Fast Casual. Tried all the 3 flavors: Chili Chicken, Chiken Tikka and Tandoori. All of them are amazing but my favorite was the Tikka! Highly recommend the place for a quick snack read more

Rowdy Rooster - Lil Rowdy Sandwich - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

I loved this restaurant. The inside was bright, colorful and I loved the roosters on the ceiling. People were friendly and oh my gosh, the food! I ended up getting the bowl which was topped with their fried chicken and it was one of the best things I've eaten in a while! Highly recommend. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Signature Fried Chicken Bowl - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

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Innovative Indian sliders. The sauces are creative and top notch in taste! My favorite the paneer slider. Melt-in-your-mouth soft. So very delish! We bring all our friends & family for a quick bite to this little storefront and it never disappoints! Must try! read more

Recently attended eeeatscon (food festival) and Rowdy Rooster was one of the restaurants there. I'm a big fan of paneer, so lucky me there was a paneer sandwich on the menu! The paneer was tasty, along with the peppers and bread it was on. I will say it was quite spicy so at times the spicy overwhelmed the flavors but was still enjoyable. I also tried their mango lassi which was flavorful and refreshing. Staff was also nice despite the craziness so that's always a plus! Definitely down to visit their real shop in NYC! read more

Unapologetic foods has done it again! I've been to Dhamaka and Semma (had Adda to-go..will review once I get a chance to go in person) but the food always hits! Authentic and true to itself I absolutely love it. Rowdy rooster has a limited but VERY delicious menu. While we didn't get everything we got 4 items to try. We got lucky and found a seat too. Lil rowdy spice level 2: the pao (buns) are small but the chicken inside is not so tiny. I couldn't finish it since we had other items as well. I probably could have finished it if I tried. Also my mouth was sizzling. I got number 2 spice- I wouldn't say I can handle spice like most Indians do- however, I do like spice and try to test my limits with it. However, people say I'm pretty weak when it comes to spice lol and I thought level 2 was perfect for me. It wasn't overbearingly spicy where I couldn't eat more because of it. But my nose was definitely running- I still could keep eating though without any complaints. My husband got the bigger chicken sandwich with level 3 and it was spicy but he said he could have gone up a level or more if he wanted. However, this spice level was really good and not uncomfortable to eat for him. The chili chicken is really good also and has a kick! But nothing spicer than level 2. The fried eggplant is really good as well! read more

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Finally visited this hidden gem. I am a big fan of unapologetic foods and on a mission to try all of their restaurants. Been to Dhamaka,Semma and Rowdy rooster now.All of them Got to try the boneless chicken with level 3 (Andhra) and chilli chicken. I eat decent amount of spice,but level 3 was a bit much for me.Will order 2 next time.My husband loves heat and he thoroughly enjoyed his chicken. Very crispy,spicy and juicy.Perfectly done. The chilli chicken was epic.Reminded of the ones back home on the carta.I can have it everyday My friend tried the vada pao and she said it was very good as well.Soft bread and crispy vada. Love that they maintain the authenticity of the food in all their establishments. Must must visit. Eyeing on Adda now. Thanks for bringing the actual indian food to us. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Chilli chicken - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

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The chicken itself was pretty good but I wasn't a fan of the sandwich as a whole. I'm not sure what it was, but I felt like the flavors didn't mesh well and the sandwich is pretty salty. When I ate the chicken by itself though, it was pretty good so if I revisit here I will probably stick to the fried chicken. The service was quick; my friends were in and out within 20 min. There are some spots for seating but they were all occupied when we went. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Lil' Rowdy - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

The chicken is HOT. With that out of the way, this place is a really fun, casual Indian chicken joint. The main attraction was the chicken sandwich, but buyer beware... anything 3 and up is actually pretty spicy. Like 1 is mild, 2 is medium, 3 is hot, etc. The flavor and the fry on the boneless dark meat chicken thigh was perfect and I will be looking forward to trying a level 1 spicy. The eggplant pakora was also a pleasant surprise. Don't shoot me but the slice and texture of the fried eggplant reminds me of a fried eggplant for eggplant parm. The counter folks are super friendly and amicably steered our group away from making the mistake of ordering a level 5 spicy. I'm sweating just thinking about it. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

The big rowdy was the perfect thing to have post drinking. Full of carbs to get you a bit sober, and the heat really wakes you up. The chicken is moist and crispy. The bun is fluffy, but it gets soggy and pulled apart by the sauce. They don't mess with their spice. The medium was plenty spicy. Good thing the scallion yogurt helped to cool it down a bit. You can really taste the mint it the mint cilantro. It's a pretty messy chicken sandwich, but they have wet wipes! Be prepared to take your food on the road. The space is tiny, and there's a lot of traffic coming into this store. However, the chicken sandwich is worth it. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Big Rowdy (Ruffian Spice Level) - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

The food here is genuinely excellent, but come on -- how do you not offer free tap water at an Indian-fusion spot, especially when the dishes are spicy? It's like going to a bowling alley and finding out you can't rent shoes. Or hitting up a coffee shop only to discover they don't have cups. Or staying at a hotel that charges extra for pillows. Or watching a movie at a theater where you have to bring your own chair. Or visiting a spa where they upcharge you just to turn on the hot tub. On top of that, they charge $1 per chutney--and they've axed the standalone chili chicken from the menu! It's giving private equity energy. Don't get me wrong -- the flavors are top-notch (esp the big rowdy sandwich), but it's the principle of the thing. read more

Remember a time when a sold out chicken sandwich was our biggest problem as a collective? Drought, pestilence, pandemics, and all that are just our day-to-day norm these days but an abundance of chicken sandwiches seem to be the only progress humanity has made since 2019! Rowdy Rooster's chicken sandwich is one that stands above the fray and is one worth checking out for sure. The sandwich is massive and at $12 you'd be hard pressed find better bang for your buck, but beyond the reasonable price, the spice level at this place are legit. You're being warned by someone who likes and appreciates spice, you don't want to mess around and find out...if you're not good with spice, make sure you stay below the "Rebel" level because the "Rogue" and "Rowdy" are no joke. Besides the chicken sandwich, I really appreciate that Rowdy Rooster offers sides beyond fries or onion rings with the potato or eggplant pakoras being stellar accompaniments to a sandwich that could easily feed two. This is a grab and go situation with limited seating and the food stood up well considering I had it almost an hour after picking it up. This is fusion food at at its finest by taking something from one culture and upleveling it significantly with a touch of magic from another. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Bone-in chicken - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

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Love the idea of an Indian fusion chicken sandwich! I got the Big Rowdy (medium spice which I found already pretty spicy!!) and an eggplant pakora. I thought the sandwich was unique with the sauce pairing but a bit too salty for my taste and not mind blowing. The eggplant pakora was good but make sure to buy a sauce with it. Cute space but very limited seating, so wouldn't recommend for groups! read more

Rowdy Rooster - Big rowdy - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

I wish I had read the reviews before stopping by. My husband and I decided to get the big rowdy, spice level 3, and the mango lassi. The spice level was insanely hot, as a brown person, this did not settle well. Although it was spicy, the sandwich was delicious; the chicken was well seasoned and perfectly crisp. I wish it had more of the white sauce to help with the spiciness. The mango lassi was delicious. Would come again, but will stick to spice level 1. read more

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This place is no joke! Great chicken sandwhich and an actual spice level meant for spicy people - you are warned! We got the big rowdy which is a fried chicken sandwhich with Indian toppings. I thought the sandwhich was a bit pricey, but it is a generous portion and very unique. You definitely must try this place out! read more

Rowdy Rooster is quite a game changer. Such an ingenious simple idea of marrying Indian flavors with crispy juicy fried chicken, but executed to perfection. It's an immediate crowd pleaser for those who love Indian food AND for those who love Nashville style hot chicken - it's a wide net out there! I got the Big rowdy with level spice 3 (Andhra) which is comparable to an extra hot Nashville style hot chicken - it has the dry heat from the chili condiments & the herby heat from green chili chutney that is slathered over that big crispy chicken breast, with crunchy pickled onions all sandwiched between soft doughy buns. Overall taste is SPOT ON delicious! Better get a sweet drink on the side too! They also have Vada pav for vegetarians - classic Indian street burger with a spiced fried potato patty & green chutney. Honestly you can't go wrong with this one either. Rowdy Rooster is a great concept & will thrive if they continue to be consistent. There's also a lot of room for creativity and I'd love to see new flavors come up. Nothing much to say on the ambience- the place is tiny & cramped AF, so not the best experience dining in. Will I go again? Yes. Will I go a spice higher? Definitely, maybe. Gosh my lips are burning! Can I have that mango lassi please? read more

Rowdy Rooster - Big Rowdy - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

I came with Rowdy Rooster upon hearing rave reviews but unfortunately it didn't quite live up to the hype. For $15 for a Big Rowdy chicken sandwich, it is a bit on the pricier end. The little rowdy sandwich is a bit cheaper but looked extremely small and not worth it. My friends and I got the medium level of heat and it was a bit too spicy for all of us and I love spicy food. If you didn't bring water, you're definitely going to need to buy water for $2. I thought the chicken sandwich was quite juicy, flavorful, and packed the punch, but it wasn't my favorite chicken sandwich I've ever had. Perhaps if I tried the sandwich at a lower spice level, I would've liked it more. In terms of ambiance, there is very limited seating (possibly four tables) and it was quite full at 8pm so if you want to eat here, you might have to wait. The food does come out fairly fast though. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Big Rowdy - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

The chicken sandwiches here are very unique. They are pretty crispy and they're a lot of chicken and a sandwich. There are five levels of spiciness, and the third level is decently spicy, but manageable if you like spice, but the jump from 3 to 4 is huge! You have been warned. The staff here is really nice. There are a few places to sit inside and another highlight for me was the mango lassi. Super delicious! read more

For those who want a "Hot Ones" challenge, this place does a great job. I love spicy food and I tried the level 4. They asked "Are you sure?" a valid question. For spice lovers, I would still say level 4 is pretty dang hot... I wouldn't even say it's enjoyable. If I were to go back, I would probably do the 3. That being said, it was fun to share my other pieces of chicken with the other people in the restaurant. Even made a new Instagram friend from our pain train bonding! Quite the experience -- probably also recommend getting a drink to calm the heat! read more

Pretty small space inside with room for two maybe three parties to sit at a time. The service is extremely friendly especially considering it not being a full service restaurant. Their spiciest chicken is extremely spicy. Spice definitely packs a punch. I would recommend a lower spice level if you want to enjoy the food. The mango lassi is a great way to wash down the heat. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Bad to the Bone (rowdy level, painfully spicy) - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

I have to try other things but I popped in for a quick bite. Heard good things that turned out to be accurate. The Big Rowdy is what I decided on as I had a night of drinking ahead of me. I opted for dark meat- is it even a question? read more

Rowdy Rooster - Big Rowdy Sandwich - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

I'm a big fan of Adda, Semma, etc and was excited to try their fast casual concept. The big rowdy and chili cauliflower were both solid. Mango lassi was good, too. Limited seating, so plan accordingly. read more

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The name of the joint pretty much says it all. The winner here is absolutely the Big Rowdy sandwich, hands down. I ordered mine at spice level 3 and it was just at the precipice between pleasure and pain. Also, the yogurt sauce came in absolutely clutch to balance out the heat. Anything spicier and I don't think I could have made it through the entire sandwich. As it was, my nose was sweating and I went through several napkins just to relieve my brow and cheeks of perspiration. I sampled my friend's chili cauliflower and I found it interesting, but I wouldn't try it again. To me, they tasted pretty much like buffalo cauliflower bites with a slight Indian flair. Cute addition to the EV. In a neighborhood already stacked with excellent eats, Rowdy Rooster holds its own as a solid contender for a quick fix. Just be prepared to eat elsewhere, because seating is supremely limited. read more

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THANKFULLY, the service is now more patient and kinder than it's ever been, coming from an adjacent neighborhood local, BUT they recently downgraded their menu, and that's sad. Just like at the beginning of Fuku's downfall, they changed their fried potatoes to "fries," they changed their bone-in chicken (pieces) to "tendies," etc. read more

Delicious Indian fusion hot chicken. Got the big rowdy at the lil ruffian spice level. Great spice level and if anything felt I could get it at the next level. Mango lassi was perfectly balanced at the right amount of sweetness. Delicious and would recommend! read more

Rowdy Rooster - big rowdy - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

Hole in the wall spot recommended to us by a friend and since it's known for chicken sandwiches Indian style, we knew we had to try! Braved some rain (downpour) to get here + we got level 3, good spice and you could even get hotter if you wanted + got the big rowdy, crispy and juicy - very flavorful + used chicken thigh - small space but we found seating luckily - staff wouldn't cut into half on request (but not a huge deal) read more

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I was really excited for these sandwiches since I heard about them through a friend! The yogurt was good, but wish they added more (just eating mouthfuls of spice) I think since I got the second level tier of spice, they just put it directly on the bun. But otherwise it was a tasty sandwich. They reheated it because it came a little cold? read more

Rowdy Rooster - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

Cute, small Indian fried chicken spot. The cashiers are very helpful and can help you pick entrees if you're undecided on what you want! Not much seating so plan accordingly- luckily we went there around 12:30, right after it opened so not many seats were taken. We got the chili chicken, the potato pakora with tamarind (this was a recommendation from the cashier and it was definitely worth it!) and the big rowdy with the rebel spice level. I can handle spice pretty well since I'm Indian, so I wish I went up a spice level. But the food was delicious and I would highly recommend! read more

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This place is good and worth the hype. The chicken is perfectly fried, nice and crispy! There is limited seating so not somewhere that you can stay awhile but don't let that stop you from coming. The one note I have to make is it is spicy, so if you can't handle spice, this place is not for you. The cashier even warned us that the spicy options are no joke. We got the mild option and one option above mild and it was pretty spicy- I don't think I'd personally be able to go over those two and I normally am able to handle spicy food pretty well. Definitely recommend also getting a mango lassi while you're there. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Lil' Rowdy - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

I am combining two reviews into one because I visited Rowdy Rooster on two separate occasions recently. First off, it's just fantastic to have an Indian sandwich spot located roughly between work and home. Good for me! Unapologetic foods nail it. I haven't been to Dhamaka, Adda, or any of their other spots but I may be somewhat believing the hype after trying this one out. The first time here I ordered the Big Rowdy, spice level 3. Tasty stuff. It is one of those burgers that totally disintegrates two bites into it. A mess is inevitable. But if you can ignore that part, the experience is wholly positive. Spice Level 3 is okay. It has some heat, but isn't too crazy. My second time here, I opted for spice level 4, which is more like it. It is fiery, but I think I am up for upping it one more time next time. While ordering, I got the chance to spot the massive container with the number '5' written on it. It looks like they've collected a whole of bunch of crazy sources (ghost peppers and whatnot), blended them, and made this mix that they use from the containers. We also ordered the mango lassi, and the chili chicken. The chili chicken is all right. Garlic is overpowering, and I would stick to the burgers in the future. The lassi was over within 3-4 sips -- not really worth it. A great food option for those who want to spice it up a little! read more

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Tiny spot with tasty Indian version of a chicken sandwich. They have bowls as well but I didn't try it. Lady at the counter was super helpful and nice. The chicken sandwich is crunchy, served on a potato bun with mint chutney and sesame yogurt. The richness of the heavily spiced breading is cut nicely by the pickled onions. The only downside was trying to keep the small chicken pieces in the sandwich. But it's a flavor bomb worth the effort. Masala fries were spectacular and need to be more popular everywhere. The space is tiny with extremely limited seating, but has a good vibe. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Big Rowdy Sandwich - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

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Incredible. We came and ordered most of the menu -- the big rowdy (with rowdy sauce), the smooth operator (with rebel sauce), chili cauliflower, vada pao, eggplant pakora, potato pakora, and a mango lassi. All of it was amazing, and very, very spicy -- I generally like my heat at an 8 or 9/10 and the rowdy sauce may have gotten to a 10. (The rest was probably between a 5 and a 7.) I'd love to get all of it again, but I think the move on my next trip will be the smooth operator, cauliflower, vada pao, and eggplant pakora. The potato pakora was good too, but we all preferred the eggplant. I also loved the sandwich, but between that and the smooth operator, I think I'd prefer the latter -- the chicken itself is pretty perfect and I'm not sure it needs the extras. I will say, the vada pao was maybe the best bite of the whole meal -- really incredible, and a must on future visits. I also loved the mango lassi, although I think the ones at their full-service restaurants are better. In terms of the heat levels, I might try the rogue next time, which is the middle version. I love heat, but I do think that everything being hot makes it difficult because there's nothing to use as a cool down. I don't think I'd stick to rebel, but I'd only get the rowdy if I had something to use as a chaser. read more

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I haven't loved everything from Unapologetic Foods, but I've liked most things--and the items I tried here fall into that group. The Lil Rowdy and Chili Chicken were glorious forays into tender chicken, bursting spices and slow-building heat. I have an Olympian-level spice tolerance (I've competed in spice challenges across the country), so when ordering, I emphasized that I wanted the Rowdy level spice (the highest) at "Asian spicy" levels. And they delivered. The pillowy Vada Pav sandwich will satisfy vegetarians with its soft, buttery decadence. read more

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Learned about this place on TikTok for one of the best chicken sandwiches in NYC. I am a sucker for crispy chicken sandwiches so decided to give this place an honest shot. Service - 5/5 - Great staff, great cashier. He was fast and friendly. Food - 4/5 - We got one lil rowdy rebel and one little rowdy ruffian. Both were EXTREMELY flavorful. I especially loved the compliments on yogurt, cilantro and onions. Every bite was delicious and the bun was soft. I loved it! Ambiance - 5/5 - Small little sitting area so you may not get seating. Good music and cute Indian themed interior. Overall, I will be coming back here when in NYC. It left my mouth watering! read more

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Great food. The heat is real, the chicken is perfectly cooked, the buns are great. We got tenders ("Smooth Operator") at spice level 2 and 4, even the 2 were reasonably hot, the 4 was quite hot. We also got a Big Rowdy at 5, their hottest, and it was really hot - though honestly the tenders at 4 might have seemed hotter as the powder was hitting your tongue/lips without any bun protection. Either way they were ALL delicious. The Vada Pao was also really delicious, pretty authentic rendition of the Mumbai streetfood. If you're craving something in the style of nashville hot chicken, that can really bring the heat AND brings a unique flavor - this is the spot for you. read more

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Absolutely loved rowdy rooster! Food was delicious, service was quick. Recommend starting at level 3 for a good kick, level 4 and 5 are quite intense even if you enjoy your spice. Restaurant is on the smaller size only about 3 tables inside. Chili chicken was 10/10 - highly recommend trying this read more

Rowdy Rooster - Chili chicken and big rowdy - cant go wrong with either - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

Tiny footprint - Major Heat! Rowdy Rooster serves up a variety of Indian inspired fried chicken fare with a good selection of sauces that cater to the heat preferences of customers. I for one love two things - fried chicken and spicy food so this place is right up my alley. My friend Pat got the fried chicken sandwich (Big Rowdy, $15) and I went for straight up chicken (Bad to the Bone, $12). The serving size was pretty solid and the price tag wasn't too exorbitant. We both opted on a safer bet for the spiciness level. We did 3/5 which is the Rebel (Hot). Pat found it pretty enjoyable and finished his meal before I did. Once again, I'm a lover of spicy food but getting through my meal was a bit of a struggle. I had to get extra napkins because I was sweating profusely while eating. Maybe my meal had more kick to it due to the lack of carbs and condiments found on the sandwich. With that, I'd say to start on the mild end if you're ordering just the chicken. The chicken is crispy and delicious and well worth a bit of a sweat. Service is quick and cordial. There aren't a lot of seats in the restaurant as it's a bit small so it might get crowded if there's a rush. All and all, I'd definitely recommend giving Rowdy Rooster a shot if you're into flavorful fried chicken. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Big Rowdy Fried Chicken Sandwich - Heat Level: Rowdy (Hot) - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

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Rowdy rooster is another venture in experimental gastronomy by the Unapologetic Foods group where spice, spice and more spice makes the base of nearly every dish on the menu. I've been to enough of their restaurants now to know that they like to go against the grain. I love that they are non-conformist, not resorting to be renowned for a very good tikka masala, instead building a reputation of curating unique twists to traditional recipes. Theoretically, it sounds like an idea I would throw my full weight behind. But the execution falls short. Rowdy rooster is their take on an American classic - the honorable fried chicken. Their piece de resistance, the fried chicken, is drenched in a very Indian spice laden red sauce and other condiments such as green yogurt chutney, topped off with onions and the works. The textures and the sauce simply didn't go well together, and made for a very confusing sandwich. I wish they had instead made a tandoori chicken kebab sandwich. Dhaba style perhaps? Something that BK Jani in Brooklyn does very well. The highlights for me were the Vada Pav, chickpea chaat and chili chicken. Three things I'll definitely be back for. I can't bring myself to endorse the fried chicken sandwiches though. Or the eggplant pakora. Stay away from that too. The other common theme across nearly all their restaurants is the level of spice. It is most definitely not for the weak hearted/stomached. The sandwich we got was a spice level 2 and had a generous amount of heat. I can't even begin to imagine level 5. Their marketing department should explore a social media spice challenge with level 5. Or if you ever want to know what a disembowelment would feel like... Rowdy rooster is a rebel without a cause. Im going to encourage you to check them out anyway because they are unlike any other fast food you'll find in New York. read more

This place sells out - come early to get your choice of menu items. They were out of the Lil Rowdy on a Sunday about 5pm. Small place - only about 4 tables with chairs to sit - so plan to takeout or wait for a table. The line takes up extra space around the tables - most people wait outside for food. Sandwich was a burst of flavor in each bite, crunchy in the right places and overall delicious. We got the chili cauliflower and 2 big rowdys. Spice level: I eat spicy food everyday and I'm telling you rogue had me crying - it overpowered the taste after 4 bites (it is described as "slap on your face" on the menu and it is not a lie). My partner got a rebel and he couldn't stop gushing about it. Get the rebel for full flavor appreciation 100% of the time. read more

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-the place plays good Hindi music and is beautifully/colorfully decorated with dim lighting -limited seating, I'd say about 4 groups at max (it's a small establishment) -mango lassi was good, thicker than expected -level four spice boneless chicken had great flavor and a nice amount of heat, would be wary of the texture though as it is a dry rub but still quite oily -big rowdy sandwich was deeeeeelish, every part of the sandwich was necessary and packed with complimentary flavors -all the sauces were good but wasn't a huge fan of the yogurt one because it had a strangely fishy aftertaste read more

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They do an interesting take on a fried chicken sandwich with an Indian twist. The small sandwich is very small for $9, the large is more a regular size elsewhere. Limited seating with only 3 small tables inside. They have 5 levels of spice, I tried levels 3 to 5 so can give a brief interpretation for you: - Level 3: slight kick but doesn't overpower the chicken flavor, spice level is like a Wendy's spicy chicken sandwich -Level 4: burns going in and burns going out the next day -Level 5: doesn't hit you right away, takes about 30 seconds before you feel it. After that, holy hell, it feels like your mouth, lips, and parts of your face are on fire. You will drink water and realize it doesn't help, you need dairy. Fortunately they also sell a mango lassi which I highly recommend if you're getting level 5. read more

Rowdy Rooster - Menu - Indian Near Me - New York, New York

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