Before Semma and Bungalow, there were and still are Haandi and Lahori Kabab. They are among a stretch of South Asian restaurants and specialty stores all lined up in pre-war buildings on Lexington Avenue, nicknamed Curry Hill. For decades, these businesses have served cab drivers and local residents like me.
My family has been going to Haandi since it opened in 2001. Kalustyan’s has been around since 1944, Curry in a Hurry since 1976. A new luxury building just went up, and newer South Asian restaurants are pulling people to trendier neighborhoods, lauded by influencers who mostly ignore Midtown. What they are missing is New York history and really, really good chai.