NYC｜Ishq 🍛 The Best Indian Lamb Dish I’ve Had in the East Village

Sometimes the best discoveries happen by chance—I literally found Ishq through a quick Google search when craving Indian food, and it turned out to be a true hidden gem. Not yet flooded on social media, easy to book even on a Saturday night, and packed with flavor in a beautifully designed, intimate space. Interestingly, the crowd and staff weren’t predominantly Indian—which tells me the flavors are tuned for broad appeal without losing authenticity. 🍛 Lamb Biryani – The Star of the Night I’ve never been a fan of long-grain rice—until now. Fragrant, moist, and richly infused with lamb fat (but not greasy!), this biryani is perfectly spiced and wonderfully balanced. Served with cool yogurt, it’s a dish you won’t want to stop eating. 🌶 Starters & Mains – Bold & Flavorful Every dish we tried was intensely flavorful—just pick your favorite protein. A word of caution: spice levels tend to run high, so come prepared! 🍫 Desserts – Surprisingly Not Too Sweet! We tried both desserts—a chocolate “caviar” with fun popping texture, and a refreshing apricot-based sweet that was my personal favorite. Neither was cloying—just a delicate, satisfying end to the meal. If you're in the East Village and looking for Indian food that feels both elevated and approachable, Ishq is a must-visit. Great vibe, thoughtful cooking, and that biryani—unforgettable. 📍 Ishq 202 Avenue A Frnt A, New York, NY 10009 #IshqNYC #IndianFoodNYC #EastVillageEats #LambBiryani #HiddenGemNYC