Table Hopping with Morris Gut Enjoy the Sights, Sounds and Flavors of India During Diwali
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is a major holiday throughout India and the rest of the globe. It is a fine time to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. It lasts five days, this year peaking on October 20. It is marked by rituals, parades, and plenty of good food. Here are some local spots to take in those exotic flavors. Dine in or take out:
Mumbai Katta, 227 Westchester Ave., Port Chester. 516-953-3265 Anita and Jayant Gawde have opened a vibrant ode to flavorful regional Indian street food. They will mark the traditional five-day festival of Diwali. Anita is a dynamo in front and back of the house. www.mumbaikatta.com
Neha Palace, 27 Meyer Ave., Yonkers at Cross County Shopping Center. 914-476-5900 Diya Ramchandani’s big, elegant restaurant and catering venue serves Halal cuisine. www.nehapalaceyonkers.com
Marigold Cuisine, 434 White Plains Road, Eastchester. 914-202-9455 Michelin recognized chef Hermant Mathur, who was personal chef to the Prime Minister of India, offers a creative modern take on Indian cuisine. www.ordermarigoldrestaurant.com
Tandoori Taste of India, 223 Westchester Ave., Port Chester 914-937-2727 Bharat Patel, pioneer proprietor of long running Tandoori Taste of India, will be marking Diwali with a grand buffet and specialties at lunch and dinner. www.tandooritasteofindia.com
Indi Q Indian Bistro & BBQ, 61 Old Route 22, Armonk. 914-273-5931 Lovely setting operated by the owners of Tandoori. www.indiqarmonk.com
Jaipore Royal Indian Cuisine, 280 Route 22, Brewster. 845-277-3549 A lot of local history coming out of this historic mansion. www.jaiporenyc.com
Chutney Masala, 76 Main St., Irvington. 914-591-5500 Chef Navjot Arora runs a creative kitchen as recognized by the Michelin Restaurant Guide. www.chutneymasala.com
Coromandel Cuisine of India, 464 North Ave., New Rochelle. 914-235-8390 The best Indian take-out in the Queen City. You may remember them from their former Division Street location. www.coromandeltogo.com
Coriander-Modern Indian, 154 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont. 914-235-1306 Proprietor Shawn Nagpal and his team offer a modern touch to their regional Indian cuisine. www.corianderny.com
Spice Village, 8 Columbus Ave., Tuckahoe. 914-562-9466 Serving the public in southern Westchester for years. Try the lamb chops. www.spicevillageny.com
Mughal Palace, 16 Broadway, Valhalla. 914-997-6090 Alam and staff are consistently accommodating. www.mughalpalace.com
RaaSa Fine Indian Cuisine, 145 E. Main St., Elmsford. 914-347-7890 A solid kitchen and front of the house team recognized by the Michelin Restaurant Guide. www.raasany.com
Ambadi Kebab & Grill, 141 E. Post Road, White Plains. 914-686-2014 Indian and halal cuisine by the owner of Mughal Palace. www.ambadiusa.com
Royal Palace, 77 Knollwood Road, Hartsdale/White Plains. 914-289-1988 Owner Jagdish Mitter has been operating this sprawling Indian eatery for more than 20 years. www.royalpalacecuisines.com
Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for more than 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net