Authentic Sri Lankan & South Indian flavors, featuring standout dosas and hoppers.
Sonal Shah reviews Lungi, an Upper East Side spot for coastal South Indian and Sri Lankan food, praising its crisp dosas and fluffy hoppers as a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Discover a taste of South India and Sri Lanka on the Upper East Side, where authentic flavors take center stage. Indulge in highlights like the perfectly crisp masala dosa and delicate, fluffy hoppers, ideal for scooping up rich curries. While some dishes may lean towards the heavier side, the unique regional specialties and dishes like the flavorful Eggplant Moju make it a compelling culinary destination.
This restaurant offers a delightful journey into South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine, with standout dishes like the 'textbook-perfect' masala dosa and fluffy hoppers being frequently recommended. While dishes like Chicken 65 and Kerala-style beef are also praised, some find the curries can be heavy-handed. The Sunday Banana Leaf Special Meal is a good value sampler, though gravies can become repetitive. Kothu Roti was noted as being too mushy in one review, but the Eggplant Moju is a highlight for its sweet and tangy profile.
"Highly recommended dishes include the textbook-perfect masala dosa, fluffy hoppers, and the satisfyingly sweet and tangy Eggplant Moju. The Sunday Banana Leaf Special Meal is also a good value sampler."
Customers generally have a positive experience at this establishment, with particular praise for its authentic South Indian and Sri Lankan flavors and unique dishes like hoppers and dosas. Some find certain curries to be a bit heavy, but the overall consensus points to a delicious and worthwhile dining experience.
Important Note
The banana leaf service is only available for Sunday brunch, and some find the curries can be a bit heavy-handed. Mid-week takeout may not be ideal.
"Lungi is mentioned as a place in Manhattan that, if their spicy offerings aren't enough, the user might be out of luck for spicier options in the borough."
Neutral"This commenter clarifies that the banana leaf service at Lungi is only available for Sunday brunch."
Neutral"This commenter suggests Lungi for a proper thali served on banana leaves at a reasonable price."
Positive"The user mentioned Lungi as a preferred spot for South Indian cuisine, but noted it's not ideal for mid-week takeout."
Positive"Recommends Lungi, clarifying that it serves Sri Lankan cuisine, not Indian. This was suggested as it could fit the original poster's request for a banana leaf style meal."
Positive"Strongly recommends Lungi for the banana leaf dining experience sought by the original poster (who was looking for Indian options), assuring they won't regret it. Lungi is known to serve Sri Lankan cuisine."
Positive"Commenter finds Lungi delicious and clarifies its location is E 62nd St/UES, not technically upper Manhattan."
Positive"Commenter recently visited Lungi for the first time and enjoyed it."
Positive"Recommends Lunghi in (incorrectly identified as) Upper Manhattan for Sri Lankan and South Indian food, relevant to the original post's request."
Positive"For Kothu Paratha, try Lungi, a South Indian/Sri Lankan restaurant in uptown."
Neutral
