Tamarind Tribeca (Indian fine dining) - NYC

Tamarind Tribeca is one of the three Michelin starred Indian restaurants in New York City. We had no reservations and walked in just before they closed, hoping that the kitchen would still be open. We received a warm welcome by the owner/manager. The restaurant was almost empty with only 4 tables occupied.

We liked the elegant interior design. With teak floors,  beige and grey shades, cosy blanquettes and  soft warm lighting, Tamarind was certainly not the typical curry house.

We selected the "Executive Lunch Menu", with one starter, two main courses (served with  coriander rice, ajwain roti and a vegetable dish) and dessert.

Soon after ordering, we were offered an amuse of cold lentil dumpling in yogurt, with mint and tamarind sauce.

Somewhat too basic to my taste (think a cold Falafel ball in yogurt), but She found this to be a good palate cleanser..

Starters

Prawn Balchao - prawns cooked in chili masala and sun-dried shrimp sauce with onions, toddy vinegar and tequila
Nice sour dish

Uttapam - lentil and rice pancake with seasoned mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers and green peas.
Despite the rather funny plating,  the uttapam was delicious.

While waiting for the main courses, I had a look at the open kitchen:

Main courses

Nawabi Boti Kabab - Tandoor roasted lamb marinated in caraway seeds, hung yogurt, green papaya, saffron and ginger

The lamb was almost cold, which I pointed out to the waiter. Less than five minutes later, another

piece of lamb was brought. That was really good (although it had most likely been pre-cooked and microwaved, since there's no way they could have cooked some lamb in their tandoor oven so quickly).

Mughlai Murgh - chicken in a saffron and yogurt sauce with poppy seeds, raisins, star anise, mace, fennel seeds and roasted whole spices

Ajwain roti

Imli aur Tulsi ka Machli Tikka - seasonal fish marinated in yogurt, tamarind, sweet basil, ginger, garlic and onion seeds cooked in the tandoor.
An enjoyable salmon dish.

Avial - root and green vegetables in coconut milk, yogurt, rice flour, mustard seeds, curry leaves, mangosteen and whole dried red chillies

The mixed vegetables dish on the right was an extra dish served with the mains.

Coconut and saffron rice pudding - nice

Tropical guava sorbet - a bit too sweet.

We very much enjoyed our lunch at Tamarind Tribeca. With efficient service and good food, despite a few misses, this is a real Indian fine dining experience.

Tamarind Tribeca
Tribeca neighborhood, Manhattan, NYC
www.tamarinde22.com/tribeca