Madras Cafe - on 2nd Ave. @ 5th St.

My favorite Indian Restaurant in New York for several reasons:

1) They have dosas! Many kinds! Many vegan! And unlike many other places - it actually says they are vegan on the menu. I first had dosas while I visited Varnasai, India seven years ago and they quickly became one of my most favorite food. Basically, dosas are a very thin pancake usually made of lentil. They are very long and look quite theatrical coming out on a big plate. A masala dosa has a curried potatoe inside (like what is usually inside a samosa) - but there are other kinds...And the whole thing is served with a very spicy lentil/veggie stew for dipping.

2) Soy Mango and Strawberry Lassis!

3) An excellent soy chai - the real deal - not starbucks or celestial seasonings...

4) Very sweet and attentive waitstaff - I always feel like my business is appreciated.