It’s been well covered that if you want an all you can eat Indian buffet in Midtown, your best bet is with Spice Fusion (on 8th Ave. btw. 47+48th). In addition to their buffet, they’ve actually been offering kati rolls for the past few years, although to little fan fare. I felt like it was time to see how they stack up against the competition.

At Spice Fusion, the kati roll is for take-out only and they offer four different options for fillings: chicken, lamb, aloo (potato), and paneer (cheese). It’s $4.00 before taxes and you get one kati roll with two dipping sauces. One was minty and the other was sweet, tamarind sauce. One might scoff at the notion of paying four dollars for ONE kati roll, however the offerings at Spice Fusion are quite hefty- mostly because the competition uses paratha, while Spice Fusion uses naan. I tried both the chicken and the lamb version.

The kati rolls are quite spicy (which they don’t really mention before you order) so the faint of heart should be weary. It’s not tongue searingly hot, but it’ll start to cause a sweat probably. They end up giving you more sauce than you can actually use, but the mint sauce with the lamb kati roll really hits the spot. These rolls from Spice Fusion feel less like other kati rolls and more like what an Indian hot dog might look like. That’s the way to really think about these things… they’re more like Indian hot dogs than kati rolls, and they also fill you up pretty well. If you can eat two and still go have dessert, you’re a real Midtown Luncher.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Filling up for just $4 is a great deal!
• I like naan way better than roti or paratha
• The spicier the food, the better it tastes.

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• I like my kati rolls the way the biryani cart and The Kati Roll company does them
• Spicy food is just not my thing

Spice Fusion, 777 8th ave (btw 47+48th), 212-757-8100

It’s well documented that Zach and many of us Midtown Lunchers love to go hog wild on an all you can eat buffet. Likewise, once the clock reads quitting time the happy hour ideal consists of gorging ourselves on free appetizers with a good drink to lull us into the night. We all know Spice Fusion has been an ML Indian buffet mainstay, but I was surprised to find they also have an all night happy hour with free veggie or meat hors d’oeuvres. This might be the only Indian food happy hour I’ve ever heard of, so my curiosity and appetite were piqued!

Spice fusion is surprisingly dead at 6pm, especially given the proximity to the theater district crowds. There was only one other couple there but the waiters courteously checked our coats and we took a seat at the tiny bar. We were offered a wine and a cocktail list (I didn’t see any beer listings). I ordered a dry vodka martini and my friend had a bloody mary. The bartender made the martini with Absolut plus three little olives as garnish. It was everything you would expect it to taste like. The bloody mary on the other hand was in a small glass, light on flavor (no horseradish, pepper, celery etc) and strength: more like something you get at an airport lounge. Not discouraged, I sheepishly looked over my shoulder to see where this freeloading food action was to be found, but when the bartender came back out and asked if we wanted veggie or meat appetizer it became clear that this was an only one-dish affair. Out of the kitchen came 3 samosas and another small plate of 4 chucks of chicken masala —both garnished with baby greens and a side of tamarind and mint sauce.

A delicious crispy shell surrounded the samosas and the chicken had tender dark meat with a light seasoning. In two demure nibbles one samosa was easily devoured and this held true for the chicken. So one little appetizer per stay was a big tease. A salivatory treat, but a stomach growling tease nevertheless. This was not exactly what I expected when they advertised their happy hour. The check came and my martini rung up at $10 and my date’s drink was $8. Not exactly cheap but the cocktail list didn’t include prices, so I had a feeling.

When compared with other midtown bars that offer trays of wings, nachos, and hotdogs with cheap drinks this low ambiance restaurant fails at comparing in affordability and satisfaction. I hate to say this Spice Fusion, but stick to what you do well: being one of ML’s best all you can eat Indian buffets.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• I work nearby and I’m having dinner here, why not get a free app with my glass of wine
• I’d love small snack and a drink before going to the theatre
• Service was excellent and the bar does have a small dish of spicy peanuts to snack on
• There is a lounge area as you enter, with sofas —probably a good place to take coworkers and order small bites and drinks

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Tiny bar that only seats about 5
• They’re trying to take in a happy hour crowd, but they fail to do it right
• 1 small plate, per person = lame
• If you are up for $10 cocktails there are much better options

Spice Fusion, 777 8th ave (btw 47+48th)

On days like today soup will be on the agenda for many lunchers… but for me there is a less obvious choice: Indian buffet! On Friday I tested this theory with a little cold (and rainy) day trip to Spice Fusion (on 8th Ave. btw. 47+48th.) I consider it one of the better buffet options in Midtown, especially in its price range (which at $10.95 pushes me to my buffet price limit.) The tricky thing about most Indian buffets is items will change from day to day, so you never know what you are going to get. But I was excited to discover that Spice Fusion has created a schedule and posts it for everyone to see at the front door. That way you know exactly what you are going to get before heading over.

Check out a close up after the jump…

Not sure if they keep it the same week to week (since this menu is date specific) but if they do- I think Thursday might be my jam… goat curry, chicken saag, and I’m a big fan of their gajar halwa- that carrot dessert thing I discovered on my first visit to Spice Fusion way back when. Nothing warms the belly like stuffing your face with Indian food on a cold day.

Related:
Spice Fusion is Still the Best Indian Buffet in Midtown (Even Though It’s $11)

Spice Fusion (the Indian buffet on 8th Ave. btw. 47+48th) used to have a big blow up of the Midtown Lunch post hanging in front of their restaurant. Not anymore. It probably has to do with the headline, where I claimed that Spice Fusion had perfected the “Under $10 Indian All You Can Eat Buffet”. Like most of the Indian buffets in Midtown, Spice Fusion raised their price at the beginning of the year. But is it worth the extra buck? (As you know, I will break my $10 rule for all you can eat buffets.)

I used this silly reasoning as an excuse decided to buffet it up on Friday to “check it out”. 

Still good, and completely worth the $11. Main reasons (aside from the fact that the food is good):

1. They bring freshly baked naan to your table from the back, rather than letting it sit out on the buffet. (It also has a nice butter/ghee sheen.)
2. They have 2 different lamb dishes! In these tough times, many buffets will cut back on their meat offerings, and usually lamb is the first to go. On the day we were there, Spice Fusion had two different lamb dishes- a shish kebab/ground lamb kind of thing (that was delicious) and a stewed lamb (which was melt in your mouth tender)
3. Dessert is always good (and warm!)

I’ve never been able to bring myself to shell out the $17+ that some of the nicer buffets charge in Midtown… but I can’t imagine they are much better than Spice Fusion.

Spice Fusion, my favorite all you can eat Indian Buffet in Midtown (despite the fact that they raised their price to $10.99) was serving kati rolls at the Taste of Times Square yesterday- the latest addition to their menu. Available at lunchtime to go, or to stay, they only had chicken tikka rolls at the festival, but assured me that at the restaurant they also had vegetarian, lamb, and paneer. For $2, how could i not…

Not as good as most of the kati roll options in Midtown, but it was at a street fair- so it’s not really fair to judge. I’ll check them out fresh at the restaurant, and report back.

As for the rest of the Taste of Times Square, it was pretty much the same as last year (27 versions of baked ziti and all). Need to see more photos? Check out this post by Janine (who didn’t even bother eating anything, it was that good).

What is it with the trend of restaurants raising their prices after getting high praise from powerful reviewers!?!  Following in Fiamma’s footsteps (they raised their price fixe menu from $75 to $95 after a 3 star review from the New York Times), Spice Fusion on 8th Ave. btw. 47+48th has raised the price of their all you can eat buffet from $9.99 to $10.99 within months of receiving a glowing Midtown Lunch review and being declared Best Indian Buffet in the 2008 Midtown Lunch readers poll!

While incredibly disappointing, it’s not exactly surprising. I recently voiced my fear that Spice Fusion would follow in the footsteps of Curry Dream & Al Baraka (now Kanaat), two buffets who have both raised their prices from $9.99 to $10.99 since the new year. 

I have managed to resist going into an all out panic, despite reading how the cost of flour was sending pizza prices through the roof , and the article in Saturday’s New York Times about how all food stuffs have seen price increases over the past year.  But now that it is clearly having an effect on all you can eat buffets, I’m paying attention!  (You didn’t really think they raised prices because of Midtown Lunch, did you?)  

The real question is what kind of a world do we live in when you can’t stuff your face with unlimited amounts of food, for under $10. 

With the stroke of a pen, and the resulting blog coverage, Fiamma ended up reconsidering their price hike.  Will you not help us, Mr. Bruni? 

Best Fast Food Indian: Kati Roll

Despite changing locations this year (Kati Roll is now on 39th btw. 5+6th), Indian burritos just barely beat out old steam table standby (and former neighbor) Minar, on 46th btw. 6+7th.  35% to 32%  Editor’s Pick: Man do I miss being 2 blocks away from Kati Roll.  It’s the unanimous winner.

Best Cheap Chinese Food: Hing Won

“Cheap” is code for fast food, take out Chinese, and while Szechuan Gourmet (on 39th btw. 5+6th) may possibly be the best Chinese food in Midtown- Hing Won/Hop Won wins the battle of the steam tables, easily beating out the competition.  Editor’s Pick:  No secret here.  Hing Won was my first Midtown Lunch post, and still remains my favorite Chinese food take out in Midtown.

Best burger, best street carts and a best pizza shocker, after the jump…

Best Japanese Take Out: Cafe Zaiya

The battle of the bento was won pretty handily by Cafe Zaiya (41st btw. Madison+5th), as it beats out both neighbors Chiyoda & Yagura, plus Go Go Curry.  Editor’s Pick: Chiyoda has got the edge on quality, but Zaiya is the best value and selection (plus the most fun).  Zaiya is the unanimous victor.

Best Ramen (Under $10): Sapporo

There’s plenty of amazing ramen in Midtown, but not all of it is in the Midtown Lunch’ing price range.  Among those chosen few, Sapporo (on 48th btw. 6+7th) edges out Menchanko-Tei (undoubtedly helped by the DOH!).  Editor’s Pick: Men Kui Tei.

In the biggest shock, and by the slimmest margin in the entire poll- Two Boots (in the Rock Center Concourse) beats out Little Italy Pizza (on 45th btw. 5+6th) as best slice of Pizza in Midtown.  Editor’s Pick: I enjoy Two Boots as much as the next guy, but Little Italy is my fave.

Best Italian Food: Little Italy Pizza

Little Italy Pizza on 45th btw. 5+6th loses out on best Pizza, but wins Best Italian food in Midtown.  Editor’s Pick: I haven’t been to Lazzarra’s yet, but it’s top of my list to try.  Of places I’ve been to, I’ve got to go with Labeleca/La Bellezza.

Best Falafel & Best Chicken/Lamb & Rice Cart:  Kwik Meal

The Kwik Meal Cart (Main location on 45th & 6th) takes home two victories, winning both the best Falafel category, and the best Chicken/Lamb over Rice.  Editor’s Pick: For chicken/lamb over rice, I still say 53rd & 6th does it best… but I’ve got to agree on the best falafel.  It’s not conventional (yogurt instead of tahini), and it’s small- but man is it tasty.

Best Latin Food: Margon

Old standby Margon (on 46th btw. 6+Bway) takes home best latin food, with over 50% of the vote.  Editor’s Pick:  Growing up in Miami, I’ve got to go with the place that makes me feel like I’m eating lunch on Calle Ocho.  And that is hands down, Margon.  (Although for roast pork, I still think Cafe Cello is tops!  It’s all about the crispy skin.)

Best Indian Buffet (Under $10.99): Spice Fusion

Newcomer Spice Fusion, on 8th Ave. btw. 47+48th wins best Indian buffet in Midtown.  Now let’s see if they keep the price at $9.99!  Editor’s Pick: Spice Fusion

Best Cart (Unique Offering Category): Hallo Berlin

Former Vendy Award Winner, and perennial Midtown lunch’ing favorite Hallo Berlin (on 54th & 5th) beats out the new in 2007 Jamaican Dutchy cart.  Editor’s Pick: A Tie between the Jamaican Dutchy, which I think is the best new cart in Midtown, and the Chapati Roll Cart on 46th- which has gone through the miraculous transformation of standard chicken and rice cart, to worthy replacement for the now displaced Kati Roll.

Best Fast Food Hamburger: Burger Joint at the Parker Meridien Hotel

New to NYC chain Five Guys put up a little bit of a fight, but it was no match for one of the true Midtown destination lunches- The Burger Joint at the Parker Meridien Hotel (on 56th btw. 6+7th).  Editor’s Pick:  I’m a big Burger Joint fan, but the double burger and free grilled onions and mushrooms make Five Guys tops in my book.

Thanks for all your votes!  And thanks for all the support in 2007.  In the end, who really cares what one fat guy thinks about most of these places?  Your suggestions, tips, opinions and comments on the site are what make Midtown Lunch such a valuable resource for all of us working in this food wasteland.  Keep them coming in 2008!

One thing I’ve discovered since starting Midtown Lunch is that most of the time you get what you pay for.  Go to an Indian buffet that’s $9.95 and the quality of the food is not going to be as good as the $14.95 buffet.  Rangole (on 46th btw. 5+6th) was the best deal ever at $8.95, but the quality was a little lacking, and the atmosphere left a little to be desired.  And yet, I love the all you can eat buffets, so I was happy the place was there when I needed my fix.

When Rangole closed, I was forced to look south to Curry Dream on 38th btw. 5+6th.  $1 more than Rangole, it still suffers from many of the same problems.  Good, but not great, clean, but not really… and still, I am just happy it’s there.  (Fat man likey buffet.)  I could pay $10.95 for Sukhadia or even more for one of the expensive Indian Buffets in Midtown (there are plenty, like Utsav), but it is against the under $10 Midtown Lunch rule (read: I’m a cheap bastard, and will sacrifice quality for price).

With the opening of Spice Fusion on 8th Ave. btw. 47+48th, all of my Indian food prayers have been answered.  Not only is the buffet only $9.95, they have take out boxes for $6.95 and the food is not only good, it is borderline great!

What they have, and a +/- after the jump…

Spice Fusion is what I would consider to be a small scale buffet.  There are usually 3 meat dishes, 3 vegetarian dishes, one rice, one dessert, two salads and and array of sauces and chutneys.  You can actually apply most of my Chinese food buffet rules to Indian buffets, with the exception of “don’t eat the bread“, which clearly needs to be ignored when dealing with Indian food, where the naan is going to be one of the best parts of the meal.

My first plate, as always, was a starter plate, as I used it to sample all the meat dishes and the saagwala (spinach), which is my favorite:

Every dish had a very distinct flavor, and none of the sauces were watery- a problem you find at a lot of cheap Indian buffets.  Standard chicken tikka masala was very good, and the rarely seen straight up chicken masala was spicy and delicious.  The lamb rogan josh was also good, and is something they told me is on the buffet every day. 

My string of bad saags at cheap indian buffets came to an end, with their version being particularly good, my only complaint being that it came with “aloo” or potato rather than the standard paneer (Indian cheese).  I would say this was a cheap move to save money, but they quickly disproved that theory by offering a paneer and peas dish right next to the saag. 

Bread is one of my favorite parts of an Indian buffet, and Spice Fusion brings their naan fresh, hot and glistening right from the oven to your table.  In fact, they actually seemed very concerned with making sure all the food they put out was fresh.  When I asked if they ever had Tandoori chicken on the buffet, they replied that you could only get tandoori off the menu or as a take out box, because it dries up and doesn’t taste good when you put that kind of food on a buffet. 

For my second plate, I sampled the remaining two vegetarian dishes, got seconds of the lamb and chicken masala, and tried their extensive selection of sauces and chutneys.  I’m not a vegetarian, but if I was I would be pretty excited about this place.  There are only 3 vegetarian choices, but they were all top notch.  The yellow dal was exceptionally tasty, with this amazing mustardy flavor, and the paneer with pees was also delicious.  A lot of times at cheap Indian buffets, everything ends up tasting practically the same- but here I was really impressed with how strong and individual the flavor of each dish was.

For dessert, I was disappointed to see the standard Indian rice pudding dish (which they have on some days) replaced with some sort of orange dessert thing called Gajar ka Halwa.  Made entirely from carrots, it more than exceeded my low expectations.  Sweet and delicious, seeing it on my next visit will result in a very happy boy. 

All in all, I couldn’t believe how good this buffet was for only $9.95.  And unlike most cheap buffets the atmosphere was warm, inviting and super clean (probably due to the fact that the place is brand new).  And, while normally I would be critical of a buffet that doesn’t offer tandoori chicken, or some of sort of fried something something (can a brother get a samosa or pakora up in this joint???), it was overshadowed by the effort they put into making each of the dishes superb.  My only fear is that when word gets out, it will be so crowded they won’t be able to maintain the quality.

On second thought, this place is terrible.  Nobody should go.

THE +

• All the dishes are far better than you would expect from a $9.95 Indian buffet.
• Nothing was watery
• The naan comes out fresh from the kitchen
• If you aren’t in the mood for buffet, they have take out or delivery boxes for $6.95
• The Vegetarian options are delicious
• It’s a buffet… and all buffets are good
• A really large selection of delcious sauces and chutneys

THE -

• It’s a small scale buffet, and a decent size restaurant.  If it is full, I could see there being a problem with lines and keeping the food stocked
• There is no tandoori chicken, so your office mate who only eats the “red chicken with no sauce” may have to eat some real Indian food!
• There are no pakoras or samosas!  (I’d rather have dried out fried stuff than no fried stuff at all!)
• They seem to put a lot of care into all their dishes (and not serving popular items that don’t fare well in a buffet setting).  I’m afraid that once they become popular, they won’t put as much care into the food!
• With tax and tip, the meal comes out to around $13 (which is technically more than the $10 Midtown Lunch “rule”)

Spice Fusion, 777 8th Ave. (btw. 47+48th), 212-757-8100