I love hole in the wall restaurants. After a visit to Dil-E Punjab Deli in Chelsea (my favorite cheap Indian/Pakistani place which is also a hole in the wall), I was excited to travel uptown and try Doaba. This seems like a place where taxi drivers frequent given the number of taxis parked outside. It's got about 3 tables inside that seat 4 people each with additional counter space to stand up and eat. For $8, you get a choice of four vegetarian sides and either rice, naan, or roti. I chose four sides including some curries and saag. The rice was flavored with spices and was nice. However, I was a bit disappointed with the sides - the saag was pretty much tasteless and didn't have enough salt or flavor. The curries - one was mushroom, one had lots of vegetables in it and the other I'm just not quite sure what it was. That's the beauty of eating at places like this as a foreigner - it gets you outside of the box! I preferred the curries over the saag, but they all pretty much tasted the same except one was tangy - I liked this one the most. However, it just didn't quite satisfy my Indian craving as much as I wanted it to... probably something about the flavor not being strong enough. By the way, the curries are quite spicy - make sure you know that before you order! Free chai tea with your meal! read more

Doaba Deli - Platter - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

Great home cooked food , best taken home to eat! Pay cash at deli or Can also order on Seamless

If I had this place around the corner, I don't know if I would ever cook. $7 for a platter of delicious vegetarian Indian food and two naans/rice. Value wise, I can't see it getting much better...or delicious. The interior leaves much to be desired; it's a definite hole in the wall with a few tables, which were full of crumbs and dust when we got there to eat. We wiped them down a little bit and stayed. The food was bliss. Great spices and depth of flavor. I have no idea how they can keep it this delicious 24/7 all the while serving it buffet style (but it's not self-serve). Must be one of those NYC secrets. Lots of taxi cab drivers eat here. Authentic punjabi deliciousness. Don't miss out! Take out is your best bet. read more

On our recent visit to NYC, my sister Nish and brother in law introduced us to this gem. I have yet to come across a person who is as big a foodie as my sister, and when she suggests a place, you gotta try it. We are suckers for good paranthas (stuffed Indian breads) and when we learnt about this place , we obviously could not resist. Best part: its open 24 hours. Woot woot! After having a hearty dinner, we decided to hit Doaba Deli at around 11 PM in the night. We ordered Alloo (potato) paranthas and gobhi (cauliflower) paranthas with some indian curries. OMG, there was utter silence on the table for the next 10 minutes. It was a taste of Punjab ( state famous for parathas in India) in every bite. Doaba Deli will be our to go place on every visit to NY One minor gripe: They only have liquid butter. I wish they gave a dollop of Amul butter over every paratha. read more

Doaba Deli - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

We decided to pick up some Doaba thalis when driving out of the city. Not going to lie, driving while trying to eat cury wasn't the smartest take out food idea, but it was certainly the most delicious! So much so, that we have decided this will now be our new tradition when leaving NYC. No doubt about it, this place is a 5 star take out counter. There are about 10 choices of vegetarian cuties daily, all equally as delicious as the other. The flavours are authentic and spicy without being too spicy to enjoy. When you order the lunch thali, you get to choose 4 kinds of curies, so I naturally tried 8. I can't even name my favourite, they were all so good. From the dhal, to the paneer or the cabbage or potatoes, everything was crazy good. The value is unbeatable. For $8 you get a huge thali with 4 veg Punjab curies, rice, naan or paratha and a chai tea. You can eat here (there's a small dining room), but I suggest taking it to go. read more

Doaba Deli - Counter - this place is small and low on ambiance, but man is the food amazing! - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

Delicious food & extremely reasonable - got the aloo parantha, sarson ka saag (mustard greens), palak paneer, chana masala, and bhindi. All were delicious and I'll be back soon! read more

Almost 2 years later, still just as delicious as I remember! :) Same people making amazing food in huge portions at affordable prices. read more

Doaba Deli - I'm in heaven!!! - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

Food here was like therapy for the soul. As authentic as it can get! Low prices and generous quantities. Try the lassi and aloo paratha. Update: following visits have been disappointing. The place smells of urine. They're not cleaning those bathrooms well enough. read more

Showed up around dinner time on a cold night and the place was empty except for a small party at one table. The man behind the counter told he'd call me when the bread was ready. Fresh naan, tasty! The sides were also tasty, if a bit on the greasy side. I followed up the meal with an order of the gulab jamun; it was dry and cold, not anything like the amazing versions I've previously enjoyed elsewhere. When done, I asked for the tab - he charged me $8 for the special and $2 for the dessert. No tea was offered. Maybe this was an off night; it sure was a cold night. I'll try it again based on the other reviews, IF I'm in the area. I would not go out of my way for it. read more

Doaba Deli - the special, $8 - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

We got takeout from here for lunch today. We asked for suggestion when we were at the counter. We were feeding 4. The food was outstanding. The Roti was freshly made and absolute delicious. We sampled 4 dished. All were fantastic. The okra was a bit spicy though for some. The paneer was spot on. The gentlemen working by cooking and serving were very nice and helpful. We will defiantly be back when we return to NYC at the end of the month. read more

Pros: Hands down the best Indian food in Manhattan Authentic and tastes just like food you'd get in an Indian home Superb value for money ($7 gets you 4 "right" portions of vegetarian dishes, bread and chai) Only place in Manhattan that will serve you fresh chapattis (almost all of them insist of naan or tandoori roti, which is NOT how typical Indian families eat) Cons: Cash only (this is very minor compared to all the pros) I'm very conservative in handing out 4 stars, and this place is so damn good, that I knew it was 5 stars when I ate the first bit. I cannot thank them enough for entertaining chapattis that are made fresh as you place the order (and not reheated). read more

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These Punjabi delis are one of my favorite things in NYC. They're cheap, delicious, quick, and if you're a vegetarian as good as it gets. I'm not veg but food like this makes me not even miss meat. You have a choice of naan, roti, and rice so between that you can switch it up along with the variety of curries available. read more

Neat place, clean vegetarian Indian food . Plenty of dishes to choose from. For each lunch portion we get four curries and two naans or rice. Good food for low price . read more

Doaba Deli - Typical serving - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

Although I've based this joint numerous times, it took a friend telling me he had been here numerous times for me to step inside. And I am so glad I did! This is an amazing deal: $7 for two plain naans, five sides, a salad, and chai tea. The owner is super nice. He makes food on a whim -- with a traditional list of dishes that he rotates through -- each day. I really loved the spinach and chickpea. The eggplant and paneer were also great. There are some different types of naan, types you don't see at other restaurants. One kind we had had onion and cilantro in it. Delicious. There are three tables of four seats, but they are a little packed together. Being close to the bathrooms in back is distracting, as the paper towel rack is outside the two individual stalls. Water and utensils are self serve. Standing room is available. read more

Truly authentic Punjabi food. This is the best home cooked Indian food you will find in NYC. Not the standard restaurant stuff - but truly home cooked food. Everyone orders the vegetable thali, but I think the real secret is the on menu food. My wife and I came here for paranthas (stuffed indian flat breads) and they were excellent. All the vegetables were freshly cut, the dough made in front of us and they came Hot off the stove. When we asked for chai - they literally boiled fresh water and made fresh tea. Lastly the price is right. Everything is priced super cheap and the owners are so generous and caring. I almost feel bad paying so little. read more

Doaba Deli - Entrance - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

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Great Indian vegetarian food for very affordable prices. This is a good place to swing by for college students and young working professionals to get a warm, no-frills meal. At first glance, it is a casual, hole-in-the-wall restaurant. But when you're actually there you feel transported to a time and place, an experience, when eating was an organic process. You come up to the front, choose some vegetables, beans, or lentils and then they bring your section styrofoam plate filled with your picks along with their just-made, warm roti. The owners endearingly serve you, always ready to enhance your experience--whether you want onions on the side or would like some chai during or after the meal. Their Punjabi Kadi I would say is their best offering, as the owners are Punjabi. Sometimes the flavors of the non-Punjabi offerings can be hit or miss. But there's no reason to not get a meal that tastes and feels home-cooked for a great deal! read more

Doaba Deli - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

I usually come here after my appointments at Mount Sinai. I don't know, man - I left NYC for a few months to stay in California; came back and ate here, and it's not the same. Maybe my taste buds are more refined now but for the first time, I ate half of the thali I ordered (I got it with dahl, sag paneer, a squash stew, and blanking on the other dish because this was in December), and threw out the rest. It tasted bland. I mean, definitely nothing some mango pickle can't fix, but it really was irreparable. Really sucks because the owners are so nice. Super kind, will go out of their way to help you in any way. read more

I think this place may have outlived its reputation. I've been there twice in the last couple of days, and neither time was I particularly impressed by the food. I'll probably give them another chance, but so far my experience has not been great. It's too bad because I was very excited to be staying in New York very close to here. read more

Check off your vegetables for the week and save on a meal out, Doaba Deli cooks up mean vegetarian curries and stews at prices your mama can't shake her finger at. Paneer, idli rice-cakes, potatoes and cauliflower round out an otherwise bean-heavy meal, and if you're nice the owner may even throw in a free chai tea with your meal. Doaba Deli skimps on atmosphere,so if it's ambiance you're looking for, you can see yourself to the soulless gastropub nextdoor. read more

Doaba Deli - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

Doaba Deli makes the BEST authentic REAL Indian Chai and authentic Punjabi Veg food in all of NYC, period. This family-owned business is my favorite place for REAL Vegetarian Punjabi food. It is incredibly priced, the paratha is out-of-this-world and always served with a smile. I have taken just about every friend of mine that has ever visited NYC from another place here to eat this amazing food and the owners have ALWAYS welcomed everyone I have brought there with nothing but gratitude, pride and incredible warmth in every form. The owners take a genuine pride in serving their community and their patrons and i consider them like family because that is how they make me and my friends feel when we eat here! EVERY DISH is made fresh and you can taste the L-O-V-E and in this real-deal-no-frills top-notch Indian Restaurant - LOVE can be a tad bit SPICY! Highly Recommend if you love vegetarian indian food! read more

I would give this place 6 stars if it was possible. Please do yourself a favor and go in person or order over the phone. Ordering over a delivery app is inefficient since the menu changes every day and the menus on all of the apps don't update. Highly recommend the okra (which always sells out), cauliflower, peas and paneer, spinach, and most recently I've tried the radish as well as the squash. Samosas are always amazing. They also have a shelf of savory and sweet snacks and lassi in the fridge. Their paratha is made to order and can be filled with onion, potato or cheese. If you're interested in the biriyani, call ahead 30 mins before and place your order because the owner makes it from scratch for each person. There's so much love that goes into the food here and the folks who work here are exceptionally kind and welcoming to everyone. They have tons of loyal and repeat customers and there is a reason why! This place is truly a gem! read more

Unpopular opinion...but some of the curries were lacking flavor. Nothing a little extra sauce can't fix, though. The eggplant was delicious on its own, and the portions are great! read more

Doaba Deli - Various curries + rice for $8 - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

Super cheap, super delicious Punjabi food. Nothing is more than 8 bucks, tax seems to be included, and the portions are very filling--the smaller takeout container ($7 when filled with saag) is easily enough for two lunches. This place is popular with taxi drivers; there tend to be at least a couple of cabs standing on the block (while the drivers sit inside & consume warm, perfectly-spiced vegetable dishes) at any time of the day. The woman at the counter has limited English, so if you're not familiar with Indian dishes you might just end up pointing at something or picking a random dish off the overhead menu. The chana masala (chickpeas) and saag (spinach) were both excellent. If you have an especially low spice tolerance, just keep pouring yourself more water from the pitcher on your table, and ask for a dollop of yogurt as well :) read more

Absolute dive hole in the wall Indian food. Come by early afternoon or late evenings and you'll see taxi's doubled parked because they're all inside getting dinner. The place is run by an older couple possibly in their 60s with a few helpers. You get the come that this place is truly a mom and pop operation and you're eating Indian comfort food of homemade recipes simply seasoned and prepared without any flash or fanfare The steam table has a selection of 7-8 curries and other veggies dishes as part of a rotating menu. The spicy paneer packs one heck of a kick. Both the saag and chick peas are savory and an excellent choice. Partha and naan are made to order from a large bowl of dough just to the left of the ordering counter and you can watch as the old gentleman rolls out each order. 4 choices and rice will cost you $8. You don't come here for ground breaking Michelin star fare but to satisfy the craving of what would amount to a homemade Indian meal that someone not from an Indian household can still enjoy. read more

Doaba Deli - Not everything on the menu is always available but just enjoy what is available that day - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

The place is a dump and the bathroom is a horror but the lentils , chickpeas and other legumes are a star : the fresh buttered roti is crispy goodness. Skip the mixed veggies. read more

This place is definition "hole in the wall"- 3 small tables and doesn't seem like the most aesthetically inviting, but boy oh boy if you want real Indian food that you'd get from a north Indian mother's kitchen instead of the typical indian restaurant fare then this place will hit the spot. Doaba deli is completely vegetarian, just warning you. My friend and I ordered paneer parathas, gobi/cauliflower parathas, yogurt, a samosa and two cups of chai; all of this came out to roughly $17. The sweet uncle behind the counter also gave us a serving of paneer bhurji on the house! The reason I'm docking a star is because we were told many things on the menu which we originally wanted to order were unavailable at the time we went (7pm on Monday evening) for some reason, which bummed me out. Living in the city far away from home, I can confidently say that I won't miss mom's cooking much if I can get to Doaba. Good, authentic Indian food for a small price. read more

Whenever I am in the area on a weekend I make sure to stop by and get a paratha to eat and a few to go; aloo parathas and gobhi parathas. Of course the best paratha is always the one I eat there fresh off of their stove. The rest I can heat up during the week and they are a dinner on their own with some achaar, yoghurt and home made vegetables. Haven't tried anything else, but it looks like pretty standard vegetarian fair. read more

This is possibly the best Punjabi food I've had outside my mother's cooking. Curry (actual Punjabi curry), Cholay & Naan were outstanding. Kaalay Channay, Aloo Gobi, Saag were great. Mattar Paneer and Daal were good. Samosa Chaat is savory and on point. The Chai is absolutely ridiculous. You've got to have it. For someone who can't stand cardamom in chai, it had just the right amount to add flavor but not too much so as to be overbearing. I'll take any excuse to go back. read more

Doaba Deli - Naan brushed with butter. Bottom: curry, kaalay channay, aloo gobi, and saag. Top: curry, daal, cholay, mattar paneer. - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

Cabbies are always in a rush*, yet are somehow completely fine that this places takes its sweet time preparing small amounts of food...peculiar. That said, can't knock it down to a 3 because the $3 aloo parantha was that damn good. *Guess that explains why it's open a truly odd 23.5 hours a day? read more

Doaba Deli - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

If only they had another location in midtown. I would be in a perpetual food coma and never get any work done. Imagine driving down a remote North Indian highway and stopping at an isolated dhaba for buttery naans and rajma chawal. This is almost the same except you're walking down Columbus. And there's a tv inside which plays Bollywood movies. With a thaali including 4 sides and naan for 8 dollars, I think this is the best value for money I've come across in the city. Their rajma is especially awesome. Only downside is the lady who cooks all the food did not like the fact that my friend and I were wearing shorts and was kind of rude about it. We got an earful about what our parents might think. :/ read more

Doaba Deli - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

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I love this place. The food is reasonably priced and the portions are big. The people behind the steam table are always friendly and willing to help me. I see a lot of taxi drivers grabbing food and a chai. I tend to bring the food home rather then eat there. read more

I love their platters! Everyone that runs this place is super sweet and accommodating. The chai and desserts are also fantastic!

The other reviews do not exaggerate when they say this is the best Indian food. I had the four curry lunch special ($8) but made the mistake of also ordering a parantha. The curry itself was so much food. I had dhal, aloo gobi, paneer, and spinach -- everything was delicious. What a deal for that price. read more

Your go to Indian Dhaba food in UWS neighborhood. "Dhaba" basically means the roadside food one would typically get on an inter state journey in rural India. They only serve vegetarian and have 3 tables to sit. The aloo paratha is a must have. Go for it if you are craving so mum food and are bored from the creamy and buttery typical Indian food. You will find many south asian taxi drivers swinging by to get a chai on the go. read more

Best hidden gem ever! Go where the locals go. This unsuspecting location is something you could easily walk past. But man would you be missing out. I have been coming to this family owned vegetarian place for yearssss. A trademark stop for the cabbies of the city, you can spot this place by the lineup of cabs parked in the street spots outside of it. Not a single person who I have taken here has been disappointed. They have a canteen style array of fresh curries and a menu where you can order parathas, naan and a lot of other indian delights. Their special tray comes with a choice of three curries, some small salad side and either rice or roti or naan--made fresh to order. Their samosas are now famous among the party goers in my circle. I often order a tray or few to take as my contribution or treat to informal gatherings. Now if I could have a dollar for all the people asking me where I got these samosas.... Most of the cabbies love to order a chai and samosa. That's their easy late-night snack. Their chai is great too! So clearly I can go on and on. I love this little gem... But then it I rave too much the lines will get longer... and the few tables they have will fill up... Oh well, I like to share a good thing when I find it. read more

This is the real deal folks. If you grew up in North India, this food can and will make you homesick. Everyone else, if you've ever wondered what authentic vegetarian North Indian food tastes like, come eat here. And definitely end your meal with a cup of piping hot masala chai. FYI the space is pretty tiny and dingy, there isn't much seating and its usually freezing in the winters. You'll be coming here for the food and the food only, and its totally worth it. read more

Wow, just wow. This was my first time having Indian food and Doaba Deli is authentic, flavorful and better than anything I expected. I have no idea what the different dishes are called but I went in and ordered the lunch special with naan. The woman behind the counter was so sweet and I told her to give me her favorite ones. My favorite of the four was a tofu and pea dish - the tofu was flavorful and tender (totally opposite of what you expect out of tofu!), the chickpea dish was amazing too and I also had one potato serving and one with cauliflower and potatoes. All of that plus the freshly made naan bread made it one of the best lunches I've had. For $8 it was enough food to feed a family plus she gave me an Indian sweet too! (Which was also very good). 10/10, would highly recommend and I can't wait to come back. Sweet sweets, sweet people and delicious food. read more

Absolutely banging. I would go 100% vegetarian if I can eat this everyday. Most of the time I have no idea what i'm ordering unless i'm with my friend Eric who knows this stuff better than I do. The naan they give you is GIGANTIC. Mom and pop shop. Yettttttttthhhhhhhh! I like it. Again why are you eating Indian on broadway, when the real deal is only a block away?!?! Baka! Itis' scale: 8/10 Average tab $7-8 bucks. read more

Have eaten here several dozen times over the last year, Best Indian food by far on UWS, best value $6 (choose 4 out of 9 pre made veg plus 2 made to order Indian breads roti, naan, methi etc), plus Indian tea, Seating is sparse 3 tables plus a counter, place is frequented by Sikh cabbies and Columbia students, open till wee hours of morning, service is friendly if not a bit confusing with many speaking in punjabi Process is to give your order of type of bread first then wait your turn to be summoned to counter to select veggies when bread is ready, no rice typically though they have started making some since many ask, ask for yogurt or more food if not satisfied with this generous spread. Also keeps Indian sweets, fritters like samosas (extra $) Note: Must have some patience as service is unhurried, dont bother looking at menu, just name your choice of bread and get ready to be pleasantly surprised by veggies you may not see anywhere else (squash, green cabbage, mung beans, spinach,chickpeas, their version of soy etc. Can change day to day hour to hour, food is fresh cooked throughout the day and night) Enjoy! read more

If u r looking for home made indian at ground-shattering prices- dont miss this place. Both my husband and me have a complete meal ( 4 vegs of our choice and 3 breads of our choice ) for 8 dollars!!!!! Authentic indian tea only 1 USD!!! I havent cooked since I moved to upper west side because this place is only a few blocks with almost 24 hour fresh food service. read more

Doaba Deli - Dal, cabbage peas, paneer mattar...... - Indian Near Me - New York, New York