There is nothing that I like more than seeing an independent woman start a business, build it up from the bottom and turn it into a successful business that stays true to its identity. This is exactly what owner PriaVanda Chouhan has done with Desi Galli.
Desi Galli specializes in healthier versions of traditional Indian dishes. Once you go inside, you place your order and pay for your food. The staff actually brings your food to you while you wait downstairs in the seating area. The seating area offers free Wi-Fi, cellphone chargers, a flat screen TV and lovely red, white, and black décor.
PriaVanda immediately told me that she does not tone down her food and this made me really happy. When you want to get a taste of another country’s cuisine you want to taste the authenticity and many restaurants in New York City tend to tone down the authenticity to appease the general public. Desi Galli is far from that and I appreciate the fact that all the dishes are authentic Indian dishes.
Desi Galli is famously known for offering healthier versions of the famous Kathi Roll, which includes the gluten-free Paratha. While at Desi Galli, I had the chance to taste both the gluten-free and the normal Paratha and I could immediately tell the difference between them. I also had a chance to try the Lamb Biryani, freshly cooked rice with lamb; Vegan Bhel Puri, puffed rice layered with onions/tomatoes and served with tamarind and mint cilantro chutney; Palak Patte Ki Chaat, which consists of spinach pakoras cooked with spiced chickpeas, papri, onions, tomatoes, tamarind chutney, mint cilantro chutney and yogurt. For dessert, I had the amazing Gulab Jamun, which is an Indian delicacy of round dough pieces in a saffron syrup, and some rich chai hot tea.
Since I have such a sweet tooth I would have to say the Gulab Jamun was by far my favorite part of the whole meal; but if I had to choose from the other dishes my favorite overall, I would have to choose the Palak Patte Ki Chaat. It’s an amazing and succulent dish and the spinach pakoras are cooked to perfection. You can expect to spend anywhere from $5-$10 for lunch or dinner — talk about a bargain!
Desi Galli is located at 101 Lexington Avenue at 27th Street and is open from noon to 11pm. Although there are other restaurants surrounding it you really can’t miss Desi Galli with its unique and standout sign at the front of the store. For more information you can also visit their website at www.desi-galli.com.
Twisted Talk: What do you think of Desi Galli? Have you visited Desi Galli? If not, are you planning on going now? Discuss below!
