Alachi Masala: An Authentic Indian Escape on the Upper West Side

Alachi Masala Introduce

An Introduction to Alachi Masala: A Culinary Journey to India

Alachi Masala stands as a genuine and intimate Indian restaurant on the Upper West Side, offering a flavorful escape from the bustling city streets. Known as a "hidden gem" by many, this small and cozy establishment has built a loyal following based on its commitment to authentic Indian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant's focus is on providing a comprehensive menu that caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, from meat lovers to those seeking vegan, vegetarian, and halal options. The extensive menu, featuring everything from tandoori specialties cooked in a traditional clay oven to a variety of fragrant curries and biryanis, showcases the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cooking. Beyond the food, Alachi Masala prides itself on creating a quiet, comfortable, and friendly environment where diners can truly relax and enjoy their meal. As one visiting family from Florida noted, the owner even came out to chat, making their experience a memorable highlight of their New York trip. It's a place where the food is described as "amazing" and the service, while sometimes slow during peak hours, is known for being kind and genuine.

Location and Accessibility

Alachi Masala is conveniently situated at 488 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, USA, right in the heart of the Upper West Side. Its location makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists exploring the neighborhood. The restaurant is a short distance from major subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, and B, C trains, as well as several bus routes that run along Amsterdam Avenue. This makes it a great spot for a pre-theater dinner or a casual meal after a day spent in nearby Central Park. The intimate space includes a few indoor tables and a small number of outdoor tables, providing a lovely option for al fresco dining. A particularly helpful feature is that dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, which is great for pet owners. The restaurant is also committed to inclusivity, with a welcoming environment and amenities that cater to various needs, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.

Services Offered

Alachi Masala offers a variety of services to provide a flexible and convenient dining experience. The key services available are:

Dine-in: Guests can enjoy a meal in the small, intimate, and cozy dining room, which is perfect for a relaxed dinner or a lunch with friends.
Outdoor Seating: Offers a charming option for dining outside, especially during pleasant weather.
Takeout: For those on the go, the full menu is available for takeout.
Delivery: The restaurant offers both standard and no-contact delivery and curbside pickup, making it easy to enjoy their delicious food at home.
Catering: Alachi Masala provides catering services for events and large groups, bringing its authentic flavors to your special occasions.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially during busy times, to ensure a table.
Table Service: All guests receive table service from the staff, known for being attentive and friendly.

Features and Highlights

Alachi Masala is distinguished by several key features that contribute to its charm and reputation as a great neighborhood spot.

Great Tea Selection: The restaurant is known for its excellent selection of teas, including the Alachi Masala Special Tea (Chai) for ($4.95), which is a perfect complement to any meal.
Halal, Vegan, and Vegetarian Options: The menu is extensive and caters to a variety of dietary needs, including a wide array of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as offering halal food.
Authentic Clay Oven (Tandoori) Dishes: The tandoori specialties are a highlight, featuring dishes like Lamb Chops ($30.95), Tandoori Chicken ($18.95), and Tandoori Vegetable ($18.95), all cooked in a traditional clay oven for authentic flavor.
Cozy and Quiet Atmosphere: Unlike many bustling New York City restaurants, Alachi Masala provides a casual, cozy, and quiet setting, perfect for intimate conversations.
Kids' Menu: The restaurant is "good for kids," with special Kid's Platter options and high chairs, making it a great choice for families.
Complimentary Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available for guests, adding to the convenience for a quick lunch or casual meeting.

Contact Information

To book a reservation or for any other inquiries, you can contact Alachi Masala directly.

Address: 488 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, USA
Phone: (212) 874-0737
Mobile Phone: +1 212-874-0737

What is Worth Choosing?

The true value of dining at Alachi Masala lies in its commitment to authentic, flavorful food that feels both comforting and special. The extensive menu is a treasure trove of options, but a few dishes and categories stand out. The tandoori specialties are a must-try, as they are cooked in a traditional clay oven, giving the meat and vegetables a unique smoky flavor. The Chicken Tikka Marsala ($19.95) and the Lamb Rogan Josh ($21.95) are both popular choices that are praised for their rich flavors and high quality. The vegetarian and vegan options are also a highlight, with a wide selection that goes beyond the usual offerings. A customer review noted that the food was "so delicious" and that the "chicken dishes were moist and fresh."

For those looking for a taste of everything, the "Assorted Tandoori Appetizer" ($12.95) is a great starting point. Another reviewer mentioned that the "chutneys offered at the beginning of the meal were very fresh," a small but significant detail that sets a positive tone for the entire meal. The Garlic Naan ($5.95) is another frequently praised item, described as "delicious and moist," making it the perfect accompaniment to any of the curries. While some reviews have mentioned slow service during peak hours, this is often a result of the restaurant's small size and popularity. The general consensus, however, is that the service is "very good" and the staff is "attentive," with one family even meeting the owner himself. The cozy and intimate atmosphere, which one customer called a "small intimate Indian restaurant," contributes to a quiet and personal dining experience. For anyone in New York City looking for a truly authentic, flavorful, and comforting Indian meal in a welcoming setting, Alachi Masala is an excellent choice. It’s a place that consistently hits the spot and leaves a lasting impression.

Alachi Masala Food & drink

Tandoori Specialties (Clay Oven)
Sheekh Kabab $17.95
Minced meat with onions and herbs roasted on skewers. Served with rice
Reshmi Kabab $19.95
Boneless pieces of chicken breast marinated in yogurt and spices. Served with rice
Tandoori Vegetable $18.95
Fresh vegetables marinated in Indian spices, sour cream, and white pepper. Served with rice
Lamb Chops $30.95
Charcoal grilled lamb chops marinated in exotic spices and yogurt. Served with rice
Tandoori Shrimp $26.94
Jumbo shrimp marinated and cooked in a tandoor. Served with rice
Mixed Grill $27.94
One piece each of tandoori chicken, tandoori shrimp, chicken tikka, reshmi kabab, sheekh kabab and boti kabab. Served with rice
Tandoori Chicken $18.95
Chicken marinated in yogurt and freshly ground spices cooked in a tandoor. (a clay oven on charcoal) Served with rice
Tandoori Machali $26.95
Chunks of salmon marinated in subtly flavored spices and cooked in a tandoor. Served with rice
Chicken Tikka $19.95
Boneless chicken marinated in subtly flavored spices cooked in a tandoor. Served with rice
Boti Kabab $23.95
Chunks of lamb marinated in subtly flavored spices and cooked in a tandoor. Served with rice

Shorba
Nariyal Ka Shorba $7.95
Fresh coconut soup made with honey
Mulligatawny $7.95
Vegan. Traditional delicately spiced soup with lentils
Tomato Soup $7.95
Vegan. Freshly made special tomato soup
Matar Mushroom Ka Shorba $7.95
Peas and mushrooms with lentils

Chicken Specialties
Chicken Saagwala $19.95
Chicken cooked with onions, tomatoes, and cream of spinach. Served with rice
Chicken Xacutti $19.95
Chicken cooked in a mixed sauce of dry spices, curry leaves, mustard seed, and coconut. Served with rice
Chicken Makhani $19.95
Boneless tandoori chicken breast poached in a rich tomato sauce. Served with rice
Chicken Salimar $19.95
Boneless chicken in cilantro, green chili, lemon juice, and exotic spices. Served with rice
Chicken Shaslic $19.95
Grilled chicken with onion and bell pepper in rich tomato sauce. Served with rice
Chicken Dhansak $19.95
Chicken cooked with lentils and hot spices, Persian style. Served with rice
Chicken Vindaloo $19.95
Chicken cooked with hot, spicy vinegar mixed sauce and potatoes. Served with rice
Chicken Kali Mirch $19.95
Chicken cooked with exotic spices and black pepper. Served with rice
Chicken Tikka Marsala $19.95
Boneless pieces of tandoori chicken, cooked in a rich tomato sauce and fenugreek leaves. Served with rice
Chicken Korma $19.95
Chicken cooked in creamy almond sauce and sweet spices Mughlai fashion. Served with rice
Chicken Malabar $19.95
Boneless piece of chicken cooked, coconut mustard, seeds, curry leaves, and creamy sauce serve with rice
Chicken Jalfrezi $19.95
Stir-fried chicken and vegetables cooked in sweet and sour sauce. Served with rice
Chicken Madras $19.95
Medium hot chicken cooked with tomatoes, south Indian style. Served with rice
Chicken Curry $19.95
Boneless chicken cooked with onions and mild spices. Served with rice

Beverages
Apple Juice $4.95
Pellegrino Water $7.00
One liter.
Coffee $3.95
Cranberry Juice $4.95
Iced Tea $4.95
Tea Or Choice Of Herbal Tea $3.95
Salted Lassi $6.95
Mango Lassi $7.95
Orange Juice $4.95
Mango Juice $4.95
Masala Tea $3.95
Cinnamon cardamom flavored tea
Alachi Masala Special Tea (Chai) $4.95
Tea, milk and sugar brewed with garam masala
Soda $2.50
Sweet Lassi $6.95
Panna Water $7.00
One liter.
Iced Coffee $4.95

Seafood Specialties
Shrimp Curry $22.95
Shrimp cooked with spice flavored sauce. Served with rice
Fish Masala $23.95
Filleted fish cooked with rich tomato sauce and fenugreek leaves. Served with rice
Bhagari Shrimp $23.95
Jumbo shrimp cooked in a tangy garlic sauce. Served with rice
Shrimp Sabji $22.95
Fresh shrimp cooked with choice of mushrooms, spinach, or cauliflower in a thick spice flavored sauce. Served with rice
Tilapia Dopiaza $22.95
Stir-fried filleted tilapia topped with sauternes onions and exotic spices and herbs. Served with rice
Sharso Ka Machali $23.95
Fresh fish sautéed with herbs, mustard, and spices, garnished with onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Served with rice
Kadai Shrimp $23.95
Shrimp cooked with ground spices, bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, and herbs, served in an Indian wok. Served with rice
Shrimp Vindaloo Or Dhansak $22.95
Shrimp cooked in a very hot sauce with potatoes, Madras style. Served with rice
Shrimp Patia $22.95
Shrimp cooked in a very hot sauce with lentils, Madras style. Served with rice
Fish Malabar $23.95
Chunks of salmon simmered in a spicy hot coconut sauce. Served with rice

Alachi Masala Specials
Chicken Morongo $18.95
Boneless chicken cooked with exotic Indian spices and creamy mango sauce. Served with rice
Emlyka Murg $18.95
Boneless chicken cooked in peppercorns, tamarind and garam masala. Served with rice
Kid's Special Chicken Platter $14.95
Boneless grilled chicken breast served with potato, rice, and salad.
Kid's Special Fish Platter $14.95
Grilled salmon served with potato, rice, and salad.

Chana Chat $7.95
Bombay Bhel Poori $9.95
Vegan. Rice crispies, peanuts, onion, mango powder, tomato, and cilantro
Chana Chat $8.95
Vegan. Chickpeas mixed with onions, tomatoes, yogurt, tamarind and mint sauce
Daal Papri $8.95
Lentil and flour chips served with chopped cucumbers and potatoes covered with yogurt and sweet and sour sauce
Dahi Battata Poori $9.95
Mini poori stuffed with potatoes and chickpeas, topped with tamarind, yogurt and mint sauce

Indian Desserts
Gajar Halwa $7.95
Alacha masala's traditional Indian carrot pudding.
Ice Cream $7.95
Alachi Special Kheer $7.95
A famous Indian sweet dish made from milk, rice, and sugar flavored with cardamom and rose water.
Gulab Jamun $7.95
Fried rounds of cheese dipped in honey sauce.
Coconut Samosa (2 Pcs.) $8.95
Crispy pastry turnover filled with sweet coconut. Vegan.
Suji Ka Halwa $7.95
Roasted suji cooked with sugar and olive oil. Vegan.
Kulfi $7.95
Light Indian ice cream flavored with saffron.
Rasmalai $7.95
Cottage cheese cooked with cream in sweet almond sauce.

Meat Delicacies
Gosht Bhuna $21.95
Medium hot lamb cooked with tomatoes and onions. Served with rice
Gosht Pasanda $21.95
Lamb cooked with cream, almonds and sweet spices Mughlai fashion. Served with rice
Lamb Vindaloo $21.95
Lamb or beef cooked with hot, spicy vinegar mixed sauce and potatoes. Served with rice
Lamb Chili $21.95
Cubes of lamb cooked with onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and green chiles. Served with rice
Kheema Matar $21.95
Ground beef and green peas cooked with onions, toasted cumin, green chili, and coriander. Served with rice
Lamb Rogan Josh $21.95
Lamb or beef cooked in freshly ground spices. Served with rice
Gosht Madras $21.95
Medium hot lamb or beef cooked with tomatoes, south Indian style. Served with rice
Lamb Saag $21.95
Lamb cooked with onions, tomatoes, and cream of spinach. Served with rice
Kadai Lamb $21.95
Lamb cooked with mixed vegetables in a light, spice sauce Served with rice
Gosht Dhansak $21.95
Lamb cooked with lentils, hot spices, Persian style. Served with basmati rice. Served with rice

Vegetarian Specialties
Matar Paneer $17.95
green peace with cheese in a rich creamy sauce Served with rice
Saag Khumb $17.95
Spinach cooked with onions and tomatoes with mushrooms. Vegan. Served with rice
Saag Paneer $18.95
Homemade cheese cooked with creamed spinach.
Chana Saag $17.95
Spinach cooked with chickpeas and exotic spices. Vegan. Served with rice
Daal Saag $17.95
Spinach cooked with onions and tomatoes with lentils. Vegan. Served with rice
Chana Masala $17.95
Chickpeas cooked with onions, tomatoes and freshly ground spices. Vegan. Served with rice
Bhindi Masala $17.95
Okra cooked with onions, tomatoes and an exotic blend of Indian spices. Vegan. Served with rice
Aloo Baigan $17.95
Eggplant and potatoes cooked with toasted cumin and exotic spices. Vegan. Served with rice
Vegetable Tikka Masala $19.95
Mixed vegetables cooked with the chicken salad sauce serve with rice
Yellow Dal Tarka $17.95
Yellow lentils cooked with onion, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic, and give the tarka serve with rice
Aloo Matar Gobi $18.95
Florets of cauliflower, peas, and potatoes in delicate spices. Vegan. Served with rice
Daal Makhni $17.95
Mixed lentils and red kidney beans. Vegan. Served with rice
Navratan Korma $18.95
Mixed vegetables cooked in cream and sweet spices. Served with rice
Saag Aloo $17.95
Spinach cooked with onions and tomatoes with potatoes. Vegan. Served with rice
Malai Kofta $18.95
Mixed vegetable dumplings. Served with rice
Mixed Vegetable Curry $17.95
Fresh vegetables cooked in onion and garlic in a light spicy sauce. Vegan. Served with rice
Yellow Doll Tarka $17.95
Yellow lentils, cooked with onion, garlic, and exotic spicy with tarka and serve with rice
Vegetable Jalfrezi $17.95
Stir-fried vegetables cooked in a sweet and sour sauce. Vegan. Served with rice
Baigan Bhartha $17.95
Eggplant puree cooked with fresh tomatoes, onions, herbs, and spices. Vegan. Served with rice

Hot Appetizers
Lasuni Gobi $9.95
Vegan. Cauliflower seasoned with garlic, curry leaves and an exotic blend of Indian spices
Vegetable Pakora Or Onion Bajji $9.95
Vegan. Fried mixed vegetable or Onion fritters
Assorted Hors D'Oeuvres $12.95
Vegan. Samosa, mixed pakora (fritters)
Chicken Chaat $9.95
Pieces of chicken breast seasoned with garlic and curry leaves
Meat Samosa (2 Pieces) $9.95
Crispy pastry turnover filled with spiced beef or chicken
Chicken Malai Kabab $9.95
Chicken marinated in ginger, garlic, and garam masala
Crabs Bombay $11.95
Crabs, sautéed with onions and tomatoes flavored with herbs, served with poori
Jhinga Chatpota $12.95
Spicy, crispy fried shrimp served with hot, sweet & sour sauce
Assorted Tandoori Appetizer $13.95
Combination of chicken tikka, seekh kabab, boti kabab, and reshmi kabab
Vegetable Samosa (2 Pieces) $8.95
Vegan. Crispy pastry turnover filled with spiced vegetables
Lasuni Shrimp $11.95
Baby shrimp seasoned with zesty garlic sauce
Chana Bhajee With Poori $11.95
Vegan. Chickpeas cooked in spices, served with poori

Accompaniments
Mango Chutney $5.95
Vegan
Raita $5.95
Whipped yogurt with chopped cucumbers, garnished with herbs and mild spices
Mixed Pickles $4.95
Vegan
Green Salad $7.95
Vegan. Crisp lettuce with tomatoes and cucumbers

Roti (Clay Oven Breads)
Garlic Naan $5.95
Naan topped with fresh garlic.
Paneer Kulcha $6.95
Naan stuffed with homemade cheese.
Aloo Naan $5.95
Naan stuffed with spice-flavored potatoes.
Alachi Masala Special Naan $6.95
Naan stuffed with cherries, raisins, and coconut.
Aloo Paratha $5.95
Paratha stuffed with mildly spiced potatoes.
Chapati $3.95
Thin whole wheat bread. Vegan.
Keema Naan $7.95
Naan stuffed with spice-flavored minced meat.
Naan $4.95
Unleavened bread of superfine flour cooked in a tandoor.
Roti $4.95
Typical Indian bread made from whole wheat flour baked in a charcoal oven. Vegan.
Gluten Free Rice Flour Bread $2.00
Onion Kulcha $5.95
Bread stuffed with sautéed spice-flavored diced onions.
Poori $6.95
Deep fried puffed whole wheat bread. Vegan.
Paratha $5.95
Multi-layered whole wheat flour bread.
Bread Basket $14.95
Choice of three breads except for poori.

Rice Specialties
Poona Special Kacchi Biryani $22.95
Basmati rice with minced meat, saffron, dried fruits, nuts, and exotic spices garnished with tandoori chicken.
Peas Pullao $4.95
Long grain basmati rice with saffron and green peas. Vegan.
Basmati Brown Rice $4.95
Vegan.
Lemon Rice $6.95
Prepared with roasted mustard seeds, curry leaves, and lemon juice. Vegan.
Banarassi Pullao $16.95
Saffron basmati rice cooked with garden fresh vegetables. Vegan.
Shrimp Biryani $22.95
Fresh shrimp sautéed in herbs and spices cooked with basmati rice, dried fruits, and nuts.
Chicken Biryani $21.95
Basmati rice with cubes of chicken cooked with saffron, onions, ginger, garlic, dried fruits, nuts, herbs, and spices.
Lamb Biryani $22.95
Basmati rice with cubes of lamb cooked with saffron, onions, ginger, garlic, dried fruits, nuts, herbs, and spices.

Alachi Masala Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Halal food
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Alachi Masala Photos

Alachi Masala Location

Alachi Masala

New York New York County New York Amsterdam Avenue

488 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, USA

Alachi Masala Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 262 user reviews.

BYOBentreechicken tikka masalatandoori chickenfeewinegarlicvegetable samosasfillinghome

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

We are visiting from Florida and were out walking and happened to find this hidden gem. It was amazing! The owner came out and visited with us. My daughters loved their dishes and said it was the best meal we’ve had in NYC so far!
April 29 · Todd Douglas
A small intimate Indian restaurant with a few indoor and 1 outdoor table. Food was good though the restaurant needs to add more server since service was very slow with only 1 server for full restaurant during peak brunch time. We waited almost half an hour for tea in the beginning and there were times where we grabbed our own menu so we can save some time. Overall, we know the server try his best though it did dent the experience.
November 23 · Nat T.
I had the pleasure of dining at Alachi Masala, where I sampled three exquisite dishes that left an indelible impression. The samosas were a crispy delight, filled with flavorful spices and perfectly complemented by tangy chutneys. The chicken dish was a culinary masterpiece, with tender, succulent pieces immersed in a rich blend of spices. On the vegetarian side, the dish I tried was a burst of flavors, showcasing the chef's expertise in creating a satisfying and savory option. However, what truly elevated this dining experience was the exceptional service. The staff, under the owner's attentive guidance, treated me with warmth and ensured that every aspect of my visit was impeccable. Alachi Masala is undeniably a haven for authentic Indian cuisine, offering a delightful gastronomic journey accompanied by impeccable service that I won't soon forget.
September 28 · Amol Bhandari
Had dinner here on a Saturday. The place has a couple of tables to sit at for dine in patrons. The waitstaff were really friendly and gave good recommendations to my friend. They have decent amount of vegetarian options. Everything was cooked perfectly and the food didn’t take forever to come out.
March 05 · fiona brooklyn
Some of the best Indian food in the city. I used to live nearby and it’s so good I moved out of the neighborhood and still come back for it. They have my favorite vegetable samosa anywhere hands down. Very nice atmosphere, cute neighborhood spot, great vegan options that are clearly labeled, 10/10 experience
April 16 · Francesca Kelley