First Look at the MasalaWala, Now Serving Desi Street Food on the Lower East
We told you it was coming back in May, and now the MasalaWala is open on Essex Street, further firing up the casual Indian food trend. The menu (see it online here) roves across Desi favorites, offering choose-your-protein “build-a-bowls,” kati rolls, a variety of chaats, and tandoori-grilled meats, among the many options. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there’s a lunch-box special that largely stays below the $10 mark. Owner Roni Mazumdar is a former tech guy, and he’s added some ultracontemporary touches, including biodegradable plates and bowls, free Wi-Fi, and the option to have your receipt e-mailed to you rather than printed out. And, this being the Lower East Side, late-night bar crawlers are not forgotten: The place is open till 3 a.m. during the week, and until 5 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The MasalaWala, 179 Essex St., nr. Houston St.; 212-358-9300
Earlier: With Masala Wala, the Indian Street-Food Trend Heats Up
Related: The Other Fast Food Nation: India [NYM]