Chote Nawab NYC: Where the Royal Flavors of Hyderabad Come to Life

Hidden away on a quiet street in Manhattan’s bustling Curry Hill, Chote Nawab is a charming Indian restaurant that brings the royal flavors of Hyderabad to life with remarkable precision. Known for its aromatic biryanis, rich gravies, and grilled kebabs, this cozy eatery celebrates the culinary heritage of India’s Nizami kitchens.

With a solid Yelp rating of 4.3/5, Chote Nawab may not scream opulence from the outside, but once you step in, the warm, spice-laden aromas and thoughtful service immediately tell you you’re in for something special.

Ambience and Decor

Chote Nawab strikes a careful balance between rustic charm and regal warmth. Its intimate setting features:

• Earthy-toned walls

• Handcrafted lamps and framed Indian artwork

• Soft lighting and traditional wooden furniture

• An open grill station at the back where kebabs sizzle live

It’s the kind of place that makes you feel comfortable, even on a first visit. The close-knit seating, minimalist decor, and authentic touches offer a truly homey, Nawabi-inspired ambiance.

Hyderabadi Cuisine – The Royal Feast

Hyderabadi cuisine is known for its royal roots, blending Persian, Mughlai, and South Indian elements into a luxurious gastronomic identity. Chote Nawab focuses on this rich culinary tradition with dishes that are both authentic and indulgent.

Unlike generic Indian menus, this one is curated and specialized—focused on depth of flavor rather than variety for the sake of it.

Star Dishes on the Menu

Let’s explore some of the signature dishes that have earned Chote Nawab its stellar reputation:

1. Hyderabadi Dum Biryani

The crown jewel of the menu. Made with basmati rice, saffron, caramelized onions, and slow-cooked marinated meat sealed in a pot, this biryani delivers layers of aroma and depth. Choose from chicken, lamb, or goat.

2. Murgh Nawabi

A decadent chicken curry made with a blend of yogurt, spices, and cashew paste—creamy, mild, and packed with flavor.

3. Seekh Kebabs

Minced lamb skewers grilled over charcoal, served sizzling on a platter with onions and green chutney. Juicy and boldly spiced.

4. Paneer Tikka Masala

For vegetarians, this dish combines tender paneer cubes grilled in a tandoor, then finished in a tomato-cream sauce.

5. Bagara Baingan

A southern delicacy of eggplants cooked in a tangy tamarind-peanut sauce, known for its complex, nutty flavor.

Each dish is made fresh to order, and the spices are customizable to your heat preference.

Terrific Thalis & Combos

One of the highlights of dining at Chote Nawab is their curated thali platters, offering a well-rounded taste of Hyderabadi fare:

• Non-Veg Thali: Includes biryani, kebab, curry, naan, raita, and dessert

• Veg Thali: Dal, paneer, sabzi, rice, naan, and sweet dish

• Mini Thali Combos: Great for weekday lunches

These well-balanced platters are filling and give you a chance to try multiple preparations without overspending.

Vegan & Vegetarian Options

Despite its carnivore-heavy leanings, Chote Nawab respects vegetarian diners. Top vegan-friendly or vegetarian dishes include:

• Tandoori Mushroom

• Chana Masala

• Vegetable Biryani

• Spinach Dal

All items are clearly labeled, and the kitchen is open to customizations.

Beverages & Desserts

While the drink menu is simple, it perfectly complements the food.

Drinks:

• Mango Lassi

• Masala Chai

• Fresh Lime Soda

• Indian soft drinks like Thums Up

Desserts:

• Double Ka Meetha – A rich Hyderabadi bread pudding made with ghee, milk, and dry fruits

• Gajar Halwa – Carrot-based dessert cooked with milk and sugar

• Gulab Jamun – A North Indian favorite of fried dough soaked in syrup

The Service

One of the standout aspects of Chote Nawab is its friendly and attentive service. The staff is always ready with recommendations, adjusts spice levels, and explains dishes if you’re unfamiliar with Hyderabadi fare.

This makes the experience feel both personal and culturally immersive, especially for first-time visitors.

A Local Favorite for Dine-in and Takeout

Chote Nawab has become a local favorite for both dine-in meals and delivery/takeout, especially among:

• Students from nearby NYU

• Indian expats in Manhattan

• Locals craving deep-flavored biryani

• Foodies seeking lesser-known Indian regional cuisine

Their takeout is well-packaged and prompt, and they are available on most delivery platforms like Seamless, Grubhub, and Uber Eats.

History and Legacy

The restaurant was started in the mid-2010s as part of a broader movement to introduce NYC to regional Indian cuisines beyond butter chicken and tikka masala.

While many Indian restaurants in the city follow a predictable formula, Chote Nawab took a leap by focusing purely on Hyderabadi dishes—a risk that paid off with a loyal customer base and glowing reviews.

Location & Directions

📍 Address: 115 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
🚇 Nearest Subway: 28th Street (6 train)
🚶 Walking: A short stroll from Madison Square Park

Budget

Chote Nawab is affordable for the quality it offers, especially given its portion sizes and slow-cooked preparation.

• Appetizers: $7–$12

• Main Dishes: $15–$22

• Thalis: $17–$22

• Desserts: $5–$7

• Drinks: $3–$6

Best Time to Visit

• Weekday Lunches: Less crowded, ideal for quick biryani cravings

• Weekend Dinners: Slightly busier but best to experience ambiance

• Sunday Evenings: For a cozy, comforting family meal

Dress Code & Dining Policies

• Dress Code: Casual

• Pet Friendly: No

• Kid Friendly: Yes

• BYOB: No bar, but you’re welcome to bring your own bottle (check corkage policy)

Online Presence & Reviews

The restaurant enjoys consistently good reviews across platforms:

• Yelp: 4.3/5

• Google Reviews: 4.4/5

• Zomato & Eater NYC: Praised for authenticity

Food bloggers and vloggers often rave about their dum biryani, calling it “NYC’s most authentic.” Instagram tags like #ChoteNawabNYC highlight steaming pots of biryani and sizzling kebabs.

What Makes Chote Nawab a Must-Visit

✅ Authentic Hyderabadi cuisine in NYC
✅ Dum-style biryani sealed and slow-cooked
✅ Cozy ambiance with warm service
✅ Affordable luxury
✅ Perfect for foodies who love deep, bold flavors

Final Thoughts

Chote Nawab doesn’t try to be everything to everyone—it stays true to its Hyderabadi roots and delivers rich, soulful dishes that reflect the essence of royal Indian cooking. Whether you’re a biryani enthusiast, a kebab connoisseur, or just someone who loves discovering regional food gems, this restaurant is worth every bite.