Midtown Lunch

If you work in Soho the options for finding the Midtown Lunch trifecta (cheap, filling and slightly gross) are limited. Tucked into a tiny space on Crosby St. (nr. Houston) next to the Housing Works store is Lahore Deli. It’s nearly out of bounds, and I didn’t even know it existed until I heard about its reliably good food. It is a lunch’er’s dream with its selection of curries and Indian and Pakistani foods. After eating so many disappointing Indian steam table lunches, would this finally be a good one?

When I took this picture, I was basically standing at the doorway to give you an idea of the size of this place. Not pictured is a counter that seats about two small people so it’s best to get takeaway unless your office mates have a real problem with smelling ethnic food.

There’s a menu posted on the wall, but it’s probably best to ask what’s available as nothing in the display case is marked and they have other things on the back stove.

I went with a samosa because I’d heard they were good, and they were also only $1. My favorite part of getting lunch from here was when the guy working threw it in the microwave on the counter before giving it to me. He did the same with my lamb curry a minute later. The samosa was filled with potatoes and vegetables and it was spicy and delicious. If you fear grease, this may not be for you because the paper bag it was thrown in was nearly transparent by the time I ate it. Then again, if you fear grease, you would probably not be getting lunch at Lahore Deli.

The lamb curry ($6) was also spicy. I think most things here probably have a kick to them, so keep that in mind if you’re not a fan.  It was good though, and the container was jammed full so I felt like I got my moneys worth. The rice was quality – some of the best I’ve had from an Indian place downtown. Since I’ve been Downtown Lunch’ing it’s been surprising to find out how many ways rice can be messed up.

If you work in Soho and read this site, chances are you have checked this place out already.

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

• It almost qualifies as dirt cheap anywhere in the city, but definitely does in Soho.
• The food is better than most Indian steam table fare.
• Samosas for $1!

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

• I don’t want to fight anyone for one of the counter seats.
• What’s with all of the pots of food sitting on the floor?

Lahore Deli, 132 Crosby St. #1, (212) 965-1777