Terrific Takeout: Alachi Masala Inaugural Review Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
"Babu" Amin Mehedi, Owner of Alachi Masala
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It's a very exciting thing to find a restaurant that is new to us in Manhattan that has been around for awhile! Meet our new discovery: Alachi Masala, a fantastic local Indian restaurant of the Upper West side owned by "Babu" Amin Mehedi. Babu is from Bangladesh and has been in the restaurant industry for 23 years. He opened Alachi Masala in 2006 and it is still at its original location at 488 Amsterdam Avenue between 83/84. Concentrating on the Northern part of Indian cuisine, Alachi Masala derives its name from the Alachi which is cardamom, one of Babu's favorite spices/flavors (and flavours for everyone in the UK. Don't worry, we are getting to your restaurants.) We applaud Babu's commitment to classic Indian recipes which result in a divine dinner! Before meeting our pal Ashok, Peachy was not so crazy about Indian food but you know after going to The Bombay Club and Rasika, two of Ashok's many restaurants, she has now realized that Indian food can be great if you know where to go. We also always think of
Mover and Shaker India Hicks whenever we eat Indian food. Her mother is Lady Pamela Hicks, daughter to the Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma. Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy to India, and gave the country their independence in 1947. Hence India’s name, being the last grandchild.
We began with a healthy option: Lasuni Gobi. If you think you don't love cauliflower, clearly you haven't had this by Babu. Here, cauliflower is seasoned with garlic, curry leaves, and an exotic blend of Indian spices. It is not too spicy but just right for the girl that sometimes has tastebuds lit on fire by spicy food.
The next brilliant concoction of freshness was the Chicken Malai Kabab, another appetizer. Look at the color! This dish epitomizes why less is more: chicken breast marinated in ginger, garlic and garam (this means cardamom, cinnamon, clove and black pepper) masala is enticing from its fragrance to its taste. Bravo!
You know that we always opt for a green salad, which is found on this menu under "Accompaniments" and is composed of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, carrots and chickpeas. If you have certain dietary needs such as being a vegan or eating gluten free, Babu is happy to accommodate.
For example, Alachi Masala has Vegetarian Entrees. This is the Chana Saag:
Even if you are a carnivore like Peachy, you are going to enjoy this feast of spinach cooked with chickpeas and exotic spices that presents elements of complexity that are quite enticing. You also should know that Alachi Masala is BYOB and we suggest that you do as you know who always is into at the very least a striking red glass at dinner.
Yes, it does look this great!
No, we do not edit the pictures.
Make sure you put this place on your radar.
We adored the Chicken Biryani, which is becoming a favorite on Peachy's favorite edibles list in general. Babu's edition is impressive with basmati rice with cubes of chicken cooked in saffron, dry fruit, nuts, onions, ginger, garlic, herbs and spices. Sometimes when a venue puts too much in a dish it can feel overdone however this was just right for Ms. Pretty Picky.
Lovely tomato too:
Oh how we love shrimp and now we love the Bhagari Shrimp, which they did mild for the girl with Connecticut tastebuds. We were absolutely blown away by the tremendous flavor of this seafood specialty and the jumbo shrimp cooked in a tangy garlic sauce is our favorite dish we had at Alachi Masala. Other than the Garlic Naan of course, and the Garlic Naan here is absolutely a home run. You should know by now that Peachy Deegan is like the Cookie Monster with Garlic Naan, except she is the Garlic Naan Monster of course. Alachi Masala makes the best Garlic Naan we have had in Manhattan in 2016.
The more adventurous might opt for something other than Chicken Tikka Masala, however, we love it. Also it is a great test to see how it differs from place to place. Overall the cuisine at Alachi Masala we feel is healthy compared to its competitors and quite fresh as well. This Chicken Tikka Masala is solid and convincing and has a prevalent tomato flavor that will wow you. Boneless pieces of tandoori chicken are cooked in a rich tomato sauce and fenugreek leaves. You should know that Babu sources all of his spices from India, and also when you visit say hi to Fatima she is one of the best hosts and restaurant employees we've met in Manhattan in 2016. You can tell she truly cares about details and the success of this restaurant-she has been here for 7 years- and that is rare to see in an employee.
Alachi Masala is Terrific Takeout!
