There are many great attractions on the border between the Upper East Side and Midtown Manattan, one of which is Chola, an exceptional Indian restaurant that has been a neighborhood favorite for decades.
From restaurateur and pioneer Shiva Natarajan, Chola has been a neighborhood staple for more than two decades, consistently congratulated for its fine cuisine, derived from the flavors of the Indian coastline. Honest Cooking Magazine jumped on the subway to 58th Street to see how the classic restaurant was doing. Turns out, it’s doing very well.
Interior
Food
The extensive menu includes meat dishes, vegetarian options, and vegan items, with standout seafood choices everywhere between Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. While Chola is now owned by Min Bhujel, Shiva’s protége, he stays heavily involved in menu development, He has added 25 new dishes to the menu, a testament to his dedication to culinary excellence and recent travels to India. Starters include soups, Thelewala Chaats, vegetarian, seafood, and non-vegetarian options. Entrees range from Tandoor, vegan, paneer, vegetarian lamb & goat, shrimp, chicken, fish, lobster, British Curry Club, to Biryani. Rotiyan, rice, and Saath Saath are among the featured sides.
Food Rundown
Pani Puri $11.95 – a little sour, a little spicy a little sweet, these potato and chickpea stuffed crisp puris served with tamarind water will have your lips smacking.
Kurkuri Bhindi – $13.95 – a classic Indian snack that you won’t be able to stop munching on. The texture is reminiscent of a puff cheeto and may give you the satisfaction of eating them. This okra snack is coated in besan flour, chaat masala, crisped to perfection and seasoned with lime.
Methi Mutter Malai Paneer $20.95 – a dish known for the distinct flavor of fenugreek leaves, its combined with green peas, and soft chunks of paneer, long-simmered in a tomato sauce. It’s rich, fragrant and full of life.
Baingan Bharta $18.95 – This hearty, boldly flavored vegetarian dish features tandoor-style smoked eggplant pounding with a variety of spices. It deserves a place on the table alongside an order of garlic naan ($5.95)
Lamb Madras $29.95 – In a hot coconut sauce, the lamb is so tender and creamy, you’d think it was the star of the show, and you mat not be wrong. The dish comes in a white bowls heaving with spiced lamb, plus do yourself a favor and order another side of garlic naan. It is essential for mopping up leftover gravy.
Martha Stewart’s Favorite Murgh Malai $23.95 – an item you should not pass up because the name says it all. It features dark and white meat chicken marinated in a cream-based sauce and cooked in a tandoor. The meat is said to be impeccably juicy and consistent with a great charr from the tandoor oven. It’s recommended to eat alongside fresh red onion, adding a perfect pop of acidity and crunch to every bite.
Drinks
Curated by Allen Katz, owner of the New York Distilling Company, highlights of the cocktail program include, Mango Margarita, Himalayan Sunset, Mojito Shaanadaar. All priced at $17. Chola also offers a well-curated international wine list, which can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle and pairs well with the coastal forward dishes. Additionally, there is an excellent selection of beers such as Taj Mahal and Kingfisher and non-alcoholic beverages like Mango, Sweet, and Salt Lassi priced at $8. The latter can also double as a dessert.
232 E 58th St, New York, NY 10022
