Brick Lane Curry House NYC: A Fiery Tribute to British-Indian Cuisine and Bold Flavors

For those who like their food with a serious kick, Brick Lane Curry House in New York City is a rite of passage. Known for its British-Indian curry house aesthetic, casual dining experience, and the legendary “Phaal Curry Challenge,” this Lower Manhattan favorite brings the heat and heritage of London’s Brick Lane to America’s dining scene.

Rated 4.1/5 on Yelp, Brick Lane Curry House has garnered a cult following for its fusion of traditional Indian flavors and British curry culture, all served with flair, flavor, and fire.

Ambience and Decor

Step inside and you're met with an ambiance that's both laid-back and lively:

• Exposed brick walls, dark wooden furniture, and framed prints of London’s Brick Lane

• Open kitchen design with bustling staff

• Dim lighting punctuated by copper lamps

• Lively music that sets a relaxed tone for spicy encounters

Whether you're on a casual date, dining solo, or tackling the infamous phaal curry with friends, the atmosphere here is welcoming, warm, and a bit edgy—just like its food.

British Curry House Culture in NYC

Brick Lane Curry House is modeled after British curry houses, which are deeply rooted in the South Asian immigrant communities of the UK. The idea is simple: bring together comforting Indian dishes with quick, accessible dining in a pub-style format.

This unique identity is what separates Brick Lane from typical Indian restaurants in the city.

The Menu: Bold, Spicy, and Diverse

While the restaurant is famed for its face-melting curries, it also offers a balanced menu that includes classic Indian dishes, street food favorites, and milder options for the spice-sensitive.

Curry Corner: Spice Levels From Mild to Insane

1. Phaal Curry (🔥🔥🔥)

The spiciest dish on the menu—and possibly in all of NYC. Made with Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper), it's a true endurance test. If you finish it, you’ll earn a spot on their Wall of Fame.

2. Vindaloo

Hot, tangy, and vinegar-based. A Goan favorite that’s not for the faint-hearted, but not as extreme as the phaal.

3. Tikka Masala

Britain’s national dish. Creamy, tomato-based, and loved for its balance of flavor and spice.

4. Madras Curry

A medium-hot option with a rich coconut and chili base. Earthy and comforting.

5. Korma

Mild and creamy with nuts, saffron, and yogurt. A great choice for spice beginners.

Each curry is available with your choice of chicken, lamb, goat, shrimp, paneer, or vegetables.

Appetizers & Street Eats

Brick Lane’s starters are perfect for sharing or kicking off a flavorful night:

• Samosas – Crispy and stuffed with spiced potatoes or minced meat

• Onion Bhaji – Fritters made with sliced onions and chickpea flour

• Chicken Pakora – Deep-fried chicken bites with chutney

• Papdi Chaat – Crunchy wafers topped with yogurt, tamarind, and spices

The emphasis here is on freshness and classic Indian street flavor.

Tandoori and Grill Favorites

Not into curries? No problem. Their tandoor (clay oven) offerings are equally impressive:

• Tandoori Chicken – Marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled to smoky perfection

• Chicken Tikka – Boneless version of the above, juicy and fiery

• Seekh Kebabs – Spiced ground lamb skewers

• Paneer Tikka – A vegetarian delight with grilled cottage cheese and peppers

These dishes are served with mint chutney and pickled onions, making them great low-carb choices.

Breads, Rice, and Sides

No curry experience is complete without the perfect accompaniments:

• Garlic Naan / Butter Naan – Fluffy and hot from the tandoor

• Paratha / Roti – Whole wheat and healthier

• Biryani (Chicken, Lamb, or Veg) – Aromatic and satisfying

• Jeera Rice / Saffron Pulao – Perfect pairing for spicy curries

Pairing these with raita (yogurt sauce) or mango chutney elevates the experience.

Vegetarian Offerings

While Brick Lane is famous for its meat-heavy curries, vegetarians have strong options:

• Saag Paneer – Spinach with cubes of Indian cheese

• Chana Masala – Spiced chickpeas in tomato-onion masala

• Aloo Gobi – Potatoes and cauliflower in dry spice

• Baingan Bharta – Roasted eggplant mash with herbs

These are flavorful, filling, and often overlooked amidst the meat-heavy buzz.

Desserts & Drinks

After all that spice, cool down with classic Indian sweets and beverages:

Desserts:

• Gulab Jamun

• Mango Kulfi

• Rasmalai

Drinks:

• Mango Lassi

• Masala Chai

• Thumbs Up / Limca (Indian sodas)

• Selection of local beers and imported wines

Pro tip: Lassi + phaal curry is the ultimate survival combo.

The Famous “Phaal Curry Challenge”

This isn't just a gimmick—it’s a cultural event. Diners who can finish the entire bowl of phaal curry earn:

• A certificate

• Their photo on the restaurant’s Wall of Fame

• A story to tell forever

It’s the spiciest Indian curry in NYC and comes with a disclaimer. Participants must sign a waiver before attempting it.

Service & Hospitality

Brick Lane Curry House offers efficient, friendly service without the formal frills. Staff are quick to offer suggestions, spice warnings, and pairing tips.

Whether you’re a returning champion or a first-time diner, the team ensures a memorable experience tailored to your spice tolerance.

Takeout, Delivery & Online Ordering

The restaurant is optimized for modern diners:

• Order directly from their website

• Available on Uber Eats, Grubhub, Seamless

• Well-packaged and fast delivery

• Family-sized combo packs available

Their takeout biryanis and curries are known for holding flavor and heat even after the journey.

When It Opened and Why It Stands Out

Established in the mid-2000s, Brick Lane Curry House was among the first in NYC to tap into the British-Indian curry house phenomenon, offering a menu focused on the most iconic curry staples of England’s immigrant kitchens.

Over the years, it’s become a go-to for curry lovers, a spice pilgrimage for foodies, and a bucket-list spot for brave eaters.

How to Reach

📍 Address: 99 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
🚇 Nearest Subway: 2nd Ave (F line)
📞 Contact: (212) 979-2900

Budget

Despite its iconic status, Brick Lane keeps prices fairly accessible:

• Appetizers: $7–$12

• Curries: $17–$22

• Tandoori Platters: $18–$24

• Biryani & Rice: $15–$20

• Drinks & Desserts: $3–$6

The Phaal Curry Challenge is priced higher due to its ingredients and fame, but well worth it for thrill-seekers.

Best Time to Visit

• Weeknight Evenings (6–9 PM): Buzzing atmosphere

• Late Weekend Lunch (2–4 PM): Quieter but full menu

• Friday Nights: Often feature groups attempting the challenge

Dress Code & Experience

• Dress Code: Casual

• Pet Friendly: No

• Kid Friendly: Yes, with milder dishes available

• BYOB: Not required (alcohol available on-site)

Online Buzz & Reviews

Featured in:

• Man vs. Food

• BuzzFeed Food Challenges

• Gothamist & Eater NYC

Instagram posts show glowing plates of vindaloo, naan being pulled apart, and “before-and-after” shots of phaal victims.

Hashtags: #BrickLaneCurryHouse, #PhaalChallenge, #NYCCurryFix

What Makes Brick Lane a Must-Visit

✅ The only restaurant in NYC offering British-style Indian curry culture
✅ Home to the famous phaal curry
✅ Wide variety of spice levels and protein choices
✅ Casual yet energetic ambiance
✅ Affordable pricing with large portions
✅ Great for both regular curry nights and unique dining challenges

Final Thoughts

Brick Lane Curry House isn’t just another Indian restaurant—it’s a spicy, flavorful, and unforgettable experience. It combines traditional Indian recipes with the storytelling and attitude of British curry pubs, making it one of the most exciting food stops in Manhattan.