NY’s First All-Indian Cocktail Bar Lets You Sip Comforting Classics Like Butter Chicken & Saag Paneer

You can no longer just eat your butter chicken—now you can drink it too! INDN, New York City’s first all-Indian cocktail bar, has opened in the heart of NoMad, serving classic [Indian dishes](https://secretnyc.co/best-indian-restaurants-in-nyc/) in a way we’ve never seen them before: in liquid form. The new space is spearheaded by husband-and-wife team Simran “Sim” Bakshi and Kanika Vij, along with Kanika’s father and co-owner,Vicky Vij, founder of NYC’s acclaimed Bukhara Grill and one of New York’s premier Indian caterers. Together, the three are building on their legacy with a fresh, contemporary concept that reimagines Indian dining and nightlife. Of course, the cocktail menu is the focal point of INDN. Developed by Sim, each drink pushes the boundaries of traditional Indian dining, including: * Butterface – a clarified mezcal-based cocktail infused with Empirical Ayuuk, fenugreek, garam masala, and lemon, mimicking the flavor of butter chicken * Paneer Panic – a play on Saag Paneer, blending Bombay Sapphire with Empirical Cilantro, saag, turmeric, and lime, and garnished with a cube of paneer for a playful finish * How Can She Slap?! – a tropical mix of Johnnie Walker Black, Bacardi Ocho, mango, ginger, and lemon that balances sweetness with heat * Chaat Margarita – a fusion of gin, cold-distilled with spinach for a clarified green hue, and Ocho tequila, with bright, tangy notes of yogurt, cilantro, and tamarind * Pickle Backstabber – featuring Nolet’s Gin and Ketel OneVodka, complemented by spicy pickle oil, verjus, and saline With that being said, however, offerings go far beyond liquid libations. The kitchen at INDN is led by a team of chefs hailing from some of Uttarakhand’s most prestigious hotels, bringing with them a refined touch to classic Indian flavors. The menu takes inspiration from Chakhna—a style of food traditionally paired with alcohol—making it the perfect companion to INDN’s bold cocktail program. Small-plate highlights include Seekh Kebab, grilled skewers of minced lamb marinated for three days and served with mustard, Keema Pao, a spiced lamb take on the sloppy joe paired with buttery pao bread, red onions, and lemon, and Amritsari Fish, a crispy 10-spice battered fish coated in chickpea flour. Vegetarian options shine too, with Tandoori Mushrooms, charred and pickled with a hint of raw mango, Malai Chicken Tikka, tender dark meat marinated in hung yogurt and cream before hitting the tandoor, and Palak Chaat, crispy fried spinach leaves topped with yogurt, chutneys, chaat masala, and pomegranate seeds. For those with a bigger appetite, the Daru Ke Baad (big plates) section is divided into five parts: Rice, Bigs, Breads, Sides, and Sweet Finishes. Here you’ll find comforting classics like Bhuna Mutton, Yakhni Pulao, Pudina Luchha Parantha, and Shahi Tukda, a rich bread pudding topped with nuts and syrup. As for the space itself, it’s as much a part of the INDN experience as the food and cocktails. Minimalism meets authentic Indian character, with every detail—from the custom tables and barstools to the silverware and plates—thoughtfully crafted and imported from India. With its inventive cocktails, bold flavors, and striking design, INDN is set to become one of New York City’s most exciting new openings —a place where tradition and innovation meet, and where butter chicken is something you can finally drink. INDN, NoMad ----------- * 📍 Location: – 30 W 30th Street * Days and hours: – Sunday to Wednesday – Bar Hours: 5 pm-12 am | Kitchen Hours: 5 pm-11 pm / Thursday to Saturday – Bar Hours: 5 pm-1:30 am | Kitchen Hours: 5 pm-11pm * Learn more Source: https://secretnyc.co/indn-indian-cocktail-bar-nyc/