Authentic Pakistani & Indian fare, open late, great value. Try the haleem, nihari & kebabs!
This long-standing Pakistani restaurant has been a local favorite for decades, offering a no-frills dining experience with consistently great food at unbeatable prices. It's particularly noted for its late-night hours, making it a popular spot for cab drivers and night owls alike. While some find the flavors subtly muted, many rave about the authentic taste and the friendly, accommodating staff.
The restaurant serves authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine. Highly recommended dishes include haleem and chicken bihari kabab, with nihari also being a decent option. Beef kebabs and goat curry are also praised for their great taste and affordability. One reviewer found the food to be authentically mediocre with muted flavors.
"Customers highly recommend the haleem and chicken bihari kabab, with nihari and beef kebabs also being notable options. The goat curry is also praised."
Customers generally have a positive view of the restaurant, praising its authentic flavors, good value, and friendly service, with some noting it as a long-time favorite.
Important Note
One reviewer found the food to be authentically mediocre with muted flavors.
"Haandi is mentioned as one of the cheaper spots on Lexington, previously a go-to before Pippali closed."
Neutral"This commenter recalled Haandi being a good spot when they worked nearby, noting it seemed popular with cabbies and had nice staff."
Positive"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"This commenter states that Haandi is solid and the owner is nice, reinforcing its positive reputation."
Positive"Responding to a query about Haandi, this commenter confirms it's a great place and good value. They mention the buffet might have been discontinued but later clarified it has returned on a limited basis."
Positive"This commenter has been going to Haandi for over 20 years and always leaves satisfied. They previously recommended the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet as a nice change of pace."
Positive"The commenter recommends Haandi, highlighting it as a place to try, especially for Haleem and chicken bihari. They also mention it's a solid choice with a nice owner."
Positive"Haandi is a long-standing Pakistani restaurant near Lexington & 28th, open until 4 AM, popular with cab drivers, and offers different fare than surrounding Indian eateries. It's described as no-frills with great food at unbeatable prices, specifically recommending the beef kebabs and goat curry."
Positive"Haandi is recommended as the spot for Indian food, offering an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet in the basement or the option to order from the main menu upstairs."
Positive"Haandi is mentioned as the cheapest option in Murray Hill for Indian food, priced around $14 or $15, though it can be a bit greasy but tasty."
Positive"This user prefers Haandi for a similar vibe and offering to Curry in a Hurry."
Positive"This commenter simply agreed with a previous statement about Haandi."
Neutral"The commenter stated that Haandi's nihari is decent and one of the only options available in the Curry Hill area. They also mentioned that Haandi's haleem is great and their chicken bihari kabab is good."
Positive"A user found Haandi's food to be authentically mediocre, describing it as mid-quality Pakistani/Indian food with muted flavors, despite decent pricing."
Negative"A user describes Haandi as an "old school" place, recalling positive memories of the counter staff sharing vodka, which contributes to its nostalgic appeal."
Positive"A user recommends Haandi if one is looking for truly authentic Indian food."
Positive
