Baluchi's Indian Food

224 East 53rd Street
between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
New York, NY 10022

(212) 750-5515
Fax: (212)750-2288




An Indian chain all about New York, this has become one of my favorite Indian restaurants of all time.
I usually order delivery or take out for the $14.95 prix fixe dinner special of appetizer and entree (only available on takeout menu) but last night I decided to dine in for the first time at this particular location.

The Manager was most gracious and welcoming and sat my dining companion and I at a lovely table with a banquette. The decor speaks for itself in the photo. Warm and cozy with spice colors and glass lamps. We were immediately given a basket of chapti (chickpea crisps) and a trio of chutneys.
We ordered a samosa to share which was a flaky pastry triangle filled with potato, chickpeas, and peas. My entree was my favorite, korma (chicken) although I usually have it made with lamb (not shown on the delivery menu). My companion had the chicken tikka masala which I learned is the national dish of England. Rice is not included with your entree (thought that was odd since it comes with the dinner delivery special) and neither is bread. We shared a bowl of rice which was basmati scented with cardamom and spices. Everything was served in lovely, heavy metal bowls. I tried the Rose lassi which is a yogurt beverage flavored with rose petals (it was a brilliant pink) and we finished dinner with Rasmalai, fresh handmade cheese (similar to ricotta) in floral scented sweet milk.

The fragrance of the spices and floral essences added to the wonderful flavors of the food stimulating all the senses.

Official website

Taste of India

Taste of India

Newport Mall
Jersey City, NJ 07310

(201) 656-5000‎

I went shopping at the Newport Centre Mall in New Jersey with some friends and an Indian man was standing outside the entrance to the mall handing out fliers for the grand opening of Taste of India in the food court. We decided to try it out for lunch and were amazed at the long line of Indian men waiting to order. $7.95 for non vegetarian meal of 1 meat entree, 1 vegetable entree, rice, and nan bread or $6.95 for vegetarian meal of 2 vegetable entrees, rice, and nan bread were advertised on the flier.

As you approach the stand, you will see a small selection of food offerings in restaurant pans kept heated from below by hot water. There are signage to label the dishes but nothing to tell you what is in it. With the feel of a high school lunch line, you walk up to the glass and point to what you want. A manager was standing behind his staff excitedly trying to expedite things but it seems like he was doing too much and not very helpful in the end. EVERY dish has chili pepper in it and are from the Southern Regions of India from Dal (lentals in sauce), and curried potatoes with spinach, to chicken tikka masala (chicken pieces in a creamy tomato sauce) and some other chicken dish consisting of stewed chicken pieces in a red oily sauce. I asked if they offered korma and the manager said, "Korma no, not today." I settled for the chicken tikka masala which I've had before at Balucchis and thought it would be the same but no, it was dry and sauce less. I think in their excitement, they misheard which dish I ordered and gave me the chicken tikka instead. A bit flustered by the flurry of confused activity behind the counter I just accepted the dish and ordered a drink of rose water, melted icecream and some sort of exotic fruit similar with papaya like seeds in it. We all sat down at a table and after one bite of the chicken, I was so disappointed by the over cooked chicken which was more heat than taste and thank goodness that we were in a Food Court, went over to nearby Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits to order a 2 piece chicken lunch meal that was much cheaper.

Something could be said of the fact that Taste of India had more Indian men standing on line waiting to order lunch than women and non Indians who work in the nearby offices that gravitated to the other food chain stands instead. Perhaps these guys longed for a taste of their homeland and a spicy lunch that someone decided to open a Taste of India in the Mall's food court. What ever it is, my friends were showing the effects of the spicy lunches they ordered as their coughing, snifling and sweating can attest. A late arriving friend joined us and saw the results of the Indian food and quickly and wisely, went over to Taco Bell for a Mexican Pizza.

The only positive thing I can say about this Taste of India is that they use a 3 compartment Versatainer for their combo meals which comes in handy for take-a-way and reusable for your own meals (you guessed it, I asked my lunch companions if I could have their containers afterwards).

Sorry, but this is one taste of India that I will avoid.

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Baluchi's Indian Cuisine

224 E 53rd St
New York, NY 10022
(212) 750-5515

Great service!
This place will have your order ready in 10 MINUTES!
Warm and cozy atmosphere.

Great Indian Restaurant chain that offers a prix fixe dinner of $14.95 (previously $12.95).
Lunch is 50% off the in house menu price for DINING IN ONLY!

The dishes here are quite flavorful and sometimes SPICY!
The Kachoris appetizer for one is full of flavor with a kick!
Tikka Masala is popular but I prefer the Korma. I asked them to substitute the chicken for lamb in the dish and they obliged.
Nan bread is included in the prix fixe but try the Poori which is a lightly fried bubble of bread that is great for dipping in your entree's sauce.

I've always ordered out or take out so I can't vouch for the in house service.