A Dhaba in Curry Hill

If you love great, authentic India food, in an intimate setting, with accommodating and friendly waiters, then you need to head to Dhaba on Lexington and 27th. Located in “Curry Hill” and modeled after dishes that are popular on the other side of the pond, these dishes have a unique Anglo-Indian flavor.

The name Dhaba, or “Dhabas” translates as eateries commonly found in the outskirts of metros in Northern India and are widely reputed to serve authentic local food. Chef Shiva Natarajan’s creations are so perfectly seasoned and spiced you would think you are eating in Mumbai. India is known as “The Home of Spices”. No other country in the world produces as many kinds of spices as India does. There are over 80 spices grown in different parts of the world and about 50 of these are grown in India. The spices that India can offer in abundance are pepper, turmeric, chili, cardamom, fenugreek, fennel, cumin, dill, coriander, cinnamon, ajowan, cassia, close, nutmeg and mace.

• For starters we had the Kurkuri Bhindi (Crunchy okra, red onions, lime and chaat masala), accompanied by Bread or Naan (Tandoor fired white flour bread).
• Amritsari Aloo Tikki Chaat (Shallow fried potatoes, chickpea masala, onions and chutneys)
• Shrimp Malaiwala (Spiced shrimp, tomatoes, bay leaf, yogurt and fennel)
• Tawa Aloo Gobi (Round potatoes, cauliflower, onions, tomatoes, tawa masala)
• Chicken Balti (A simple stir fried curry prepared in a karahi (wok) with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes)
• Desert or Kulfi – Ice Cream

They have a full bar which includes the best in Indian beer. Try the Kingfisher “The King of Good Times”. It’s India’s most recognized and widely available beer.

Chef Shiva Natarajan was born to a South Indian family and raised in Calcutta. He enjoyed an exposure to both North and South Indian food. This background laid a foundation for his ease with regional Indian food. Shiva’s greatest culinary influence was his Grandmother Savitri who was a local culinary expert. He spent countless hours in the kitchen with her developing what would become his life-long passion for food. He attended high school in India and obtained an MBA at Pace University in New York City. He also traveled throughout India experiencing many different cuisine styles of his native country. Shiva is a veteran to the East Coast restaurant industry having opened seven highly regarded restaurants; Chola and Tadka in New York City, Chola, Malabar Hill and Bombay Bar & Grill in Connecticut, Jaipore Royal Indian Cuisine in Brewster New York and Bombay at the Black Swan Inn in Lee, Massachusetts. Shiva’s cooks have appeared on several TV shows such as The Martha Stewart Show, CBS, NBC and Fox News.

Recipes courtesy of Chef Natarajan and Dhaba

Shrimp Malaiwala

Shrimp Malaiwala

serves 4 people
Ingredients:

• 5 tbs canola oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 lb Shrimp
• 4 large fresh tomatoes
• 1 large onion
• 1 tsp fennel
• 1 tsp tamarind pulp
• 2 tsp garlic (chopped)
• 5 tsp light cream
• Less than ½ tsp turmeric
• 4 fresh coriander leaves
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Sautee onions, garlic and tamarind pulp in the canola oil
2. Add fresh tomatoes, ginger and turmeric – cook for 8 minutes
3. Add water to make a light gravy
4. Add shrimp, fresh coriander, and fennel to dish – cook for 3 minutes
5. Add salt to taste

Tawa Aloo Gobi

Tawa Aloo Gobi

Serves 4 people
Ingredients

• 8 tbs canola oil
• ½ cup water
• ½ lb cauliflower (cut in cubes)
• ½ lb potatoes (cut in cubes)
• 1 tsp cumin roasted and grounded
• 1 tsp dry fenugreek
• 1 tsp roasted coriander
• 4 fresh coriander leaves
• 1 tbs ginger (Julienne cut)
• 1 tsp garlic (crushed)
• Less than ½ tsp turmeric
• I large onion (cubed)
• 10 cherry tomatoes
• 1 red bell peepper
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Sauté garlic, onions and tomatoes in canola oil
2. Add cauliflower and potatoes – continue to sauté
3. Add water for potatoes and cauliflower to cook
4. Add cumin, roasted coriander, turmeric, and sauté while adding a little oil
5. Once the above ingredients seem cooked, add fresh ginger, coriander leaves and salt to taste

Dhaba Indian Cuisine
108 Lexington Avenue
Between 27 & 28th Street
New York, NY10016
www.highwaydhaba.com