PONGAL — Restaurant in New York

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 -...

Worst experience in New York.

As a tourist from India, we were very happy to find an Indian restaurant Pongal, but was disappointed Firstly, the people working are rude and show their face of extreme disappointment on seeing you. I wanted to leave, but my daughter dint want to walk to another restaurant as she was tired, we decided to dine in. We ordered Gujrati thali. It was mentioned kadi is included. I asked if them to give pakodas in the kadi, they told only curry will be served and we have to pay extra for kadi pakodas separately, which was strange. So if we order malai kofta, they will serve only curry without kofta Strange! The fried rice was full of red chilli powder which was not mixed properly And they broke a small piece of papad, like one papad they broke into 4 pieces and served to 4 people. Heights of cost cutting (pictures attached). The cutlery also was not clean. I changed three spoons before using them. The food was not fresh. They compromise on quality as well as quantity. There were not many people in the restaurant so my daughter sat on the next table and was looking at the pictures on the other side and touched some spoons on the table and the manager came and rudely told her to get up form the table and go to her own table and sit, inspite of hardly few customers. The food was the worst I have ever tried during our stay. Restrooms were stinky too which is very close to the kitchen. The highlight of their misbehaviour was inspite of giving them tip, the manager asked if you want your change back or he can keep it. What a shame and greedy people. This restaurant has bad management, rude people, bad food taste, not kid friendly, zero...

UPDATE: Check out the response from the owners/managers below. And then check out my reply. I wrote about inappropriate, unsolicited physical contact of a sexual nature. It was not comfortable for me. Read this entire review, read their response, and decide for yourself.

The food is tasty, but I don't feel safe in this place. I have been here twice. Both times, the main host/manager has interacted with me in ways that feel inappropriate. It is not just flirting. It crossed the line yesterday. As I was with three other people sitting at the table, this person touched me many times in a surreptitious "on the down low" kind of way-- under the table. Rubbing up against my leg with his. I was very uncomfortable, but I was also kind of frozen. I didn't know what to say. It was a kind of predatory behavior. And it's a shame, because I would have loved to feel that I could return. But now I know that I can't ever return to this place, no matter how tasty the food is. Very disappointed.

About TIPPING:

One more thing-- when the bill came, they had already included a generous tip. But we were not informed that this is their policy.

I felt manipulated and taken advantage of in more ways than one yesterday.

UPDATE: read the response from the restaurant below. That is called "gaslighting". They are expecting an apology from me? They say that they looked at the closed circuit cameras and didn't see anything. It was happening under the table. It was not OK. It was an egregious disregard of healthy boundaries. Their response is infuriating. They should be taking responsibility for this situation, rather than trying to pass it...