An "unapologetic Indian" gem in Essex Market, serving the "forgotten side of India." W/ unique regional dishes & adventurous options.
Amber Sutherland-Namako reviews Dhamaka, an "unapologetic Indian" restaurant in Essex Market, highlighting its unique dishes and exciting atmosphere.
infatuation reviews Dhamaka, a Lower East Side gem serving the "forgotten side of India" with standout dishes like housemade paneer and Nalli Biryani.
Dhamaka, situated within Essex Market, is a celebrated Indian restaurant that brings the "forgotten side of India" to the forefront. Operated by the team behind Adda and Semma, it offers a unique selection of regional dishes, including adventurous options and standout items like housemade paneer and Nalli Biryani. The immersive dining experience and distinctive flavors make it a must-visit on the Lower East Side.
Dhamaka offers regional Indian cuisine, focusing on less common dishes. The food is frequently described as bold, spicy, and flavorful, with standout dishes including the lamb biryani, paneer, crab garlic butter rice, and Champaran Meat. Some diners found the spice level too intense, and a few mentioned greasiness or a lack of vegetarian options, though others praised the vegetarian dishes.
"Highly recommended dishes include the lamb biryani, paneer methi, beef pepper fry, crab garlic butter rice, and Champaran Meat. The goat biryani and goat neck biryani are also frequently praised."
Customers generally have a very positive sentiment towards Dhamaka, praising its unique regional Indian dishes, bold flavors, and highly recommended items like the lamb biryani and paneer. However, some find it excessively spicy or greasy.
Important Note
Some reviews mention that the restaurant can be excessively spicy, greasy, or that vegetarian options are limited. Its location within a food hall (Essex Market) is also noted by some as a potential drawback for ambiance.
"The commenter raves about Dhamaka's Beef Pepper Fry, calling it perfection and a dish they return for every two weeks after trying beef for the first time."
Positive"Dhamaka on the LES is highly recommended, with the commenter stating it serves the spiciest Indian dishes they have ever had."
Positive"This commenter suggested Dhamaka, noting an open 7:30 reservation for Saturday."
Positive"Following up on a previous negative comment, this user described the goat preparation at Dhamaka as tasting like 'shit' and a must-avoid."
Negative"This commenter also had a negative experience at Dhamaka, stating they hated it and only tasted salt."
Negative"The commenter strongly advised against Dhamaka, calling the food the worst possible and to avoid it at all costs."
Negative"Dhamaka was recommended in response to the post about Indian restaurants."
Positive"Agreed that the butter pepper garlic crab at Dhamaka is very good."
Positive"Recommended the butter pepper garlic crab at Dhamaka."
Positive"The commenter expressed fondness for Baingan Bharta and Paratha, reminiscing about enjoying them while growing up, and wished the original poster a happy birthday."
Positive"The author loved their meal at Dhamaka, highlighting the Garlic Butter Crab and Goat Rosht as the best dishes. They would skip the Daal next time and mentioned they enjoy Semma slightly more but find Dhamaka easier to get reservations at."
Negative"The commenter recalls loving Dhamaka during the early post-Covid years."
Positive"The commenter recommends Dhamaka as a place for unapologetic Indian food."
Positive"This user mentioned goat biryani at Dhamaka as a recommended dish."
Positive"This user mentioned Dhamaka as being easier to get into and still their favorite Indian spot in the city."
Positive"This user lists Dhamaka as a high-quality option for dining out, implicitly contrasting it with delivery options like Taco Mahal."
Positive"I liked Dhamaka, but I wouldn't fight for a reservation."
Positive"There are some good places at Essex Market, including Dhamaka. I don't view it as a must-visit, but it's a good stopover if you're in the area."
Positive"I really enjoyed Dhamaka during a recent stay in the neighborhood."
Positive"Dhamaka is amazing."
Positive
