Manhattan's first Indo-Chinese restaurant now open.

Chinese Mirch, loosely translated in Hindi suggests spicy Chinese food. True to its name, the recently opened restaurant, a cozy little place located on the corner of 28th and Lexington, fills a culinary niche that is relatively new: Chinese food prepared with Indian herbs & spices.

(PRWEB) February 5, 2004 --While the tandoori naan, the chicken tikkas, the dosas and the mango lassis made their way to New York decades ago, Chinese Mirch is the first to bring the Indo- Chinese cuisine to Manhattan. An immensely popular cuisine in India, it is a fusion of wok style cooking with Indian herbs and spices especially the green and red chilies. The food is zesty, flavorful and a refreshing change from the ubiquitous Indian curries.

The owner of Chinese Mirch, Vik Lulla, a third generation restaurateur from India has recreated authentic dishes that draw ecstatic praises from the Indians in Manhattan who have been craving this food from back home for the longest time . One can't get enough of the 'chili chicken' a fiery stir fried chicken dish, the 'crispy schezuan lamb' prepared with shredded lamb that is painstakingly cooked twice to tenderize it and then made crisp or the 'manchurian prawns' - tiger prawns cooked to perfection in a sauce with minced onions, garlic and green chilies all of which are hand grinded for several hours to get the right texture. The 'vegetable shanghai' is the vegan favorite- minced vegetable balls prepared in a vibrant red sauce with just the right heat.

Some of the less fiery but very inspired dishes include 'chilled chinese salad'- crispy noodles served over chilled julienned veggies with a honey vinaigrette dressing, 'sauteed string beans' - long beans sautéed in black bean sauce and 'fish in garlic sauce'- flounder fillets in a delicate sauce aromatic of garlic.

Skip the side of steamed rice accompanying all entrees and you have the perfect Atkins friendly diet as well.

The desserts are irresistible too. 'Banana toffee'- chunks of banana caramelized with honey and sesame and the 'date pancake'- thin crisps filled with rich moist dates and drizzled with chocolate sauce are a must have.

All dishes are moderately priced with the entrees ranging from $6.75 to $12.95 with a meal for two averaging under $ 25. The lunch special at $6.95 with soup or spring roll and entrée with fried rice or noodles is a steal.

The atmosphere of Chinese Mirch is intimate and the décor is clean simplicity .White walls with subtle tropical green hues here and there set it apart from its dreary curry hill neighbors. The mahogany bamboo chairs with hand carved details and the ivory silk screen tables lend it an air of cool casual elegance without screaming Oriental.

Chinese Mirch
120 Lexington Avenue
New York , NY 10016
Ph:212 532 3663

(Subway: 6 Train to 28th Street)

Opened mid December 2003

BUSINESS HOURS

Tuesday to Friday
Lunch: 12:00 Noon -3:00 P.M
Dinner: 5:30 P.M -10:30 P.M

Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
Lunch: 1:00 P.M -4:00 P.M
Dinner: 5:00 P.M -10:30 P.M

All major credit cards accepted. Free delivery in the 10 block radius.
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