Oh, it’s good to be back in the big city! And what’s better than kicking off my return to the epicenter of America with some good ol’ authentic Indian food? Now, I’ve been a bit disgruntled ever since I moved out of Chelsea. My go-to Indian delivery, Minar, is blocks away and I haven’t had the time to experiment with Indian in Hell’s Kitchen… until now.

Aaheli, smooshed between storefronts on 9th btwn 54th and 55th, is ridiculously good. Not only are the prices extremely reasonable, but the North and South Indian cuisine is perfectly authentic with a ton of veggie options. Not to mention, their $9.95 lunch buffet is probably the best deal in the city... 

I ordered take-out and was happy to find that all entrees come with a heaping portion of basmati rice. I decided on one of my favorite dishes- Vegetable Tikka Masala (veggies in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, $8), and asked for some paneer cubes in there as well. I love me some paneer. As an appetizer, I ordered the North Indian street food, Aloo Tikki- a dish comprised of spiced potato cutlets atop chickpeas and puffed lentils, drizzled with tamarind sauce and yogurt ($3). 

I swept in to pick up my order within 15 minutes and took a quick glance around the place on my way out. There certainly is something to be said about Aaheli’s intimate atmosphere. It’s a dark, tiny place with only about 10 tables or so. A few couples were quietly enjoying a romantic dinner- just the thing for a place like this. I can’t wait to return on a date night to get the full Aaheli experience. 

As I began to unpack the 5 lb bag containing my savvy Indian feast, I noticed something strange: the portions are gigantic. My Aloo Tikki appetizer could have easily filled me if I was less ravenous- and that was only $3! And aside from the quantity, the quality was outstanding. My Vegetable Tikka Masala was easily the best I’ve ever had- filled with chunks of cauliflower, potato and homemade paneer- and none of it was mushy. They didn’t hold back on the heat, either. 

My Aloo Tikki was both salty and sweet, crunchy and creamy. The textures made each bite a new experience. I also enjoyed the small complimentary containers of tamarind syrup, cilantro sauce and onion chutney to add into the rice. 

I’ll be back to Aaheli. Heck, it might even be my new Minar. The food was delicious and I have plenty left over for a hearty lunch tomorrow. This why I missed New York- two steps in any direction, and you’re standing in front of a neighborhood gem.