Michelin-starred South Indian gem; bold, authentic Tamil flavors; Chef Vijay Kumar's acclaimed dishes like Gunpowder Dosa; reservations a must.
Discover the rural cuisine of Southern India at Semma in the West Village, a Michelin-awarded restaurant where chef Vijay Kumar's James Beard Award highlights his acclaimed approach to Indian flavors.
Semma, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the West Village, is celebrated for its authentic South Indian cuisine, particularly its creative modernization of traditional flavors from Tamil Nadu. Chef Vijay Kumar, a James Beard Award winner, has garnered acclaim for dishes like the Gunpowder Dosa and tender lamb curry, making reservations highly sought after. The restaurant is lauded for its bold ingredients, traditional dining practices, and commitment to showcasing regional Indian specialties.
Semma is highly praised for its authentic South Indian cuisine, particularly its Gunpowder Dosa and various meat dishes like lamb and lobster. Some find the flavors bold and traditional, while others describe them as too spicy or one-dimensional. The Kanyakumari Nandu Masala (Dungeness crab) is frequently recommended, but portion sizes and pricing have drawn mixed reactions.
"Highly recommended dishes include the Gunpowder Dosa, various seafood preparations like the Banana Leaf Branzino and Lobster, and the Lamb Chops or short ribs. The Kanyakumari Nandu Masala (Dungeness crab) is also a standout dish, though it's advised to pre-order."
Customers generally praise Semma for its authentic and flavorful South Indian cuisine, with many highlighting specific dishes as exceptional. However, some find the restaurant overrated or too expensive, and difficulty in securing reservations is a common point of discussion.
Important Note
Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, with many users suggesting strategies like arriving early for walk-ins or using reservation notification systems. The restaurant also has a 'B' health department rating, which has been a point of discussion among some diners.
"Semma is mentioned as maintaining its one-star rating in the 2025 Michelin Guide to New York City."
Neutral"This user questioned the "bougie" price of dosa at Semma and asked what makes it special compared to dosas available in Jersey City."
Negative"This user stated that Semma offered a different and superior experience compared to 'the Dosa Guy', considering the restaurant's vibe, hype, menu options, and service."
Positive"This user mentioned exploring Curry Hill for the first time and plans to try more places there on a future visit."
Neutral"This user confirmed they flew in a day earlier to secure a Semma reservation, considering the change fee worth it."
Positive"This commenter confirmed Semma's authenticity, stating the dosa alone makes the trip worthwhile due to its deep and lasting flavors."
Positive"This user expressed a strong desire to celebrate their birthday at Semma."
Positive"This user, who is Tamil, was impressed by how well Semma presents South Indian food to a Western audience and recommended the payasam to balance the richness of other dishes."
Positive"Semma is suggested as a restaurant that might be open on Thanksgiving, with a question about preferred cuisine or area."
Positive"This user compares Semma's dosa to those found in Curry Hill, stating Semma's is superior due to its buttery crispness, flavorful podi, and well-made accompaniments, although Curry Hill options are decent for their price."
Positive"This commenter expressed surprise and admiration for the original poster flying to NYC specifically for a Semma reservation."
Positive"This user enjoys the Temple Canteen for its price but found Semma's dosa to be better."
Positive"This commenter questions how eating at Temple Canteen would negatively impact jagarico."
Neutral"This commenter expresses a preference for Temple Canteen over Semma, suggesting Semma is for 'gentrifiers' while Temple Canteen remains authentic and affordable for immigrants."
Negative"This commenter ranks Hindu temple canteen in their top 3 but finds it too far to visit often."
Positive"This user informed orangotai that bar seats at Semma are available for walk-ins and suggested arriving early to secure a spot."
Positive"This user agrees that historically cheap foods cannot remain inexpensive indefinitely and that older generations of chefs working on low margins cannot sustain this model."
Positive"This commenter recommended the Gunpowder Dosa, Lobster, Short Rib, and Oxtail at Semma, considering them the only truly worthwhile dishes, with the passionfruit dessert being just 'fine'."
Positive"This commenter expressed a strong desire to dine at Semma for their birthday but finds it difficult to secure a reservation due to constant bookings."
Positive"This user clarified that her husband is adventurous with food but sensitive to spice, and she plans to try Semma with friends first based on the advice given."
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