On a coveted stretch of real estate in South Williamsburg comes a new addition to the blossoming Indian cuisine scene in Brooklyn. The space is expansive and welcoming, with an intentionally dated decor. Masti has only been open for a month, but the food is reminiscent of centuries of recipes, passed down through generations.
I got to order a mix of my favorite go-to Indian dishes, as well as sample a few items outside of my normal comfort zone (even for an adventurous eater). Masti wants to draw your attention to chaat, snacks that are often sold by vendors on the streets throughout India, regardless of regional or religious influence.
Here’s what we ate:
Bhel Puri
This chaat was a delightful combination of rice, crispy crunchies, onion and garlic. This cold appetizer dish for sharing was a tasty, snacky way to start out a meal here.
Achari Guchi Tikka
Despite the inclination to write off this dish as a fleeting fashion trend (is this a tiktok?! A rapper?!) from it’s name alone, this was one of the best things I ate, and it’s something I would have been too timid to inquire about on my own. Stubby, tasty mushrooms are pickled in lemon juice and speared on a skewer alongside slices of bell peppers and onions. A zesty yogurt sauce is drizzled on top, rounding out the dish with just enough fatty goodness to leave a lasting impression.
Pani Puri
These crisp, hollow balls of fried dough are filled with potato and onion, and come with a side of tamarind water that was so delicious I wish I could pour it on everything.
Kalmi Kebab (Indian Chicken Wings)
Obviously a bit of a pivot to order grilled wings in an Indian restaurant, but the meat on these bones was tender on the inside and crisped from the tandoor on the outside.
Chicken Korma
A classic staple, the creamy, almond-based sauce of the korma wasn’t as thick as I was used to, and I found I preferred it this way.
Lamb Chettinad
This black pepper-based curry was an excellent selection to pair with the gamey tenderness of lamb. It was fantastic.
If you live in South Williamsburg or are looking for a new Indian restaurant to try out, I highly recommend Masti (before the rest of the borough finds out about it!).
