South Indian & Sri Lankan coastal delights! Expect textbook dosas, fluffy hoppers, and a standout Banana Leaf Meal.
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.
This Upper East Side gem offers a culinary journey through coastal South Indian and Sri Lankan flavors. Renowned for its textbook-perfect dosas and fluffy hoppers, the restaurant also impresses with dishes like Chicken 65 and Kerala-style beef. While the ambiance might be understated, the food, especially the Sunday Banana Leaf Special Meal and the unique Eggplant Moju, makes it a must-visit for authentic regional cuisine.
Specializing in coastal South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine, this restaurant is praised for its 'textbook-perfect, crisp-brown masala dosa' and 'fluffy hoppers.' Other highlights include Chicken 65 and Kerala-style beef. The Sunday Banana Leaf Special Meal is a generous sampler, and dishes like Eggplant Moju are lauded. Some curries can be heavy-handed, and one reviewer found the kothu roti to be mushy, but overall, the food is considered a strong draw, offering authentic regional flavors.
"The Kothu Paratha is specifically recommended. Dishes like the Masala Dosa and Hoppers are highlighted as exceptional, and the Sunday Banana Leaf Special Meal and seafood thali platter are also praised."
Customers generally have a very positive impression of the restaurant, highlighting the delicious and authentic South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine, with specific praise for dishes like dosas, hoppers, and thalis.
Important Note
One commenter noted that the banana leaf dining experience is only available for Sunday brunch. Another mentioned that the restaurant might not be ideal for mid-week takeout. Some dishes, particularly the curries, can be heavy-handed, and one reviewer found the kothu roti to be overly mushy.
"This user mentioned Lungi on the UES, suggesting it serves South Indian-Sri Lankan cuisine. They also noted it's pretty good and offers a good deal on the thali special."
Positive"Lungi on the UES specifically offers Sri Lankan and Tamil food, although the user has only tried the thali there and is not certain if it is Tamil."
Positive"Lungi offers fantastic South Indian/Sri Lankan seafood dishes. The commenter loves their red snapper curry and recommends the seafood thali platter for lunch."
Positive"This restaurant is mentioned as an Indian establishment that typically serves halal food."
Positive"The user recommends Lungi on the UES as an easy place to get reservations last minute."
Positive"This user mentioned Lungi as a fancier Sri Lankan restaurant option in Manhattan, suggesting it as an alternative for Kerala-style food. Sigri was also mentioned as a similar option."
Neutral"Lungi on the Upper East Side was recommended as a local and lesser-known Indian restaurant, suggested as a better alternative to trendy or expensive Indian dining options."
Positive"The user had a good Thali at Lungi, which offers seafood, meat, or vegetable options. The comment was in response to a query about Indian lunch buffets or Thali combos."
Positive"Lungi is recommended as a restaurant option that can cater to both vegan and non-vegan diners, fitting the user's general cuisine preferences."
Positive"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
