Curry Hill Cheap Eat

There are certain subway stops in New York City that are unlike any other — you walk up and instantly, your senses are hit with a completely different experience than where you left from: Times Square, for example, is an overdose of lights and fleeting cabs. The NR stop on 28th Street is like that for the nose — you walk up and instantly smell spices. You’re in the part of Murray Hill known as Curry Food — Indian and Middle Eastern food galore.

mujaddara platter

Today, I met my favorite Canadian, Jessalynn, for lunch at one of nymag.com’s 2008 Cheap Eats, Kalustyan’s. YOU MUST GO. The whole meal — and it was a bountiful heap of grape leaves, moujaddara, pita, and salad drizzled with tahini sauce — only cost $9 each, with bev included. First, browse the downstairs mart, where you’ll find every obscure ingredient you’ve never dreamed of, like nopalitos, which is from a cactus plant and used in Mexican dishes. Then, go upstairs to the deli (seating is tight so avoid peak lunch hour) where a friendly white-haired man is eager to serve you and give you samples. The moujaddara platter seemed to be their specialty, so order that — it’s mild and made from lentils, rice, extra virgin olive oil. Delish. I will be back, because this place would be like Rachel’s ultimate candy store. If you’re a cook with exotic tastes, you can order online from their grocery here.

Tags: Curry Hill