Pongal: A Vegetarian Haven on Lexington Avenue

PONGAL Introduce

Pongal: Authentic Vegetarian Indian Cuisine in Kips Bay

Located on the bustling stretch of Lexington Avenue often referred to as "Curry Hill," Pongal is a beloved and well-established vegetarian Indian restaurant that has been a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. This women-owned establishment prides itself on offering a taste of authentic Indian cuisine with a special focus on South Indian specialties. The name "Pongal" itself is a nod to a traditional South Indian harvest festival and a dish of the same name, setting the stage for a menu deeply rooted in regional flavors.

The atmosphere at Pongal is described as casual and cozy, offering a welcoming space for a variety of diners. Whether you're a local seeking a quick lunch or a family enjoying a meal together, the restaurant's inviting environment and ample seating are a major plus. It's a place where the aromas of spices and the warmth of genuine hospitality combine to create a truly immersive and satisfying dining experience. While it caters to the fast-paced energy of New York, it also offers a comforting retreat for those who wish to linger over a flavorful meal.

Location and Accessibility

Pongal is situated at 103 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA. Its location in the heart of Kips Bay is a major advantage, placing it conveniently for residents and visitors to the area. It is easily accessible via public transportation, with several subway stations and bus stops within a reasonable walking distance. The restaurant's prime spot on Lexington Avenue makes it a visible and well-known destination.

In terms of accessibility, Pongal is committed to accommodating all guests. The venue features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring that individuals with mobility needs can dine comfortably. While the nearby parking can be challenging, a common issue in this part of Manhattan, the restaurant’s excellent location on a major thoroughfare makes it a simple walk for many.

Services Offered

Pongal provides a comprehensive set of services to cater to a diverse clientele and their dining preferences.

Dine-in and Outdoor Seating: Guests can enjoy the full menu in the restaurant's comfortable indoor seating or take advantage of the outdoor seating option for an al fresco meal.
Takeout and Delivery: For those on the go or who prefer to eat at home, Pongal offers both a convenient takeout service and no-contact delivery.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly helpful for groups or during peak dining hours.
Table Service: The staff provides full table service, with a reputation for being attentive, professional, and genuinely caring.
Catering: Pongal also provides catering services, making it a great option for office lunches or special events.

These service options highlight the restaurant’s versatility and its commitment to meeting the needs of every customer.

Features and Highlights

Pongal is well-regarded for several key features that make it a favorite among its patrons.

Fast and Exceptional Service: Customer reviews consistently praise the fast and attentive service. The staff, particularly members like Aman and "Pretty," are noted for their professionalism and passion, creating a memorable dining experience.
Extensive Vegetarian and Vegan Menu: As a dedicated vegetarian restaurant, Pongal offers a vast and varied menu. It includes numerous healthy and organic options, with a wide selection of dishes that are also vegan-friendly.
Authentic South Indian Dishes: The restaurant excels at its South Indian offerings, particularly its Dosai, Uttappam, and Thali platters, which are praised for being crisp, fresh, and full of authentic flavor. The menu also includes specialty items like the popular Chaat dishes and the Ragda Puri.
Great Coffee and Tea Selection: For beverage enthusiasts, Pongal is a highlight. It is known for its great coffee, including the famous Madras Coffee, and a broad selection of teas.
Family-Friendly and Good for Groups: The restaurant's casual atmosphere and a dedicated kids' menu make it a perfect spot for families and large groups looking for a comfortable and delicious meal.
Amenities: The establishment provides amenities like a restroom and Wi-Fi, adding to the comfort and convenience for all guests.

These highlights, combined with the restaurant's core offerings, make Pongal a top choice for vegetarian dining in New York.

Contact Information

To learn more or to make a reservation, you can contact Pongal using the following details:

Address: 103 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
Phone: (212) 696-9458

For the most up-to-date information, it is always best to call ahead.

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Pongal is an excellent decision for anyone in New York seeking a truly authentic and satisfying vegetarian meal. While one customer had a mixed experience with a specific dish, the overwhelming consensus is that this restaurant offers exceptional value and a high-quality experience. The true value of Pongal lies in its signature dishes and the unparalleled service.

For a first-time visitor, the Dosai and Thali platters are absolute must-tries. The Dosai, in its various forms, is celebrated for being "crisp, warm, and served with delicious sambar and chutneys." The Thali, which is a complete meal, offers a fantastic way to sample a variety of Pongal's rich and flavorful offerings, from dal and sabzis to roti and rice. Additionally, the Chaat dishes like Sev Puri are highlighted as being "fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor," making them perfect appetizers. The lime soda, in both sweet and salty versions, is a refreshing and highly recommended beverage that complements the food perfectly.

Beyond the food, the people who work at Pongal are what truly make the experience special. The staff's warmth and dedication, as noted in the glowing review, create a welcoming atmosphere that makes diners "feel welcomed and cared for the entire time." This level of hospitality is a rarity and is a major reason why customers are eager to return with friends and family. Pongal isn't just a place for a meal; it's a place where you can relax, feel at home, and enjoy expertly crafted vegetarian food that is both healthy and comforting.

PONGAL Menu

SOUPS AND SALAD
Rasam $7.95
Traditional South Indian Spiced lentil & tomato essence soup
Sambar $7.95
Traditional lentil bean soup with Indian spices
Mulligatawny Soup $6.95
Delicious blend of beans with tomato, lemon & herbs
Mixed Vegetable soup $6.95
Mixed harvest vegetable soup with light spices
Tomato soup $6.95
Fresh harvest tomato soup with green peas & light spices
Katchumber $7.95
Chopped vegetable salad mixed in a mildly spiced vinegar & lemon dressing

APPETIZERS
Masala vada $9.95
Spiced & crunchy fritters made of bengal gram dal served with sambar & coconut chutney
Idli $7.45
Steamed lentil and rice mix cakes served with sambar & coconut chutney
Medu vada $7.45
Fried lentil flour donuts served with coconut chutney & sambar
Rasam or sambar idli/ rasam or sambar vada $8.95
Choice of Idli or vada dunked in a bowlful of rasam/sambar & served with coconut chutney
Idli & vada combo $7.45
1 each of idli & medu vada served with sambar & coconut chutney
Upma $9.95
Indian polenta (cream of wheat) with onion, chilies, ginger, spices & nuts
Pongal sweet/spicy $10.95
South Indian specialty made of green lentil & cashew nuts with jaggery / with spice
Alu bonda $8.95
Fried potato fritters served with coconut chutney & sambar
Alu tikki / spinach tikki $9.95
Fried spiced potato/ spinach fritters coated with bread crumbs served with tangy & spicy chutney
Bhajia platter $10.95
Assorted fried vegetables of potato, eggplant, onion, bell pepper, cottage cheese & plantain coated in chick pea flour served with tangy & spicy chutney
Plantain bhajia $8.95
Fried green raw banana coated in chick pea flour served with tangy & spicy chutney
Papadam $2.95
Delicately spiced thin lentil wafers served with tangy & spicy chutney/ topped with onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, chilies & cilantro
Masala Papadam $3.95
Delicately spiced thin lentil wafers served with tangy & spicy chutney/ topped with onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, chilies & cilantro
Masala cashew nuts $9.95
Madras style fried spicy cashew nuts
Assorted hor d/oeuvres $13.95
Assortment of Alu tikki/Spinach tikki with Bhaji, kachori , samosa and pakoda(Spinach/Onion/Chilly/Mix/)

CHAAT SPECIAL
Alu chaat $8.95
Delhi style fried potatoes tossed with onions, chilies, spices & cilantro
Chhole chaat $11.95
Boiled chick peas tossed with onions, potatoes, tangy & spicy chutney, spices & topped with yogurt & crispy sev
Chotpoti $11.95
Bengali street snack made of dried green lentils, tangy chutney, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, chilies & spices
Kachori $8.95
Bengali street snack made of dried green lentils, tangy, chutney, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, chilies & spices
Samosa $6.95
Crisped turnovers filled with spiced potatoes & peas served with tangy & spicy chutney / turnovers in chick peas, tangy sauce, yogurt & spices
Samosa Chaat $7.95
Crisped turnovers filled with spiced potatoes & peas served with tangy & spicy chutney / turnovers in chick peas, tangy sauce, yogurt & spices
Papri Chaat $8.95
Crisp flat bread topped with yogurt, potatoes, onions, tangy & spicy chutney topped with crispy sev & cilantro
Pani Poori $7.95
Crisp puffed pastries filled with potatoes, chick peas, spicy mint water and tangy sweet sauce.
Sev poori $7.95
Crisp flat breads topped with potatoes, onions, tomatoes, tangy & spicy chutney topped with crispy sev & cilantro.
Bhel Poori $7.95
Bombay style mix of puffed rice, crispy sev, rice flour crisps, peanuts, onions, tomatoes, tangy & spicy chutney topped with cilantro
Dahi aloo poori $8.95
Crisp puffed pastries filled with potatoes, yogurt, tangy & spicy chutney topped with crispy sev & cilantro.
Dahi Vada $9.95
Gujarati style fried lentil donuts soaked in spiced yogurt & topped with cilantro chutney & boondi

UTTHAPPAM (Rice and lentil pancakes served with sambar, coconut & tomato chutey)
Plain Uttappam $10.95
Onion & Peas with Plain Utthappam $11.95
Cheese Utthappam $12.95
Onion & Tomato Utthappam $11.95
Onion / Pepper Utthappam $11.95
Pepper & peas Utthappam $11.95
Mixed Vegetable Utthappam $12.95
Coconut Utthappam $12.95

DOSAI (Rice & lentil crepes served with sambar, coconut & tomato chutney. Masala is made of mildly spiced potatoes & peas)
Sada(Plain) dosai $10.95
Masala dosai $11.95
Butter sada (plain) dosai $11.45
Butter masala dosai $12.45
Onion sada dosai $11.95
Onion masala dosai $12.95
Mysore sada dosai $11.95
Mysore Masala Dosai $12.95
Mysore cheese Dosai $13.95
Cheese sada dosai $12.95
Cheese masala dosai $13.95
Paper sada dosai $12.95
Paper masala dosai $13.95

RAVA DOSAI (Cream of wheat and rice crepes)
Sada (Plain) rava Dosai $11.95
Masala rava dosai $12.95
Onion rava dosai $12.95
Masala rava dosai $13.95
Mysore rava dosai $12.95
Mysore Masala Rava Dosai $13.95
Madras rava dosai $12.95
Madras Rava Masala Dosai $13.95
Paneer rava dosai $13.95
Paneer rava masala dosai $14.95
Coconut Rava Dosai $13.95
Coconut Rava Masala Dosai $14.95

SPECIALITY DOSAI
Cone Special dosai $11.95
Kid's special plain recipe in cone shape
Mung dal dosai $13.95
Green lentil crepe that is high in protein $ helps in maintaining weight
Spinach dosai $13.95
Rice and lentil crepe topped with spinach garlic paste. Nutritional twist for a balanced diet
Ragi dosai $14.95
Super healthy millet crepe with onions , cabbage, & cilantro. Helps in maintaining weight & has low glycemic index
Cheese spring dosai $14.95
Bombay special rice and lentil crepe with cabbage, onions, tomatoes, cheese & spicy sauce
Pondicherry masala dosai $14.95
Pondicherry special rice and lentil crepe with onions, tomatoes, green chillies & spicy sauce

SABZI (Served with basmati rice)
Alu sukhi bhaaji $13.95
Gujarati style dry potato vegetables with spices
Alu mutter $13.95
Potatoes gently cooked in cream with green peas & spices
Alu palak $13.95
Diced potatoes cooked in a thick gravy of spinach with cream & spices
Alu gobi $13.95
Potatoes & cauliflower cooked with spices
Alu Baingan $13.95
Potatoes & eggplant cooked with tomatoes,onions & spices
Alu channa $13.95
Potatoes & chick peas cooked with spices
Kala channa $13.95
Black chick peas cooked with tomatoes, onions & spices
Channa saag $13.95
Chick peas & spinach cooked with cream & spices
Channa masala $13.95
Chick peas cooked with onions & spices
Gobi masala $13.95
Cauliflower cooked with tomatoes & spices
Bhindi Masala $13.95
Okra sauteed with onions, tomatoes & spices
Undhiyu $13.95
Gujarat special:potatoes, eggplant, yam & snow peas cooked with spices
Whole mung $13.95
Gujarati style green lentils cooked with tomatoes, onions & spices
Baingan Bhartha $13.95
Mashed eggplant cooked with onions, tomatoes & hot spices
Vegetable kurma $13.95
South Indian style vegetables cooked in creamy sauce & spices
Jeera dal $13.95
Lentils cooked with mild indian spices
Punjabi pakoda kadhi $13.95
Spiced onion dumplings in tangy & spicy yogurt curry
Malai Kofta $14.95
Fried vegetable dumplings cooked in rich creamy mild sauce
Avial $14.95
Kerala stew made of carrots, potatoes & string beans in a mixture of coconut, yogurt & spices
Chilly Paneer $14.95
Fresh home made cottage cheese cooked in cream, green chilies & hot spices
Mutter paneer $14.95
Fresh home made cubed cottage cheese & green peas cooked in cream with mild spices
Palak paneer $14.95
Fresh home made cubed cottage cheese & spinach cooked in cream & spices
Shahi Paneer $14.95
Fresh home made cubed cottage cheese cooked in a creamy onion & tomato gravy

RICE
Tamarind / lemon / tomato rice $12.95
Favorites from South India
Vegetable Fried Rice $12.95
Basmati rice cooked with spring onions, cabbage, carrots, green peas & spices
Kashmiri pulav $14.95
Basmati rice cooked with raisins, cashews & vegetables served with raita
Mixed Vegetable Biriyani $14.95
Basmati rice cooked with spiced vegetables & served with raita
Pongal special $17.95
Special rice and lentil dish, both sweet & spicy with medu vada(1 pc) & served with sambar, coconut chutney & raita

BREAD (Whole wheat Indian style breads (Non-dairy)
Chappati (1 pc) $2.95
Flat bread topped with oil
Phulka (Roti) (1 pc) $2.95
Oil free flat thin bread
Lachha Paratha $5.95
Multi layered and flaky bread
Alu / peas / mixed vegetable/ cheese paratha $5.95
Bread stuffed with mildly spiced potatoes/mildly spiced peas/ mildly spiced mixture of potatoes,carrots,peas, corn,string beans/ cheese served with raita & pickle
Poori (2pcs) $7.95
Deep fried puffed bread
Poori masala $9.95
Deep fried puffed bread served with mildly spiced mashed potatoes

THALI/ Combinational platter
Royal thali $19.95
Chef's special vegetables (2), samosa, dal, rice, raita, tangy sauce, chappati & rice pudding
Mysore special thali $19.95
Idli, vada, mini onion utthappam, mini masala dosai, coconut chutney, sambar & badam halwa
Madras thali $19.95
Chef's special vegetable (1), porial, plain rice, lemon / tamarind rice, yogurt, poori, rasam, sambar, pickle, papadam & gulab jamun
Gujarati Thali $19.95
Chef's special vegetable (1), kachori, alu bonda, undhiyu, shrikhand, poori, sweet date chutney, dal, kadhi & rice

WEEKEND SPECIALS (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Mini idli / mini rava idli $9.95
Mini steamed lentil and rice mix cakes served with sambar & coconut chutney
Fried idli $9.95
Steamed and fried lentil and rice mix cakes served with sambar & coconut chutney
Yogurt rice $12.95
Rice mixed with spiced yogurt & cucumber
Bisibele bhaat $12.95
Rice cooked with lentils, vegetables & spices
Chana bhatura $16.95
Large puffed bread made of all-purpose flour served with chick peas & spicy curry
Extra bhatura $7.95
Large puffed bread made of all-purpose flour served with chick peas & spicy curry

ACCOMPANIMENTS
Veg raita $4.95
Cool yogurt with onion, cucumber, tomatoes, mint & cilantro
Boondi Raita $4.95
Cool yogurt with softened mini fried chick pea balls, mild spices & cilantro
Plain rice $2.95
Plain Yogurt $2.95
Plain Sambar $2.95
Chutney-Coconut, tomato, dosa podi $1.95
Mango chutney / pickle / ghee $1.95

DESSERTS
Malai Kulfi $7.95
Indian ice cream prepared with sweetened milk & cream / mango / pistachios
Mango Kulfi $7.95
Indian ice cream prepared with sweetened milk & cream / mango / pistachios
Pistachio kulfi $9.95
Indian ice cream prepared with sweetened milk & cream / mango / pistachios
Chocolate dosai $9.95
Rice & lentil crepe covered with delicious thick chocolate
Vegan ice cream $8.95
Choice of chocolate, mango, caramel & vanila flavors
Kheer $7.95
Rice pudding flavored with cardamom
Shrikhand $7.95
Creamy Indian pudding made of yogurt, pistachio, cardamom & saffron
Ras malai $7.95
Cooked cottage cheese soaked in sweetened milk with nuts
Gulab Jamun $6.95
Special all purpose flour dumplings fried in ghee & dunked in sugar syrup
Gulab Jamun with Ice Cream $8.45
Special all purpose flour dumplings fried in ghee & dunked in sugar syrup
Carrot Halwa $7.45
Sweet dessert made of carrot, milk , ghee, sugar & cardamon
Carrot Halwa with Ice Cream $8.95
Sweet dessert made of carrot, milk , ghee, sugar & cardamon
Badam halwa $9.95
Sweet rich dessert made of almonds, milk, ghee, sugar & saffron
Puran poli $7.95
Delicious sweet flat wheat bread filled with mashed Bengal gram dal, jaggery, cardamon, ghee & saffron

BEVERAGES
Soda $2.95
Coke / Diet Coke / Coke Zero / Pepsi / Sprite / Ginger Ale / Club Soda
Indian Soda $2.95
Thumbs Up/ Limca/ Fanta
Mineral Water $2.95
Sparkling Water $3.95
Homemade Lemonade $5.95
Juice $5.95
Alphonso Mango Juice
Moru $5.95
Thin yogurt shake (butter milk) with onions & spices
Lassi $5.95
Sweet/salty/spicy yogurt shake
Mango Lassi $6.95
Yogurt shake blended with mangoes
Mango milk shake $6.95
Milk blended with mangoes
Badam Milk $6.95
Creamy almond milk with almond slivers
Coffee / Tea / Green Tea / Decaf tea / Ice Tea $3.95
Madras Coffee $4.45
Indian traditional filtered coffee boiled with milk
Masala $3.95
Indian tea leaves boiled with milk & herbs
Fresh Coconut Water $9.95

PONGAL Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

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

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Parking

PONGAL Photos

PONGAL Location

PONGAL

New York New York County New York Lexington Avenue

103 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA

PONGAL Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 1586 user reviews.

south indian foodsambartipkosherrasamindian vegetarianpani puriuttapamidli vadaonion rava dosa

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3-Star Review for Pongal Restaurant, NYCVisited Pongal with high hopes, especially being a Tamilian and excited to see a restaurant with a Tamil name in the heart of NYC. The location is nice and the restaurant has plenty of seating inside, which is a plus. However, parking nearby is quite a challenge.The food, unfortunately, didn’t live up to the expectations. I specifically asked if the chef was South Indian before ordering the Chennai Thali ($20), and while it was confirmed, the thali itself was underwhelming both in portion and flavor. The spread included puliyodharai, rice with rasam, poori with kurma, and one muttakose (cabbage) curry.Puliyodharai lacked any depth of flavor, rasam was just okay, but the poori and kurma were quite good. Honestly, I think I should’ve gone with the North Indian thali instead.The most bizarre part? When I asked for pickle, the server replied, “Should I order 1 qty of pickle?” 😅 In all my visits to over 20 restaurants in the Lexington area, I’ve never seen a place charge for pickle with a thali meal.Overall, Pongal didn’t deliver the authentic Tamil experience I hoped for. Average food, questionable pricing strategy, and not compelling enough to make me return.
July 19 · Raj S
Excellent Food, Exceptional Service Pongal is a Must-Visit!!!!we were greeted with warmth and genuine smiles. The atmosphere was inviting, and the service was exceptional especially thanks to **Aman** and "Pretty "who truly made our visit memorable. Their hospitality, professionalism, and attentiveness stood out immediately. They take care of customers as if the restaurant were their own, something you rarely see these days.Aman and Pretty made sure our orders were taken correctly, served the right dishes to the right table, and checked in throughout the meal with care always with a smile. It’s clear they’re hardworking, honest, and passionate about what they do, and it makes all the difference.We started with sev puri which was fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor. It had the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Next was, cheese pav bhaji which was rich, buttery, and incredibly comforting. The cheese added a creamy twist that made it irresistible.Must try THALI was a complete meal and a great way to sample a variety of Pongal’s offerings from flavorful sabzis and dal to roti, rice, and dessert.AND DOSA was another highlight crisp, warm, and served with delicious sambar and chutneys. The batter was clearly fresh and well-prepared. We also loved the **Ragda Puri**, which was full of texture, spice, and flavor — a true chaat lover’s delight.MUST TRY lime soda sweet and salty versions. Refreshing and well-balanced, it complemented the food perfectly.Pongal isn’t just about great food — it’s the people that make it truly special. Aman and Pretty made us feel welcomed and cared for the entire time. We’re already planning to return soon with more friends and family.If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and visit Pongal..!! You’ll be treated to amazing food and even better service. Thank you, Aman and Pretty we’ll definitely be back soon!From - OfficialDjdraj (Insta)
June 24 · Raj
I had worst experience from beginning to the end. They did not offer me a seat for nearly 10-15 minutes when I m the only one waiting to get seated. Food taste is ok but the quantity is bad. I’ve got the thinnest Pesarattu ( Moong dal dosa) ever. They even forgot to bring lassi that I ordered. Thank goodness they didn’t charge for it. The place to sit it very conservative. The seat cushions are just falling off of the seat. Very uncomfortable to sit. Also they don’t accept American Express cards.I don’t recommend this place for anything.
June 09 · Praveen G
I have been coming here since the last 20 years!! Highlyyyy recommend!!!! by far my favorite restaurant for Indian food. I will tell you my favorites and my go to's! first is onion rava dosa . The Sambar is so good!!! it comes with tomato and coconut chutney!! the rose lassi is so cooling and tasty. the pani puri is yum. I love the masala bindh andi the samosas . For dessert I love the badam halwa!!!! I eat it there and take a order to go . And their pista kulfi is absolutely mouth watering. Just want to say thank you to Pongal for always making my tummy feel good and for making such good soul food. best wishes to you guys always!!
July 16 · Charvi Desai
Delicious South Indian food with lots of good vegetarian options! Everything we got was good, but their breads (roti, dosa) were especially delicious.
April 13 · Ross Flieger-Allison