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Pongal: Discover Authentic South Indian Delights in NYC

Pongal, an authentic Indian restaurant located in the heart of Manhattan, offers a unique culinary experience with a focus on vegetarian dishes. The restaurant prides itself on providing a variety of vegan options, traditional desserts, and a warm ambiance for its guests. Customers rave about the flavorful dishes, such as Pani Poori, Gujarati Thali, and Rava Mysore Masala Dosa, highlighting the perfect seasoning and balance. With friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, Pongal is a must-visit spot for those craving delicious South Indian cuisine in New York City.

Pongal at a glance

  • Address 103 Lexington Ave Flr Grd Suit A Manhattan, NY 10016
  • Phone (212) 696-9458
  • Restaurant type Vegetarian restaurant , Health food restaurant , Indian restaurant , Kosher restaurant , South Indian restaurant , Vegan restaurant .
  • Popular for Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Pongal: Reviews & Ratings

Akshay Kapuria
5

We had a wonderful dining experience at this traditional Indian restaurant. The South Indian thali was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented, offering a perfect balance of flavors—from aromatic sambar and chutney to flavorful vegetable curries, soft idlis, crispy dosa & Medu Vada. Each item tasted fresh and authentically prepared. The portion size was generous, making the thali very satisfying and great value for money. The atmosphere of the restaurant was warm and welcoming, with a calm traditional vibe that made the meal even more enjoyable. What truly stood out was the staff—polite, attentive, and always ready to help with a smile. Overall, it was a delightful experience, and I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking to enjoy authentic South Indian food in a comfortable and friendly setting.

Abha Gupta
5

Such an underrated gem. Me and my husband would anyday skip sarvana bhavan and go to Pongal. Authentic south indian food and top of the chart hospitality. We tried their mysore thali and most recommended Madras Rava Masala dosa. Crispy till the last bite loaded with flavors! Their idly needs to get better - it was cold and dry so avoid that. Great food and good service!

Nathan M.
5

OMG By far the best Indian Food in Curry Hill! The addition of Bombay Street Food is awesome. Mutter Paneer off the charts. Bhel Puri fantastic. We have been coming for over 20+ years and they have NEVER disappointed! In fact my wife went into labor shortly after an amazing meal here and we gave birth to a beautiful baby girl who loves Pongal. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Anmol Shah
5

Tipu was gave us great service. The south indian food was amazing especially the idli, dosa, and the very best madras chai. As an indian, i truly recommend.

IM IM
5

This place came highly recommended by my friend Mohini, and it truly lives up to the praise. Pongal is a gem for authentic Indian cuisine. The food is purely vegetarian and absolutely delicious, with a comforting, homemade quality that really stands out. Their dosas and thalis are among the best I’ve had in NYC fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. The service is another highlight: attentive, friendly, and patient, especially when helping navigate the extensive menu. The ambiance is cute and colorful with comfortable seating, making it a relaxed spot for both casual lunches and dinners, whether you’re dining solo or with a group. If you’re looking for authentic Indian vegetarian food paired with great service and a cozy setting, Pongal is a must visit.

M W
5

DELICIOUS food, very friendly and attentive service, and very reasonable prices. Extensive menu of South Indian delights. Would happily come back!

Sana Khan
5

Pongal has been one of my favorite eateries for YEARS. Their rava masala dosa is my favorite, and their chef Dipti is simply amazing. Thank you to Pongal’s Manager Tipu and his team including Rahul for their excellent customer service!

Shannon Lafont
5

I got the papadum and dosai with onion and malasa, they were excellent and the service was excellent too!! The waiter was always attentive and kind.

Location

  • Pongal
    Pongal
    103 Lexington Ave Flr Grd Suit A Manhattan, NY 10016 Hotline: (212) 696-9458

Located in the heart of Manhattan, Pongal is a must-visit destination for lovers of Indian cuisine. This vegetarian spot offers a wide array of delicious desserts that will transport your taste buds to Gujarat. With options for delivery, takeout, and reservations, Pongal provides a convenient and enjoyable dining experience.

Customer reviews rave about the unique dishes served at Pongal, such as the Pani Poori and Gujarati Thali. The thali, in particular, stands out for its well-balanced flavors and unexpected elements like the fried pocket with lentils and vegetables. The saffron, cardamom, and pistachio yogurt dessert is a fan favorite, adding a delightful finish to the meal.

With a welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and a diverse menu that includes vegan options, Pongal caters to all types of diners. Whether you're a fan of spicy curries, crispy dosas, or refreshing lassis, this Indian restaurant has something to satisfy every craving.

If you're in the mood for authentic South Indian cuisine in a lively setting, Pongal is the place to be. Don't miss out on the opportunity to sample their mouthwatering dishes and immerse yourself in the flavors of Gujarat.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Has no-contact delivery
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards