Saravanaas - A Pure Vegetarian South Indian Restaurant

Saravanaas is a pure vegetarian restaurant that is highly unusual for a New York Indian restaurant -- in that it serves cuisine exclusively from (vegetarian) South India. Their chefs come directly from India. They are run by the prestigious Hotel Saravana Bhavan, which is the most popular vegetarian chain in India. You can find more information on their website: http://saravanaasrestaurant.com/about.htm

David Greene happens to love this place. He says, "This restaurant is exquisitely delicious and way out of the ordinary. With its idlies, vadas, many varieties of dosa, and spicy rasam soup, you will experience delectable South Indian vegetarian cuisine that is absent from the menu of almost any other New York Indian restaurant."

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They serve traditional South Indian fare including many chutneys, lots of rice dishes, and specialized breads. "South Indian chutneys are made of tamarind, coconut, peanuts, lentil, fenugreek seeds, and cilantro. These chutneys are light, more flavored and aromatic, and are the perfect complement to the food they accompany."

The restaurant is located at 81 Lexington Ave on the corner of 26th Street. Closest trains are the N/R at 23rd Street and the 6 at 28th Street. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=81%20Lexington%20Ave+New%20York+NY+10016 +

Zagat gives Saravanaas a super-high food rating of 25 -- unheard of for a restaurant this inexpensive. Their review: “Heavenly” dosas and other “cheap”, “wonderful vegetarian” dishes elevate this “unassuming” Murray Hill South Indian miles above “your usual curry joint”; “regimented” service and “cafeteria”-like decor don’t deter the “crowds”, so “be prepared to stand in line.” (Note: Saravanaas has recently renovated and expanded -- to keep up with demand! We have a large reservation, so there will be no problem with seating.)

Here is a quick look at their menu: http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/saravanaas/menu

** As usual, you are welcome to show up anytime between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM. You may stay the whole time, or feel free to leave whenever you need to. **

When you RSVP, please indicate at what time you might arrive. This is helpful for us to know how many seats to set aside, but if your plans change, come anytime.

For those of you who have never attended one of our Vegetarian Meetup events, this is an incredibly friendly and welcoming group. To find us: our group will be at the back of the restaurant. It will be easy to find our group, or you can just ask any restaurant staff member for the "meetup".

-- Tom