Well..it is either just mediocre or the best Indian food on the Upper East Side, depending on who is writing the review.
This comes as no surprise of course..what did come as a surprise was a review by some Indians who said they thought the place was racist ( they were told the place was closed and then some white people came in after them and were served, they say)
While almost all these reviews are from 2013, the latter ones listed here are the better ones so keep that in mind when you read the first four or five reviews
Baluchis
1724 2nd Ave
(between 89th St & 90th St)
New York, NY 10128
Neighborhoods: Yorkville, Upper East Side
(212) 996-2600
(between 89th St & 90th St)
New York, NY 10128
Neighborhoods: Yorkville, Upper East Side
(212) 996-2600
- Nearest Transit Station:
-
86 St. (4, 5, 6, 6X)96 St. (4, 6, 6X)
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
- $$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
54 reviews for Baluchis
Review Highlights What's this?
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"Yummy Chicken Tikka Masala & Saag Paneer." In 8 reviews -
"The naan is addictive though, as is the malai kofta." In 17 reviews -
"Real solid Indian food on the UES." In 6 reviews
Rating Distribution | Trend
54 reviews in English
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Review from Shirley S.
Bronx, NYI've been terrified of trying Indian food due to what people say about it (too spicy, makes you pass gas like crazy, etc.). But I loved it here. The server was very kind and informative. I shared with my coworker a serving of chicken makhani, naan, and stuffier naan thingy (I forgot what it was called but I know it was stuffed with potato).
It was all yummy!!!!! The food had the right amount of spice, it was enough taste and not overpowering.
They have a nice lunch platter special that I will definitely be taking advantage when I'm around the neighborhood for work!!! -
Review from Hannah E.
Bronx, NYI've been to several Baluchi's in the city. Including this one--but this is more of a to-go place.
So maybe dining in is just not their forte?
First, they did not have 75% of the stuff on the menu. And the guy kept being like, "We're a small restaurant. we're a small restaurant." And I kept responding, "Yes, but I've ordered from here before and it's on your menu." I mean, maybe they had run out? But I don't get why you wouldn't say that. When they didn't have the bread I wanted, I didn't choose a substitute. He asked if I wanted rice instead (they charge extra for rice), and I said no. And then he went, "What's wrong with you? How will you eat it?" I just kind of gave him a look and ignored him.
I think our waiter was one of those guys who doesn't realize how rude they sound. I don't think he was an outright jerk, but he had this tone of voice, and a way of saying things that just... grated on my nerves.
The kachori was subpar, but still delicious. The paneer tikka was amazing, as it always is.
The malai kofta was AWFUL. The sauce was practically boiling, so I was very careful when I ate it. Took a bite, and it was cold. Icey cold. You know the way to get icey cold food in a boiling hot sauce? Microwave it. Now, if the malai kofta had been delicious, despite being cold and microwaved, I would have shrugged it off. But it was bland bland bland. it tasted like a ball of stale carrots.
I wanted a rasmalai to take home, but of course they didn't have it. Despite it being on the menu of course. I was going to complain, but at this point I had heard the waiter's "service" to other tables and even potential guests (some of who walked away while he shouted after them, "We can't seat you, we are a small restaurant!") So I chose not to bother.
Let's go down the list: Lousy service, limited menu, crappy food. Baluchi's lost a lot of points with this one. I'll keep this one for to-go only, but even then, I'm hesitant to go back. -
Review from Chloe Z.
Should have read the reviews first. Agree with other yelpers
RUDE SERVICE
MEDIOCRE FOOD- saag paneer that tastes like stewed tamatoes n spinash? No thanks
There are so many good Indian options in the hood, such as Chola, dawat.
You should never waste your money here. Seriously -
Review from J S.
Manhattan, NYMy husband and I loved the food. Everything we tried (samosas, yellow split pea dahl, and mushroom curry) was really yummy. One of my favorite Indian places so far, in terms of food.
Our server was quite attentive too. I forgot to mention my allergies when we first ordered and I didn't remember until after we received our appetizer, but the server said no problem. Then he went in the back and apparently had the cooks adjust one of the menu items we had ordered to leave out the nuts (which I guess are ordinarily present), so I could eat it. Very nice. The food came quickly, too.
I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 for two reasons: First, the dining area is tiny and significantly lacking in atmosphere. They are obviously more focused on delivery than dine-in, and the previous reviewer who said the place has "wonderful, upscale Indian decor" has to be making it up--it's just not true! There really is no decor, except for some (admittedly cool) lamps hanging from the ceiling. The beverage case in the dining room had a very large printer box sitting on top of it, apparently as a long-term storage spot. Also, delivery guys kept going in and out while we were there.
Second drawback: because of the atmosphere, this place seemed a bit pricey ($40 for an appetizer, two vegetarian entrees, and rice, with no drinks). Since this place mainly focuses on takeout, not dine in, I would have expected a little cheaper. We had coupons that made it more reasonable, but I wouldn't go back if I had to pay full price. With the coupon, though, it was completely worth it! -
Review from Kriti M.
Manhattan, NYWhere do I start?
1. Tables are right next to the door, or right next to the kitchen. Not that there is much difference because the place is so tiny. When we went in, there was already someone by the kitchen, so we chose to sit by the door. For the 40-odd minutes that we were there, the door was opened every 40 seconds, mainly by the delivery guys. It was the heart of winter and there is nothing to stop the wind from coming in once the door is opened, so we ended up wearing our winter coats through the meal!
2. The service was nothing to write home about. We asked for warm drinking water, but were told their kitchen is too small to heat water up. Seriously, what??!!
3. Food was bad. I have eaten in their Downtown location, and although I am not a big fan, it was much much better than this one. Husband ordered the crab curry, and I ordered their paneer dish. The quantity was unsatisfactory, to say the least, and the taste wasn't impressive either. Very very bleh.
$40 for this? NO, thank you. -
Review from Gustavo A. L.
Orlando, FLwhat a delightful experience. So much so, that we came back again and guess what? it was good again. Coincidence ? no , Consistency.
Good Indian food, flavorful, colorful, eventful and decently priced. The place is small, and if got quite packed while we were there, but the staff graciously accommodated everyone and never missed a beat, and it actually felt quite cozy while crowded.
I'd say go ahead, step inside, be adventurous with the menu and try something you've never had before.
The fact that you are inside this place says a lot about yourself, and there is a good chance that you enjoy traveling through cultures by enjoying their culinary contributions, this will result in a winning combination of an open mind and a wandering palate, you will not be disappointed. -
Review from Angela D.
Manhattan, NYDO NOT ORDER FROM THEM UNLESS YOU WANT TO STARVE. And go ahead and throw $30+ in the trash while you're at it. Cus you're not getting your food.
If I could give zero stars I would.
Baluchi's you RUINED our night. Spent all day being excited for Indian food. I ordered online from them at 8:30 pm, and here it is 11:00PM!! and the food still isn't here. Of course we paid and tipped these jerks (if I could use stronger language I would) in advance.
We tried to call them, no answer. When we did get an answer (once) they said the food was on its way.
That was over an hour ago. And now - get this - online says they're CLOSED. WTF...???!!
I'm so angry I can't believe it. And completely starving.
History: I have repeatedly forgiven the fact that our order was only right *maybe* 50% of the time when we've ordered from them in the past. This is UNFORGIVABLE and we will NEVER order from them again, where we were somewhat regular delivery customers before.
Work all day looking forward to just one thing for the past 14 hours, for it to just NEVER SHOW UP.
No phone call and certainly no apology. No way. The opposite of that. Awful people on the other end of the line. Zero customer service.
You have to be f*ing kidding me. This is NYC. You don't get away with that sh*t here....no you do not.
Do NOT order from them. Go to Papadam or Andaz instead. -
Review from Nitya S.
Brooklyn, NYThis review is only about the service. The food is good, but that's not what this review is about.
This place is racist. This one time, a group of us (three Indians) walked in at about 9:45pm, and the manager very rudely told us that they were closed. So we asked if we could get our food to-go, and he reluctantly agreed. So we ordered our food and were waiting for it.
Ten minutes later, three white people walk in. You know how this ended. -
Review from Stephanie L.
Manhattan, NYI'm updating this because when I ask for special instructions in my delivery order they NEVER EVER get it right.
So... the cons:
1) Never get extra chutney when I ask for it EVEN when I tell them to charge me extra if they need to.
2) It's never spicy when I ask for it. FOR SHAME - you are an Indian restaurant!
The pros:
1) The delivery guys are always nice.
2) The specials are good and cheap.
3) There's a reason why I ask for extra chutney... it's delicious!
4) The food is pretty good.
While I still love this place and order from there quite often, I'm getting a little tired of being a loyal customer but getting inconsistent service. They also need to update some of their options on their online ordering site (like adding the chutney which is on the menu).1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/9/2011
This place is always empty when I pass by it. I thought there had to be a good reason but honestly,… Read more »
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12/9/2011
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Review from Polly Jean W.
New York, NYSo, it's been like, nine times now and this remains my go-to spot for Indian delivery. Always flavorful and really generous portions!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/15/2012
I see that the reviews are a bit spotty on this place, but we just had it and it was amazing! We… Read more »
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12/15/2012
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Review from Citygirl S.
Manhattan, NYHorrible indian food. Tried and tested twice and always upset stomach & heartburn!
The food is stale and does not even taste indian. I surprised why this location is still open.
Their Gramercy location is much better and tastes like the real baluchi food.
Hope the owner really looks into firing the cook here! -
Review from Tsui Y.
Brooklyn, NYService was a bit slow for dine in but the food was amazing. I had the chicken marsala and my bf got the tilapia dish. I forgot the name of his. The indian style fries was nothing special so don't bother ordering that. It tasted like regular fries. I would definitely go there again. -
Review from Brian S.
Real solid Indian food on the UES. I've only had their food delivered, so I can't speak to the ambiance in the actual restaurant.
They have an excellent prix fixe option - you pick one appetizer, and one entree (with rice), as well as naan, for $14.95. I've had the chicken tikka marsala and the chicken korma - both are quite good. Appetizers are good too - I had a fried fish one I enjoyed (can't remember the name). Naan is decent - nothing special, though.
Portions are quite generous, and delivery has always been super-quick. -
Review from Carla L.
We had been searching for a good Indian place the day before and ended up elsewhere, so we figured we would eat in the neighborhood. I was a tad apprehensive since out of so many reviews they had only three stars but figured why not try it out?
We arrived, a party of 6 for lunch and they had just opened which was lucky for us because inside the place is minuscule. On the upside the lunch is 50% off! This was a great surprise since I was paying!
We ordered extra Naan and Samosas since we had been told by Stephanie L that they were great. I loved my curry and my daughters Paneer dish was out of this world. Everything was wonderful and the service was great.
I cannot speak for delivery but this experience was a good one. -
Review from Blanca R.
New York, NYIn my review for Jackson Diner in Queens I mentioned that there are of course better indian food restaurants and THIS IS THE ONE! The chicken tandoori is soo flavorful, delicious and savory. The chicken Tikka Masala is awesome!!!!
Although the restaurant is not very appealing but the food is off the chain. -
Review from Ripal S.
Manhattan, NYGood food, terrible service. The Baluchi's locations tend to be very different, and this one is not as good for some reason as the downtown ones. They also have a more limited menu (at least for the appetizers and breads they offer), and take FOREVER to deliver, despite what they estimate on Seamless. The naan is addictive though, as is the malai kofta. I especially like the tikka masala sauce you can get on the side - it's great for adding tofu or paneer to later. -
Review from Sriram V.
New York, NYThe best indian food I'm the ues. Baluchis is leaps and bounds beyond any other indian restaurant in the neighborhood.
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