TLDR
Flashy East Village spot serving unpretentious, memorable Indian cuisine with a celeb chef & opulent decor.
Instagram Posts References
Bungalow is recognized as a significant Indian restaurant in New York City, noted for its contribution to the evolving Indian culinary landscape. The exterior shot emphasizes its inviting ambiance.
The creator was invited to an exclusive, invitation-only dinner at Bungalow, a restaurant helmed by Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna. She highlighted the restaurant's warm, home-like atmosphere, noting the charming decor, a significant book collection, traditional Indian paintings, and a spacious courtyard. The evening was a special curated dinner event in collaboration with Laxmi, promising a memorable culinary experience.
Bryan Kim reviews Bungalow, an East Village restaurant channeling retro Indian members clubs, praising its unpretentious and memorable Indian cuisine, from enhanced daal to slow-cooked lamb.
Details
Bungalow offers a flashy dining experience in the East Village with a focus on unpretentious yet memorable Indian cuisine [1]. Helmed by celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, the restaurant boasts a stunning, opulent decor, creating an energetic atmosphere [2]. Standout dishes include rich daal, Indian Jewish chicken chitarnee, and slow-cooked Rajasthani lamb, with hearty portions suitable for groups [1].
Food Overview
Bungalow's menu offers a broad survey of Indian cuisine, with dishes that tell personal stories [2]. Standouts include a rich daal, Indian Jewish chicken chitarnee, and a tender Rajasthani lamb slow-cooked for eight hours [1]. While some smaller plates like yogurt kebabs and purple sweet potato chaat can be hit-or-miss, the restaurant is noted for its hearty portions, making it suitable for groups [1]. The chocolate lava cake is frequently praised for its rich flavor [2]. However, some diners found the vegetarian options forgettable and the food mediocre or cold on occasion [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"Standout dishes include Ammi’s lamb chops, Anarkali Chicken with a sweet pomegranate glaze, and spice-roasted pineapple [1]. The chocolate lava cake is also frequently praised for its rich flavor [2]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •chocolate lava cake(2)
- •anarkali chicken(2)
- •ammi’s lamb chops(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customers praise Bungalow for its sublime food, presentation, and service, with the chocolate lava cake being a particular highlight [2]. However, some reviews suggest inconsistent execution and a perception of being overly hyped.
Caveats
Reservations at Bungalow can be extremely difficult to secure, with some users describing it as practically impossible, leading to disappointment and a feeling that it's not worth the effort [1]. There are also mixed reviews regarding food quality, with some finding it mediocre, cold, or forgettable, despite its perceived hype [2], [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BUNGALOW
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: I Ate At The Latest South Indian Standout Kidilum
"This user found Bungalow to be extremely unremarkable based on their experience."
NegativeFrom post: I Ate At The Latest South Indian Standout Kidilum
"Bungalow was listed among several upscale Indian restaurants the user had tried, but they found it to be just decent and not particularly impressive."
NeutralFrom post: I Ate At The Latest South Indian Standout Kidilum
"The author mentioned having another reservation at Bungalow the following week, indicating an interest in trying it."
NeutralFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"Bungalow is mentioned as a highly anticipated restaurant with attainable reservations."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The commenter found Bungalow to be overrated."
NegativeFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The commenter finds Bungalow good but too difficult to secure reservations for."
NeutralFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The commenter simply states that Bungalow is not worth it."
NegativeFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The commenter advises against Bungalow, stating it's not worth the effort."
NegativeFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The commenter states that getting a reservation at Bungalow is practically impossible and suggests it's trendy rather than among the best."
NegativeFrom post: Need Urgent Reccos For Home Cooked Indian Food
"This user suggested that Uber's package delivery option could be used to transport food from Chef Nupur (in Queens) to Manhattan, acknowledging it might be expensive."
NeutralFrom post: Need Urgent Reccos For Home Cooked Indian Food
"This user recommended Chef Nupur, based in Queens, noting she is helpful and can accommodate specific requests. They provided an Instagram link."
PositiveFrom post: Affordable But Upscale Looking Indian Restaurants
"Bungalow was recommended, with a note that getting a reservation might be necessary."
PositiveFrom post: My Almost Month Long Food Journey Through Nyc
"The author rated the Chicken Anakarli 8/10, noting the very friendly service and solid food, but it didn't particularly wow them."
PositiveFrom post: Is Bungalow Nyc Friendly For Solo Diners
"A commenter offered to help the original poster secure a table for one at Bungalow NYC, indicating they have connections there."
NeutralFrom post: Is Bungalow Nyc Friendly For Solo Diners
"A commenter advised the original poster to inform Bungalow NYC about the friend's cancellation and consider sitting at the bar if dining alone, especially since a deposit was likely paid for the second seat."
NeutralFrom post: Is Bungalow Nyc Friendly For Solo Diners
"A commenter explained that some restaurants, like Bungalow NYC, may not be ideal for solo diners, especially concerning reservations and a menu designed for sharing. They suggested requesting a bar seat if dining alone."
NegativeFrom post: Is Bungalow Nyc Friendly For Solo Diners
"A commenter suggested that Bungalow NYC's menu is ideal for larger groups due to the variety of tasty items available for sharing."
PositiveFrom post: Is Bungalow Nyc Friendly For Solo Diners
"After learning the bar serves the full menu, the commenter confirmed Bungalow NYC is delicious and recommended dining there."
PositiveFrom post: Is Bungalow Nyc Friendly For Solo Diners
"A commenter corrected previous information, stating that Bungalow NYC has been serving the full menu at the bar for several months."
PositiveFrom post: Is Bungalow Nyc Friendly For Solo Diners
"A commenter mentioned that Bungalow NYC has a bar area at the front, but initially stated it didn't serve the full menu."
Neutral