Dhamaka

Exceeded my already high expectations. An excellent dining experience. The biryani is indeed the best ive had, I got the okra dish which I mostly liked I found it a little bit too salty for my taste but the texture of the okra is insane and I would have it again honestly, the side of yogurt helped balance it out a bit. THE CRAB IS A MUSTTTTT. it's like the best cacio e pepe you've ever had in your life but make it crab. And lotsss of it, they do not skimp on the meat but you're still gonna want two of these😂😍 The house made paneer texture is incredible, we got the appetizer version it was delicious with the chutney and onion. As for drinks I was very impressed with they're not alcoholic menu, I did take a gander at the regular cocktail menu and it also looked very delicious and impressive, their lassi is the best I've ever had, it's not mango it's something even better it's like everything you would want from a creamy semi sweet beverage, nothing more nothing less. Utterly perfect it almost was my favorite thing I had and that is saying a lot considering the food was outstandingly good. I also was very happy with their dessert wine section, they feature Kopke for port and a late harvest hungarian sweet wine that i absolutely loveeee. Service was excellent also, and seats are nicely spaced out. Music was cool lots of stuff I've never heard before. Looking forward to my next dining experience here for sure

“Busy” is not the word for this popular Indian spot in Essex Market. It’s just as packed as the sister restaurant, Adda, that recently re-located from Queens. Alex, our waiter, was fantastic and walked us through the menu with his favorites. They also have unique cocktails and a decent wine selection. The cocktail I ordered was a little too sweet and reminded me of mouthwash so I switched it for a glass of wine. We definitely ordered way too much for two people, but every dish was layered with incredible flavor. If you’re not big on spice, ask about the heat level, a dish or two had an extra kick. The Butter Pepper Garlic Crab was my favorite. They level up the presentation by bringing it out in the shell and flipping it at the table. Raita isn’t listed on the menu, but they do have it . Reservations are a must, even if you are planning to sit at the bar. Their dining area is suitable for all size parties. FYI: they’re also participating in Restaurant Week

This place had been on my friend’s must-try dining list since it first opened, but it was always fully booked and reservation-only. Today was finally the day we got to experience it—and it was well worth the wait. The staff, from the maître d’ to the waiters, were genuinely warm and welcoming. A special shout-out to Alex, who was fantastic—patiently explaining the dishes, keeping our water glasses full, and checking in on us throughout the meal. The ambiance is funky and hip, with a unique vibe that doesn’t immediately give away the type of cuisine being served, which I personally loved. The authentic Indian music added an extra layer to the experience and complemented the food beautifully. This is not the place for chicken tikka masala lovers looking for a familiar take. This is real, authentic Indian cuisine (with some selective meat dishes). From the appetizers to the main course—especially the lamb shank for two—everything was flavorful, well-seasoned, and thoughtfully prepared. We both truly enjoyed our time and will definitely be back. Making a reservation is a must.

Hard reservation to land and tucked inside a food market, which made Dhamaka feel like a great find before we even sat down. Top dishes: the beef pepper fry was the standout. Tender, spicy in the best way, served with chutney and onions. The butter pepper crab tasted like a richer shrimp scampi, incredible. The malai murgh had bold butter and spice flavors - crispy onions were excellent, just wish the portion was bigger. We also ordered the paratha and it was perfect for dipping into all the sauces. The balli biryani was huge and could feed four easily. Great presentation, and yes, we ate the bread sealing the pot. Service from Alex was patient and helpful, guiding a table of opinions. Our group eats a lot of Indian food around the city, so this was a bucket list stop. Albarino wine was great with the meal, and the Old Fashioned and beers held up too. Overall a fun, flavorful night with a lot of surprises!

Service is great. The food is really good. But like… the prices are a bit cookey. The eggplant was my favourite thing we tried. Biriyani is $75 and could feed an army. If you’re gonna get it, come with many people and share, or really don’t order much else. I liked the paneer. The atmosphere is actually good. It looks like casual from the outside (since it’s inside Essex market), but it’s a nice spot.