Head Upstairs to Utsav for Indian Food in Midtown

Utsav in New York, NY - Photo by Taste As You Go

Utsav Festive India Restaurant
1185 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
(212) 575-2525 | Online Reservations | Map

Back when I was living in Connecticut and working at my first real job out of college, I developed some lunchtime traditions with my coworkers. In addition to our regular trips to Bentara for Malaysian food, we'd head over to Royal India on Howe Street for their all-you-can-eat lunch buffet on Fridays. There I'd sit, going plate-for-plate with my male coworkers just because I could. (Tip: Three plates full of Indian food is excessive. Don't do it unless you have a stomach lined with steel.)

Lunch Buffet at Utsav in New York, NY - Photo by Taste As You Go

You can imagine my delight when I discovered an Indian restaurant in Midtown that offers an all-you-can eat lunch buffet. A tad pricey at $17.95 per person, but totally worth it, in my opinion. Why? Because, for three hours, you have full access to three vegetarian dishes, three non-vegetarian dishes, lentils, rice, breads, salads, and two different desserts!

Indian Food Buffet at Utsav in New York, NY - Photo by Taste As You Go

Indian Food Buffet at Utsav in New York, NY - Photo by Taste As You Go

My coworker Yusuf and I hit up the buffet with total abandon and were hardly disappointed with the selection: Tandoori Murg (chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and then grilled), Murg Tikka Masala (cubes of chicken cooked in a medium spicy tomato and yogurt sauce -- and one of my favorite Indian dishes), Saag Gosht (cubes of lamb simmered in a fresh spinach puree cooked to a medium level of spiciness), Palak Kofta (spinach-and-cheese dumplings seasoned with herbs and served in a fresh spinach sauce), Baingan ka Bhurta (roasted eggplant puree seasoned with onions and tomatoes), and Methl Matar Malal (a mild dish with pureed spinach, peas, and fenugreek leaves)!

Mango Lassis at Utsav in New York, NY - Photo by Taste As You Go

To make it a true experience, Yusuf and I paired our meals with creamy, smooth Mango Lassis. Two plates of food later, we settled the bill and wobbled our way back to the office, vowing to show more restraint during our next visit to Utsav.

Like that'll really happen...

Do have you lunchtime traditions with your coworkers?

Utsav on Urbanspoon

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