Madras Mahal

My boy friend and I was looking forward to eat at the Madras Mahal on 10/31/09. We were there around 12.45PM. There was no label for each items on the buffet and when we ask the cashier, he doesn't know the name of some of the food. He went inside the kitchen to find out and didn't come out with the info. He was on the phone all that time. The food was cold, I asked one of the staff to heat up my food in the microwave, he said yes and went inside the kitchen but didn't return. Left me standing and waiting for 2minutes. Then I asked who I believe is a chef came out to check on buffet. He was rude and totally refuse to heat my food in the plate, instead of accomadating and apologizing. Palak Paneer tasted sour, never had palak paneer so bad like they served. It taste like they made it with old milk. I did not enjoy my lunch that time. I guess they don't care about customer service since they keep getting the business. Once was very good, it is now ancient history. Not going there anymore.

Posted 11/04/09

Came here once before for a party and liked the food a lot so I brought my husband back with a coupon from Restaurant(dot)com. We presented the coupon before ordering and the waiter said he would take it at the end, once we had ordered the minimum $40 worth of food. The service was slow, but we didn't care because the food was good. However, when we handed over the coupon at the end of the meal, the server argued that our non-alcoholic drinks didn't count towards the minimum. This restriction was not indicated on the coupon and he knew when we ordered we were trying to reach the minimum, so he should have told us the drinks didn?t apply then. We asked for a manager; another waiter came over, said the same thing and said the owner wouldn't apply the coupon. We argued some more, stood our ground, and they finally brought the bill with the applied discount, without apology. We paid cash to avoid sitting their longer, but not before I visited the bathroom...to find FECES on the floor! It was disgusting, will never go back.

Pros: Food does taste good

Cons: Slow Service, Rude Staff, Unsanitary Bathroom

Posted 10/29/09

I have been eating here regularly for the last few months and the food has been consistently excellent. The uthappam are particularly good. This is one of only a couple of restaurants in the area that denotes which items have dairy and which don't (and also spicy vs. non-spicy), which is very convenient for vegans.

Pros: delicious, freshly-prepared; indicates dairy-free for vegans

Cons: occasionally service can be a little slow, but overall fine

Posted 10/09/09

Went to this place on July 4th with family after the fireworks and had the worst experience ever. The waiters were extremely rude. One person dropped the menu and the next waiter came right after to ask us if we were ready. The waiters kept strolling up an down the restaurants acting busy, while a another person with a hat kept bringing peoples food from the kitchen. We could never quite figure out who was our server was since three waiters came to clear the table as we were in the middle of our dinner. We actually had to raise our voices when it was clear to the waiters that we wer actually working on our food.

The place looked quite unhygenic as well. The child seat belt was broken, the bathroom floor was all wet (had to actually tip-toe around).

When the bill finally arrived we figured why the service was so bad. The gratuity is included for parties or 4 and above. The fat lady at the counter hardly cared about your experience or your complaints. As we were complaining about our experience, she hardly lifted her head above from counting some one else's bill.

Am extremely surprised that this place is still in business, especially with some other excellent restaurants around. Would never visit this place again.

Pros: Food - half way decent

Cons: Overall extremely bad dining experience

Posted 07/05/09

Ended up in Madras Mahal last weekend as it came highly recommended by one of my close friends with my husband and my mother in law. Place was packed so it was a good sign. We were greeted graciously and seated promptly. We knew what we were going to order so wasted no time and so for appetizers we ordered Iddly in rasam bowl, Samosa (of course), Mix appertizer platter,for drink Taj Mahal beer & 2 mango Lassis, and for main course we had Palak paneer, Channa masala with wheat breads and my husband ordered Gujurt Thali. Food was amazing, each and every item that was ordered was over. Of course Palak Paneer was winner and thier mango lassi is out of the world since I am a fan of lassi I like it thick and not too sweet and it was just right. Over all experience in madras mahal was satisfying and pleasing, decor is nice,simple and clean, service is great also. Thanks Madras Mahal for the great evening.

Pros: Mango Lassi,Palak Paner, Guju Thali, Channa Masala, Samosa, Mix Appt

Cons: Wish they had one in Brooklyn

Posted 10/24/08

i have no doubt n saying this is the worst place i ever tried for food.very unprofessional people.manager at the front-big women is very rude.food is very suboptimal, place looks unhygenic(saw roches),saw waiters picking there nose.gross. would never go there again.if u guys have concern about hygeine,care about ur money,want to have decent meal--then this is not the place for u.if there was a star less than one i would choose that.

Pros: none

Cons: unhygenic,rude people.

Posted 05/11/08

This is our 500000 visit to Madras, I used to come with my family when I was 14 years old and is always a pleasure and good time to eat here. If I know anything about Indian food is all because of Madras Mahal. They cook good, they serve well and they know how to make a customer feel right at home. At least that's how my family feels, they have catered to my sister's wedding and it was excellent. I take many of my Indian friends and they all enjoy and are now regular at madras Mahal. Lady Host is excellent, respectful & welcoming to her guests. Recently one of my friend had come with her 7 year old son who refused to eat there simply because he wanted to eat pizza so father bought him pizza slice from outside to eat in Madras Mahal,lady owner noticed and requested them to not eat it in the restaurant simply because it is their policy and is "KOSHER" and not allowed outside food. My friend Jeena's husband was quite upset at the lady for now allowing his son to eat and said quite harsh things to lady which I thought was ridiculous for him to act that way and fail to understand company's policy and I am quite embarrassed with that scenario because I was caught up in middle and I was unable to stop him from making fool of himself but I am sorry on their behalf . Anyways I enjoy food at Madras Mahal they been serving finest southern Indian food for over 15 years and they are doing a fantastic job I recommend this place to everyone who wants the best south Indian food.

Posted 03/07/08

Very tasty food ... lots of good food will have to go again to try some more goodies. We were group of 20 people had reservation at similar concept restaurant starts with T ends wit A Hint*, but they over booked us and made us wait 20mins which was ridiculous. So finally we ended up at this joint and discovered delicious Dosas and papadams.. and of course we order lot more over 20 dishes for our huge group. It was overall fun night, with great service. All our dishes were served on time and we had blast.

Posted 03/07/08

We were 17 people dining that night. Not even one was satisfied. The service was Ok, but the manager/owner was very rude and nasty, who made my 4 year old daughter step out in bitter cold because she had a small left over slice of pizza, which she wanted to take bite from. Not only that ,the food is not even close to what it should taste like. Uttapams were not properly cooked.Rasam was tasteless. Dosas were not good.

Posted 03/04/08

Jackpot for Dosas Lovers. This place has so much to offero once can see proprietor's effort and love for the food they sell.
1. Ambiance gives a very clean and fresh look to the place
2. Service very attentive and friendly
3. Food is delicious, fresh and healthy (No grease)
so Excellent Ambiance + Delicious rounded food + Great Service = Worthwhile trip and well money spend :)

I was on Lexington with my husband last Saturday craving for Spicy South Indian Food, I was amazed to see so many similar concept eatery on the same block. We were browsing through restaurant's reviews, menu and ambiance just to satisfy our taste buds. We came saw pongal was too dark and gloomy nothing exciting in the menu so we walked towards Madras Mahal saw impressive reviews and menu looked delicious, since my husband is Gujurati and so there Gujurati thali was inevitable and we decided to try out this place. Whoa.. place was jam packed I guess that was a great sign we were in the right place.

I ordered their Mahal special Rava Dosa which I asked to make it spicy and crispy and My husband Dipesh ordered Gujarati thali our Lady server was nice and friendly. Our food came in 15 - 20 mins with mouth watering smell and we took our first bite and were in heaven def the best Dosa I had after India. Even my husband found his order to be extremely authentic and flavorful which was a bonus that we were more than satisfied with our order and that's rare. I just wished they do better presentation with all their delicious dishes which would be a great benefit for their business.

My Husband and I Highly recommend this place and get right taste of Indian food.

Pros: Rava Dosa, Gujurati Thali, Mango lassi, Lady owner, staff, ambience

Cons: parking,

Posted 03/02/08

I had the best time at the "Madras Mahal". A bunch of us friends wanted to celebrate a birthday in NYC and we wanted to have a really nice, authentic, exotic, dinner. Madras Mahal introduced us to a harmony of Eastern flavor and Western aura. The atmosphere was so serene and welcoming. The food was the best in its class. The Dosa was crisp on the outside and tender on the inside... golden to perfection. The chef had made it with the exact level of spice that my tasatebuds were looking for. The service was impeccable. Everything was good. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that is looking for a great place to eat and have a cozy chat with a few friends. Its the perfect mixture of fun and flavor!

Pros: staff, host, food, clean ambience, two thumbs up

Cons: Parking.

Posted 10/22/07

I had Onion Rava masala dosa and I loved it. It was right crisp with authentic sambar (lentil soup). I am very impressed by dishes I had ordered but dosa was exceptional.

Cons: Tasty . very tasty

Posted 10/17/07

I am a vegan and was searching for a decent vegetarian place one of my neighbours recommended Madras Mahal and I went with my cousin not sure what to expect and I asked for help in suggesting something less spicy and vegan. There was this lady hostess who was good help as she mostly place an order for all the items. I had channa masala (chik peas) and my cusin had beigan bharta(rosted eggplant) with paratha. ..Oh and for starters we had delicious samosa. I and my cousin both had delicious food and fairly good service. I do suggest this place for nice quite dinner with lots of warm welcoming. Hostess there is superb and very helpful.

Pros: Great Indian Dining - Best for vegans

Posted 10/17/07

I tried this place after reading these reviews here, but unfortunately, maybe it was'nt a good day, my experience was not as good as others have mentioned here. Maybe my expectations were too high.

Posted 08/05/07

Ordered Mysore Thali & My husband ordered Madras Dinner, And it was delicious. We usually go to next door at pongal but after receiveing a worst service and experiencing worst food ever we decided to look around somewhere else and we are glad that we choose this restaurant everything was decent and wover all we had great time.

Pros: So far soo good, Mysore thali & Madras Dinner

Posted 07/17/07

Place is great, their south Indian dishes are just perfect blend of all the spice. Whenever I visited I had good time. I have been to Pongal but the service is horrible and their food is clumsy.

Pros: everthing on Menu

Cons: Need to one more location in NY

Posted 07/05/07

The South Indian fare isn't very good - not bad, but not good. The sambar in particular needs to be improved. Also, it should be served hot always - not lukewarm. The North Indian dishes on the menu, by contrast, were good.

Better South Indian food can be found at Pongal, Chennai Garden or Saravanna'a (in that order).

Pros: The North Indian dishes

Cons: The sambar

Posted 06/26/07

Ok may be it sounds like i might me over doing it, But seriously food here is marvelous. I been coming to Madras Mahal since i was in college so is been over 10 years and this place has always served best dosa & best north indian curries. I have raved about this place to many of my coworker & friend and we take our buffets 2times a week. Only indian place in murray hill that serves fresh buffet with unique dishes & mouthwatering Desserts.

Pros: Best Best Best Everything

Cons: :)

Posted 06/05/07

I went to this place looking to have some delicious indian food but turned out to be the worst place I've ever been to. I'm an indian who have tasted a variety of indian food but this is the first time i've tasted something like this. The food is really bad here. I guess they serve leftovers from the previous day coz some of the dishes tasted very stale and I fell sick right after going home. Some of the curry powder were still floating on the surface of the gravies and weren't properly cooked. This happens when we just use ready made mixes from the indian store and don't wait for it to cook properly. Not an authentic place. Don't waste your time going here. Save your money!

Pros: Quiet place

Cons: Bad food

Posted 05/29/07

Last Month Madras Mahal did catering to my 10th wedding anniversary, Since i am dosa fan i wanted dosa for all my guest, so i approached Madras Mahal if they could cater for 70 people and Manager there was truely helpful and understanding of my budget gave me good price. He also provided me thier own chef to serve dosa on live station athe party. I had my other fav Palak Paneer and Chanamasala with dessert Badam Halwa. All my guest wouldnt stop raving about food. I was glad and stress free since the big part of the event was "food" which everyone enjoyed it. I hightly recommend this place to anyone whos looking to have traditional indian meal Andnot many know but they do also cater.

Pros: Dosas, Palak Panir, Chana Masala, Mango Lasi

Cons: Need one more location in White plains

Posted 04/25/07

Tasty Dosas. Also thier veg buffet is far better than any restaurant on that block. I have recommended many of my coworkers to this plac

Pros: Mango lassi, Rava dosa

Posted 04/18/07

Mouthwatering Rava Dosas & Mango Lassi. I am a regular customer at madras mahal and never had dissapointing moment always left with a smile. Love thier pure decor and soothing music.

Pros: Dosas, Lassi

Cons: Wish they had one in NJ

Posted 11/07/06

Wow some serious dosa cooking here.

I enjoyed it a lot, must try RAVA MASALA DOSA. - YOU WILL THANK ME
THEN for dessert badam halwa, mouth watering.

Pros: dosas, badam halwa, uttampama

Posted 09/23/06

so couple of my friends after long day at work were looking to have south indian food, so one of our friend recommended Madras Mahal. So we made reservation for 4 people, we got there and staff was very welcoming and smiley very rare in indian restaurants. So then we ordered like 5 different dosa since we were all longing for dosas. And wow food came right on time, dosas were looking just great. We all had great time, and also service wise this place is A+. I think so far Madras Mahal has the best dosa in NYC. Being south Indian myself i truely enjoyed THE typical sambar taste FROM SOUTH (spicy soup) with my crispy "RAVA MASALA DOSA". ...Strongly Recommended. We all 4 friends left with the big smile and big tummy.

Pros: Rava Masala Dosa, Mahal Special, All the combination Dinners

Cons: Just try it out yourslef..Is great

Posted 09/03/06

Incredible crispy dosa with perfect blend of spices. We had great time at Madras Mahal, with fantastic(simple yet Elegant) decor. indeed this one is far more better than any other south indian restaurant in NYC. I just cannot wait to go back and order rava Masala dosa is simply delicious

Pros: incredible food, Great service, great time with Family

Cons: need other Madras Mahal in NJ

Posted 08/13/06

Granted I haven't been to many other restaurants that serve this genre of food but there might be a reason why... This place is great. The food is addicting, the wait staff is really nice, the atmosphere is so inviting, and you can't beat their Masala chai & Badam Halva (YUMMI). However, if you want a place where you never see another living soul for the duration of your meal this isn't the place for you. The wait staff is always bustling about refilling your drink, clearing away unwanted plates, and catering to your every whim. From now on if i am craving indian veg food Madras Mahal is only place :)

Pros: Best service, Badam Halva dessert, best dosa in town

Cons: really don't have much to say here

Posted 08/08/06

Nothing about this restaurant was pleasant. This is coming from someone who is relatively easy to please. The food was bland and the service was horrendous. At one point, I spilled my water glass--when I informed the waiter of this he said he would clean it up--he never got around to it. We ended up cleaning the water up ourselves. My boyfriend and I couldn't figure out how this place could stay in business. It was, by far, the worst dining experience ever!!! We would have had a better time at home, eating a microwaved veggie burger! Save yourself--STAY AWAY!!!

Cons: Service, Bland Food, Everything

Posted 03/25/06

Was not impressed with this place for various reasons, the dinner was a bit pricey, the buffet was extremely limited and the service was nice but apathetic at the same time. Its a vegan's dream here, but a meat lover's nightmare.

Pros: Value, Service

Cons: Food, Ambiance

Posted 11/21/05

Definately the best out of all the other indian casual dinning restaurant. it has great selection of the menu including north, west , and south indian cuisine. good service and great value. Must try their Weekend Specials.
Mind Blowing new items...

Pros: Menu, New Items, Tasty food

Posted 05/22/05

For the money, you can't beat this please. The dishes are well presented; prepared with a little flare. Often, I find that Indian restaruants tend to over-cook their food, but not Madras Mahal. The portions were generous, and while the prices were very reasonable, the decor was not no-frills in the least. The added bonus is Madras Mahal adheres to strick kosher guidelines, something they accomplish without compromising their menu since it's a vegetarian restaurant. Yet, on the evening I had dinner there with several friends, the patrons were diverse. Whether you're kosher or not, I think you'll like the food here and it won't put a major dent in your wallet.

Posted 03/15/05

I saw this Restaurant on Fox 5 the other morning and i thought of giving a visit. they got some are great vegetarian food. service is good. the owners are usually there and they are very kind people. must try their dosas. curies are nice and made to your spice level. They deliver as well. Also things you do wanna keep in mind that there's a special menu on weekend as weekend special. 22" dosas are really cool on the table when you have a party to ammuse.
overall great dinning experience. tasty food.

Pros: Dosas, Curries, Mango Lassi

Posted 10/19/04

I would for sure recommend this one to anyone who likes Indian food. It was amazing. Go and Enjoy and rate it yourself, don't take my word for it! This is the first time I'm writing a restaurant review because I was so impressed by their food!

Pros: great buffet, tasty food, continuous water

Posted 11/30/03

TRY THE CHANA SAG - EXCEPTIONAL. SPICES ARE BALANCED SO YOU ARE NOT OVERWHELMED BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER MEALS

Pros: FRESH & TASTY, INEXPENSIVE, DEMONSTRATIVE MENU

Posted 11/02/03

weekends are the time to go when the menu expands - the dosa, vara and iddly combos are fantastic. if only the service could be a little more friendly.

Posted 02/19/03

If you've never had South-Indian food, or if you are already a South-Indian food lover, head straight here. Take it from a Madras-born Indian girl. Wherever I go, I order a Rava Dosa which is best-described as a crispy Indian crepe (made with cream of wheat, so a bit of crispy texture and very tasty!). Here I ordered the Mysore Rava Masala Dosa -spicy and filled with a scrumptious potato filling. The dipping sauces, sambar and coconut chutney, were better than most South-Indian restaurants. It's hard to beat home-cooked!

Pros: Rava Masala Dosa, Appetizers, Choice/variety

Cons: sambar ndsimprovement, benches uncomfy

Posted 02/06/03

Decor/space here is fine, but the food is consistently excellent! To start, try the 'Kuchumber' for an unique salad, as well as their crispy, fresh samosas. The dosas here are delicious (and huge!, so small-eaters be warned!) esp. their 'onion rava' dosa. They also serve a delicious buttery 'badam halwa' to finish on a sweet note. The service can sometimes be rushed, but they truly work hard, and are always willing to accomodate you (our party was able to get a specially requested spiced chai not on the menu!)

Pros: Consistent food!, Great prices for NYC

Cons: Decor could be better, Service is rushed

Posted 06/25/02