Neel Kajale is an Executive Chef at acclaimed New York City Indian restaurants Adda NYC and Dhamaka NYC, known for his focus on regional Indian cuisine. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Eleven Madison Park NYC and...
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This had been on my bucket list for quite some time now due to Adda’s reputation and all the hype around the butter chicken experience. Unfortunately, that dish is only served to reservations only, which I was a bit disheartened by, but their other specialities did not disappoint. It was still an exquisite experience coupled with excellent service at the bar~
[10/10] Aam Sutra: Refreshing mango cocktail with a spicy punch.
[9/10] Lamb Parcha: Bursting with rich flavor from the lamb. Slather that sauce on the nicely toasted bread, absolute crispy yummy delight.
[8/10] Siddi Prawn: Cannot go wrong with a jumbo prawn.
[8/10] Paneer Khurchan: Delectable and hearty.
[6.5/10] Goat Biryani: While it was good, the meat was dry. Perhaps because the appetizers were so strong, it did pale greatly in comparison…especially when it’s supposed to be a main.
They certainly do not hold back on the portion sizes so you will leave with a full belly and a satisfied heart. Truly lived up to their name. Will certainly be back to try the rest of their menu items along with their butter chicken dish🤩🍗🥘
Adda truly offers a memorable dining experience, earning a solid 4 stars from me. The dishes are interesting and push the boundaries of Indian cuisine. I would recommend the pork fry (very spicy) and lamb parcha – it was a standout with incredibly tender meat and a complex flavor profile. While the overall dining experience was pretty good, I do have to note that the flavors, while authentic, were very strong and intense, which personally wasn't always to my taste. If you appreciate bold, assertive flavors, you'll be in heaven here.
The service at Adda was generally good, with attentive staff once we were seated. However, we did have a slight hiccup at the very beginning of our meal when we had to ask our servers for menus. Once that was sorted, the team was efficient and helpful throughout the rest of our visit.
The ambiance at Adda is one of its strong suits. It was decently quiet, allowing for easy conversation without having to raise our voices. The decor is understated yet chic, contributing to a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere that makes for an enjoyable evening out.
For those planning a visit, reservations at Adda are highly recommended, especially given its popularity and recent relocation to a new, larger space in Manhattan's East Village. You'll typically find reservations available on Resy. While walk-ins are accepted, be prepared for potentially significant wait times, so booking ahead is definitely your best bet to secure a table.
5
I rarely leave Google reviews, I usually save those for the blog, but this spot absolutely deserves a shoutout! From the moment I walked in, I felt a warm welcome, a refreshing change from the usual brisk NYC dining vibe. The front-of-house staff were genuinely friendly, and I was given plenty of time to explore the menu. To top it off, the sous chef came over personally to check if I had any questions a level of care that makes all the difference when a restaurant is putting a creative twist on classic cuisine.
I went for the Prawn Recheado, Roti Aur Boti, and Bhatti Kumbh, and each dish delivered an explosion of texture, flavor, and aroma that exceeded my expectations. Honestly, if my appetite hadn’t been slightly tamed by a long week on the road, I might have licked the plates clean!
The meal ended perfectly with a petite kulfi dipped in chocolate a small but eloquent finale that hit all the right notes.
If you’re in the city, do your best to snag a reservation. I did, and I can promise you won’t regret it!
5
We came here to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The drinks were great, and the food was even better. Our waiter, Chris, was attentive, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.
We ordered quite a few dishes, but a few really stood out. The Bhatti Da Murgh (grilled chicken) was incredibly tender and packed with flavor. The goat biryani was one of the best I’ve ever had. Fluffy, aromatic rice, with perfectly cooked and tender goat that wasn’t gamey at all. The lamb shank was fall-off-the-bone tender and richly seasoned. And the pork belly? Absolutely amazing, definitely not something to skip.
Overall, we had a fantastic time. For context, we were a group of five and had to pay $50 per person in advance when making the reservation. This fee will be applied to your bill at the end of the night. There’s a charge for no-shows, and cancellations must be made at least 48 hours ahead.
One thing to note: every dish had some level of spice—some more than others—but it was all worth it. We’re already planning to go back to try their butter chicken experience, where they prepare it tableside. Just keep in mind, that needs to be pre-ordered when you make your reservation, and everyone at the table has to participate.
5
Great for Indian food aficionados and newbies alike. The price tag comes with an appropriate amount of table side flair, flavor, and food. Hannah and David were absolutely fantastic in all aspects of service. The food was unbelievably good. We’ll definitely be back