Desi Galli NYC: Your Go-To Spot for Bold Indian Street Food in a Casual Setting

In the sprawling culinary universe of New York City, Desi Galli has carved a niche of its own by serving authentic Indian street food with a modern twist. Tucked in the heart of the East Village, Desi Galli embraces the bold, tangy, spicy chaos of Indian street snacks and packages it in a fast-casual, New York-friendly format.

Whether you're looking to grab a quick kati roll on the go, enjoy a chaat-packed lunch, or dig into a biryani bowl on a chill evening, Desi Galli delivers with flavor, speed, and a smile.

Rated 4.2/5 on Yelp, this unpretentious spot has become a local favorite for both Indians longing for comfort street food and adventurous eaters wanting to spice up their routine.

Ambience and Vibe

Desi Galli isn’t a place you walk into expecting chandeliers or white linens—and that’s the point. The décor is casual, fun, and functional:

• Exposed brick walls with quirky posters

• Stainless steel counters

• Open kitchen with sizzling tandoors and hot plates

• Small tables and high chairs for a quick dine-in

It’s designed for fast turnover, relaxed vibes, and street-food-style energy, just like you'd find in the gullies of Delhi or Mumbai.

The Concept

Founded by entrepreneur PriaVanda Khanna, Desi Galli reimagines Indian street food through the lens of New York’s fast-paced culture. The focus here is:

✅ Authentic flavors
✅ Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options
✅ Customizable spice levels
✅ Grab-and-go efficiency

Their name itself—Desi Galli (meaning “Indian alley”)—pays homage to the iconic roadside stalls of India, where food is fresh, flavorful, and soul-satisfying.

Top Picks on the Menu

Desi Galli is known for two things: chaat and kati rolls, but their menu is packed with Indian street hits that go far beyond.

1. Chicken Tikka Kati Roll

Succulent chicken chunks marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled and wrapped in flaky paratha or whole wheat roti.

2. Aloo Tikki Chaat

Crispy potato patties smothered with yogurt, tamarind chutney, mint sauce, and sev—a medley of textures and tastes.

3. Pav Bhaji

A buttery vegetable mash served with toasted buns—a Mumbai classic brought to Manhattan.

4. Paneer Frankie

Grilled paneer wrapped with pickled onions, chili sauce, and tangy spice rubs, all rolled tightly into a soft roti.

5. Chicken Biryani Bowl

Fragrant rice cooked with saffron, garam masala, and boneless chicken pieces. Served with raita and spicy chutney on the side.

Every dish bursts with authentic desi masalas, and you can choose your spice level—from mild to “sweat-it-out” hot.

Vegan and Vegetarian Delight

Desi Galli is extremely vegan-friendly and proudly highlights its plant-based dishes. Popular options include:

• Samosa Chaat

• Baingan Bharta Roll

• Chana Masala Bowl

• Tofu Tikka Roll

They also use whole wheat options for rolls and offer gluten-free dishes, making it an inclusive food destination for people with dietary restrictions.

Street Drinks to Pair

They don’t have a bar, but Desi Galli offers a selection of traditional beverages that make a great pairing with spicy street food:

• Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk)

• Mango Lassi

• Rose Lemonade

• Thums Up and Limca (Indian sodas)

Their chaas is refreshingly tangy and helps cut through the richness of the chaats and rolls.

Service and Speed

Desi Galli is a quick-serve setup, but don’t let that fool you—the service is fast, courteous, and consistent. You can order online, dine in, or take out.

The staff is knowledgeable about the ingredients and will help recommend dishes based on spice preference, dietary needs, or even moods.

Events and Collaborations

Desi Galli often collaborates with:

• Local food delivery apps

• Vegan food festivals

• NYC street fairs

• Desi-themed pop-ups

They’re popular among college kids and young professionals looking for a budget-friendly yet satisfying meal.

History & Background

Founded in 2013, Desi Galli started with a simple mission—to bring Indian street food into the American mainstream. Over the years, it's become a go-to destination for comfort Indian eats and has featured in publications like:

• The New York Times

• Eater NYC

• Zagat

The founder, PriaVanda Khanna, remains actively involved in curating the menu and upholding quality standards.

How to Reach

📍 Address: 172 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
🚇 Nearest Subway: 1st Ave (L train)
🚶 Walking: A quick walk from Tompkins Square Park

Budget

Desi Galli is affordable by NYC standards, making it an excellent option for students, quick-lunch seekers, and budget diners.

• Rolls & Wraps: $7–$12

• Chaats & Appetizers: $6–$10

• Rice Bowls: $10–$14

• Drinks & Sweets: $3–$6

No tipping is required if you’re ordering for pickup, but dine-in service is always friendly and deserving.

Best Time to Visit

• Weekday Lunch Hours: Quieter, ideal for dine-in

• Late Evenings: Slightly busier but fun energy

• Weekend Afternoons: Perfect for a quick desi brunch

Dress Code & Policies

• Dress Code: Casual

• Pet Friendly: Outdoor seating available for pets

• Kid Friendly: Yes

• BYOB: No, but great pairings with nearby cafes

Social Media Buzz

Desi Galli has been frequently featured on food vlogs and Instagram Reels. You’ll find delicious clips of chaat being assembled in real-time, rolls being grilled, and desserts being devoured.

Popular hashtags: #DesiGalli, #KatiRollNYC, #NYCIndianFood

Influencers love the visual appeal of the food—bright colors, sizzling sounds, and dripping chutneys.

What Sets Desi Galli Apart

✅ One of the few NYC spots specializing in Indian chaat & rolls
✅ Speed + flavor + authenticity in a casual format
✅ Diverse vegan and gluten-free options
✅ Reasonable pricing
✅ Female-led, community-oriented business
✅ A go-to for late-night cravings and spicy fixes

Final Thoughts

Desi Galli is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of India’s gully food culture, reimagined for New Yorkers who love bold tastes without the formality. It's where you go when you want real Indian food, fast, and without fuss.