Malai Marke — Restaurant in New York

Indian restaurant slinging those spicy flavorful eats in the East Village.

there are two sections to this restaurant, I believe. I’ve only sat on the left side. the interior is tasteful and South Asian themed without being camp or kitschy. while Malai Marke serves a Indian menu, the interior has a modern casual feel: good for small groups, date nights, intro’ing folks to South Asian fare, etc. you can also find Malai Marke on most popular food apps if you don’t want to dine-in.

the food is a solid 4 stars whether you dine in or get delivery. most recently, I had the chana saag and you could actually taste the veggies and spices—it wasn’t just a mush of curry and veggies. the curry had layers of flavor and a tiny bit of heat which worked well with the rice. btw, two entrees are ample amounts of curry for two.

BTW, entrees don’t come with rice—you have to order that extra...which is weird. however the rice tastes like better quality basmati than I’ve had at some other places. one order of rice easily feeds TWO people.

any of the chicken and other vegetable curries are solid bets. i’m not a fan of the lamb curries here and such, but it’s rare that I find a place that excels at multiple types of meat.

honestly the appetizers are good but I’d stick to the entrees because they come with healthy portions. the appetizer portions feel small to me.

the food here is a solid 4 stars.

the service is 3 stars —while the service is friendly it can be hit or miss: forgetful, slow, or odd. for example l, the last time I was here...basically people got seated and were sitting 10-15 minutes without getting water, menus, or greeted by their waiter. there are hiccups in the service here but the staff seems to be trying or aren’t trained well.

the prices here feel a little padded on the higher side. the portions are ample but you have to pay extra for rice which at minimum ($4 or more).

all that said, if you are looking for good food to scratch that South Asian spice itch, Malai Marke will give you a pleasant experience.

drops mic cuz i need to...

An Unforgettable Culinary Journey at Malai Marke

Dining at Malai Marke was an exceptional experience, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Chef Himanshu for personally recommending his signature dishes and elevating our evening to something truly memorable.

We began our meal with the Hara Bhara Kabab, a masterpiece of textures—crispy on the outside and delightfully soft on the inside. To make it even more special, Chef Himanshu prepared a custom chutney for us, adding a burst of unique flavors to the dish.

Next came the Stuffed Saag Paneer Kulcha, a revelation in every bite. The kulcha was incredibly soft, filled with a delicious, savory stuffing that was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before.

The highlight of the evening was the Paneer Kurchan. Bursting with bold, authentic Indian spices, this dish was a flavor-packed delight, perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying.

The grand finale was the Daal Tadka, an extraordinary creation that can only be described as a “tastegasm.” Every spoonful was a celebration of rich, aromatic flavors, leaving us in awe of the chef’s skill and creativity.

A big thank you to Minajz and the entire team for their warm hospitality and exceptional guest engagement. Their thoughtful food suggestions and gracious service made us feel truly welcomed and added a personal touch to the evening.

Malai Marke is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience. From the exquisite food to the impeccable service, everything was perfect. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to indulge in another...

Dining solo is always a little awkward/lonely. On my first night back in the city, I stopped in by myself for a quick snack before heading home. The service not only made me feel very welcomed, but also less conscious at the fact that I was eating alone. The staffs were beyond attentive and friendly - what a nice welcome back to the city!

I was given a huge basket of their complimentary house made chips with sweet chutney immediately after placing my order. It was the perfect appetizing start - the chips were crunchy, nutty, and beyond delicious! One big basket all for myself - what a treat!

I wish I can say the same about the chicken lollipops I ordered. I understand that the chicken lollipops are made from the leftover small drumsticks after they carve off the meat - but the ones I received were literally bones. The sauces it came in lacked flavors - I see lots of onion, greens, chili peppers, and garlic in the mix - but none of their flavor profile was distinguishable. It was an oily, tasteless glob.

Overall - perhaps I didn't order the right item but with its wonderful service, I am willing to return to give it...