Unapologetic Indian w/ unique, forgotten dishes. Adventurous eats like goat kidney & testicles, plus must-try mutton. Dazzling ambiance.
Amber Sutherland-Namako reviews Dhamaka, an "unapologetic Indian" restaurant in Essex Market, highlighting its unique dishes and exciting atmosphere.
Dhamaka, an "unapologetic Indian" restaurant located in Essex Market, offers a unique culinary journey through the lesser-known regions of India. From adventurous dishes like goat kidney and testicles to flavorful mutton preparations, this establishment provides an exciting and memorable dining experience. The restaurant's vibrant ambiance complements its daring menu, making it a must-visit for those seeking authentic and distinctive Indian flavors.
Dhamaka offers a menu described as "the forgotten side of India," featuring adventurous and regional dishes. While many praise the authenticity and bold flavors, with the biryani, crab garlic butter rice, and paneer methi being frequently recommended, some diners find the food excessively salty, greasy, or too spicy for their palate. Vegetarian options are present, but some reviews suggest the menu leans heavily towards meat dishes.
"Highly recommended dishes include the biryani (especially lamb and goat variations), paneer methi, crab garlic butter rice, and Champaran Meat. The Beef Pepper Fry is noted for its intense spice level."
Customers have mixed feelings, with some praising the authentic and flavorful dishes, particularly the biryani and crab, while others find it excessively salty, greasy, or too spicy. There's a recurring theme of the restaurant living up to the hype for some, while others feel it's overhyped.
Important Note
Some diners find the food excessively salty, greasy, or overly spicy. Reservations can be difficult to obtain, and the restaurant's location within Essex Market or its food hall aspect might detract from a desired ambiance for some. There are also comments suggesting limited vegetarian options and a debate about whether the food is truly authentic or designed for wider appeal.
"This commenter agreed with the recommendation for Dhamaka, suggesting it's the closest to Pakistani food due to its yogurt-based curries and goat options. They advised against Gupshup."
Positive"The commenter enjoyed Dhamaka, particularly mentioning their lamb shank nihari as phenomenal. They were unsure if it was still on the menu or considered 'high end'."
Positive"The author suggests that Ishq should be skipped and that Dhamaka would be a good choice."
Positive"The author states that Dhamaka serves some of the best paneer they have ever had."
Positive"A user agrees with the recommendation for Dhamaka."
Positive"Dhamaka is mentioned as an upscale Indian place in the East Village that requires reservations."
Neutral"Dhamaka in the East Village is described as unbelievably good."
Positive"Dhamaka is recommended as an excellent, though not cheap, option."
Positive"Dhamaka is mentioned for not serving roti with appetizers, stating it could only be ordered with main courses, which was inconvenient for the user's preference."
Negative"In response to a query about Dhamaka's Sunday availability, the list creator advised checking the restaurant's website directly, noting that Restaurant Week profiles might not always be up-to-date."
Neutral"The commenter noted that Dhamaka's $60 dinner menu was not available on Sundays, based on their Instagram, and sought confirmation due to conflicting information."
Neutral"The commenter suggests Dhamaka and proposes ordering the lamb feast for a group of three, supplemented by a couple of appetizers."
Neutral"This commenter noted that Dhamaka appears to have several vegetarian options available on its menu."
Neutral"A commenter asked for a resource to differentiate between convenience products and freshly made items."
Neutral"A commenter mentioned that many businesses in Essex Market share food items with each other."
Neutral"Dhamaka is mentioned as a dining option."
Positive"A commenter speculated that Dhamaka might have given out the dessert for free if they received it from a vendor and wanted to avoid waste."
Neutral"This commenter identified the dessert as the 'Panna Cotta Mango Shortbread' from Traiteur de Paris, a wholesale foodservice product, and suggested their products are generally not very good."
Negative"This commenter confirmed the dessert was a 'Coconut mango shortbread'."
Neutral"A commenter identified the dessert as a convenience item made by the French wholesaler Traiteur de Paris."
Neutral
