One East 6th St., you can stuff yourself silly on very little money. Indian restaurant after Indian restaurant will vie for your business, and as we all know, in a capitalist society competition drives down cost. I didn't want just any cheap meal, but I had heard that Sonali was one of the better ones on the block. The interior was lowlit and charming, so I decided why not. The $7.95 dinner special did sound tempting.
So what does one get for $7.95? For starters there's a vegetable samosa and a vegetable pakora (fritter fried in chickpea batter). Then there's a big bowl of mullitagawny soup. Then the choice of any chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, or vegetable dish. Then rice pudding for dessert. And finally, coffee or tea.
Some of you may remember one of my previous posts about Rani Indian Bistro, and how a "very spicy" on a Boston menu can translate into mild at best. New York, as I learned, is a whole different game. I ordered the chicken vindaloo, described on the menu as "mild." At first, I thought, okay, this is a little spicy. Halfway through, I realized I had a few tears coming out, and I am someone who can handle very very spicy food.
The food wasn't spectacular, but you get what you pay for. The samosa, pakora, and chicken seemed dry. But now I've learned that in terms of spiciness, ethnic joints here mean business. Thank god for water.
Sonali Indian Restaurant
326 E. 6th Street (btwen 1st and 2nd Ave.), East Village
Comments