TLDR
Coastal South Indian and Sri Lankan gem on the UES. Known for crispy hoppers, textbook masala dosa, and dreamy lacy parotas.
Ligaya Mishan and Yuvraj Khanna review Lungi, an Upper East Side destination specializing in the regional cuisines of southern India and Sri Lanka.
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.
Details
Located on the Upper East Side, this Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant [12], [13] brings the authentic, bold flavors of coastal South India and Sri Lanka to a neighborhood that previously lacked such focused offerings [1]. While the space itself has been described as uninspiring [2], the kitchen excels with dishes like lacy, crispy parotas [2] and textbook-perfect masala dosa [1]. It has earned a spot on the prestigious New York Times Top 100 list, solidifying its reputation as a culinary destination [11].
Food Overview
This restaurant specializes in coastal South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine, holding a Bib Gourmand distinction [12], [13]. Reviewers frequently praise the "short eats," including the crisp-brown masala dosa, fluffy hoppers, and exceptionally light parotas [1], [2]. While curries are generally well-regarded for their depth of flavor and spice, some critics find certain gravy-heavy dishes like the kothu roti to be overly soft [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LUNGI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Finding The Spiciest Food In The City Spiciest
"Located on First Ave, the restaurant has been reviewed as one of the hottest in the city."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants You Keep Going Back To Any
"Brief recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Trying To Show My Italian Inlaws A Better Version
"The commenter praises the restaurant for its South Indian and Sri Lankan offerings."
PositiveFrom post: Trying To Show My Italian Inlaws A Better Version
"The commenter notes that while the food is good, the ambiance and service are below average."
NeutralFrom post: Trying To Show My Italian Inlaws A Better Version
"Mentioned as an option if looking for Sri Lankan cuisine."
Neutral