix of Indian street food in the Big Apple.

What’s in it for you: Vegetarian kathi rolls with paneer; vada pav (potato cutlet); chole peshwari; palak paneer; aloo gobi; malai kofta

What’s in it for them: Crab cakes; ginger pork kebobs; mint lamb kathi rolls; dosas with tart lamb filling; chicken or lamb biryani; pork vindaloo; tandoori shrimp; chicken korma

Both times I’ve been, we’ve ordered from just the starters menu because it gave us a feel for the I-can’t-believe-it-hasn’t-been-done-yet idea of Indian tapas. Plus, what’s the point of street food if it’s not small plates?

As hard as it is to say no to piping hot, fluffy naan (of which they also have a CHEESE variety at Bombay Talkie), I say don’t bother with the curries. Get the starters for a couple of reasons: It gives you the opportunity to try a lot of different flavors, it’s a good way to eat Indian food without being sucked into the always-inevitable food coma and, as I said, it’s the best way to feast on street eats.

Being an Indian restaurant, vegetarians already have a leg up with quite a few options. But if you want to flex some flexitarian muscle, my one word of advice? Don’t get the Frankie Roll unless you want something really deep-fried. I knew what I was getting into when the menu said “crispy,” but I didn’t imagine it to look like a fried egg roll from those fishy-looking Chinese restaurants in the city. Appearances aside, if you’re down with a little oil, you won’t be disappointed; its taste makes up for its greasiness.

The bhel was a tad on the soggy side, but the papdi chaat got it just right. My favorite of all had to be the kathi roll. Sure, you can get these Indian-style wraps at Kati Roll, but Bombay Talkie’s a.) doesn’t give you indigestion and b.) tastes fresher. And though it comes with the dosa, the sambhar is a great sauce for any of the other dishes.

Overall not a totally wow-worthy experience — proving my assertion that Indian food in New York ain’t all that — but it’s a classy way to get your street grub on.

Bombay Talkie
189 9th Ave. (between 21st and 22nd St.)
212.242.1900
C, E to 23rd St.