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Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Food: ☆☆☆☆
Service: ☆☆☆½
Ambiance: ☆☆
Cost: $
Must try: Jhal Muri, Chicken Kati Roll, Keema Kati Roll
Food: ☆☆☆½
Service: ☆☆☆
Ambiance: ☆☆
Cost: $
Must try: Chicken Phall Roll
Thelewala, as its name suggests, has recreated the street food experience right here in New York City.
Situated on MacDougal Street amongst numerous tiny eateries, Thelewala offers stiff competition to Kathi Roll Company that is situated diagonally across.
The concise menu here offers uncommon variations on kati rolls which they call “Famous Nizami Rolls”. There are several fillings one can choose from with both vegetarian and non- vegetarian options. My favorite was the spicy Chicken Phall Roll.
Thelewala also offers other street style food ubiquitous in Kolkata. Do try their Jaal Moori which is a riff on the more common bhelpuri. It is prepared with puffed rice, peanuts, red onions, potatoes, lime and oil (ask for mustard oil which is the authentic version vs. olive oil)
The owner Shiva Natarajan’s who also owns Chola, Dhaba, Bhojan and more, is a native of Kolkata – where street food reigns supreme. As I too am of similar origins, I can tell you that Thelewala is the real deal.
Here is some of what we ate:
Food: ☆☆☆☆
Service: ☆☆☆☆
Ambiance: ☆☆ ½
Cost: $$
Must try: Kakori Kabab, Dahi Puri, Lamb Biryani, Gobhi Manchurian
(This meal was complimentary which did not affect my review.)
Food: ☆☆☆½
Service: ☆☆☆
Ambiance: ☆☆ ½
Cost: $$$
Must try: Chicken Malai Kabab , Chilly Fish, Lamb Shahi Pasanda, Garlic Naan
Food: ☆☆☆ ½
Service: ☆☆ ½
Ambiance: ☆☆
Cost: $
Must try: Tokri Chaat, Samosa Chaat, Onion Rava Dosa
Food: ☆☆☆
Service: ☆☆☆½
Ambiance: ☆☆
Cost: $$$
Must try: Chicken Tikka Masala, Lal Maas
Food: ☆☆☆☆ 1/2
Service: ☆☆☆
Ambiance: ☆☆☆
Cost: $$$$
Must Try: warm doda burfi treacle tart, Andhra pickle chicken meatballs