The Order:
Roti rolls? Check. Indian Chinese fusion? Check. Traditional Indian food? Ch…Wait a second. We’ve ordered not one, but two different subsets of Indian cuisine, and we haven’t even tried any of the classics?! You know where we’re going with this one: Darbar Fine Indian Cuisine. Featuring all the time-honored favorites and much more, particularly a great deal on lunch specials, this one was a no-brainer. Each lunch special features two curries (meat and veggie specials rotate daily), rice, peas pulao, and naan. I went with the Chicken Tikka Masala and the Matter Paneer for my two curries, while AnnMarie chose Tandoori Chicken and a spinach curry.
The Meal:
The food came faster than expected and boy was there a lot of it! Each meal was served in a container with three compartments, one for each curry and one for the rice. Naan was on the side. This is great for people who prefer not to mix their food, but it’s also easy for anyone who wants to mix the curries and rice in the proportions that they like.
As for my food, I know that I went a little mainstream with the Chicken Tikka Masala, but it’s mainstream for a reason right? The pieces of chicken were tender and the sauce was rich and creamy, just the way it should be. As for the Matter Paneer, I liked the subtly spiced sauce and the peas, but I felt like the actual cheese tasted a little processed to me, not as fresh as in other paneer dishes I have eaten. However, the side dishes of rice and naan were both great!
AnnMarie was very satisfied with her meal, especially the full order of naan and the spinach curry. The spinach curry even had bits of corn and cauliflower, so she got a full serving of veggies. So much so that she couldn’t finish her chicken, which was good, but obviously not at the same level. It’s called voting with your mouth.
On the whole, the Darbar lunch special is a great deal and full meal. I recommend a meat and veggie combo, although there is a completely vegetarian option as well. Either way, you’re sure to get as much food as you can handle and it’s gonna be good. They don’t call it Fine Indian Cuisine for nothing!
FYI – We’re located near Bryant Park in case you want to try Darbar Fine Indian Cuisine for yourself or give us recommendations for future orders!