TLDR
Affordable, late-night Pakistani eats on Lexington Ave. Famous for no-frills vibes and unbeatable value.
Details
A long-standing staple on Lexington Avenue, this Pakistani eatery is famous for its no-frills, authentic cuisine that remains a favorite for late-night diners and local cab drivers [4]. Guests appreciate the unbeatable value and consistently high quality, with many loyal patrons returning for over two decades [6]. Beyond the main menu, the restaurant has recently reintroduced a limited all-you-can-eat lunch buffet [8].
Food Overview
Specializing in Pakistani and Mughlai cuisine, the kitchen is well-regarded for its flavorful beef kebabs, goat curry, chicken bihari, and haleem [4], [5], [13]. While the food is generally praised for its taste, some diners find the offerings occasionally greasy [2]. Options include ordering a la carte or enjoying the recently returned, limited-run all-you-can-eat lunch buffet [8].
The beef kebabs and goat curry are frequently highlighted as standout, budget-friendly options [4]. Additionally, the haleem and chicken bihari come highly recommended by diners [5], [13].
Overall feedback is highly positive, with patrons praising the reliable quality, friendly service, and excellent affordability [4], [6], [9]. While some note the food can occasionally be on the greasy side, the general consensus remains that it is a solid and satisfying choice [2].
Most Mentioned Dishes
- 01haleem2 mentions
Caveats
Some visitors have noted that the food can be a bit greasy [2]. Additionally, the all-you-can-eat buffet, which was paused during the pandemic, is only available on a limited, possibly weekend-focused basis [7], [8].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About HAANDI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Pakistani Food Run In The City Anyone We Start W
"The user identifies the haleem served at this restaurant as a decent dish."
PositiveFrom post: Pakistani Food Run In The City Anyone We Start W
"The commenter views this Jackson Heights spot as having low-quality food that is reheated on warmers."
NegativeFrom post: Curry Hill
"Haandi is mentioned as one of the cheaper spots on Lexington, previously a go-to before Pippali closed."
NeutralFrom post: Curry Hill
"This commenter recalled Haandi being a good spot when they worked nearby, noting it seemed popular with cabbies and had nice staff."
PositiveFrom post: Curry Hill Cheap Lunch Eats
"This commenter clarifies that the all-you-can-eat buffet at Haandi was stopped during COVID but has recently been brought back, possibly from Thursday through Sunday."
Positive