About Desi Galli

Desi Galli—which translates to "Indian Alley"—is a vibrant, woman-owned Indian street food spot that has been bringing the bold, chaotic energy of Mumbai's snack stalls to Manhattan since opening its doors in 2012 . Founded by Chef PriaVanda Chouhan, the restaurant has since grown into a beloved NYC brand with two locations: one in the East Village (on Avenue B) and another in Kips Bay/Murray Hill (on Lexington Avenue) . The space itself is casual and colorful, decorated with wall hangings and paisley stenciling, making it feel like a playful escape rather than a formal dining room . Desi Galli has earned serious recognition over the years—Time Out New York ranked it #9 on its list of Best Indian Restaurants in NYC, and the Village Voice named its Bhel Puri the best in the city . The menu is centered around Kathi rolls (often described as "Indian burritos"), featuring fillings like tender Chicken Tikka, slow-cooked Lamb Bhuna, and Paneer with tomatoes and green chilies, all wrapped in flaky paratha bread . Beyond the rolls, the kitchen turns out street food classics like Vada Pav (spiced potato fritters in a bun), Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, Samosa Chaat, and Biryani Bowls . What truly sets Desi Galli apart is its creative fusion offerings. The Desi Poutine—french fries smothered in rich tikka masala sauce—has achieved near-cult status among regulars, with one reviewer calling it their "new comfort food" and confessing they would "walk across the city" for it . Another standout is the Palak Patte ki Chaat (crisp spinach leaves with tangy chutneys), and for dessert, the Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Bites have become something of a signature, even making an appearance at Priyanka Chopra's Diwali lunch in 2025, which Chef PriaVanda personally catered . The restaurant is fully halal, offers abundant vegan and gluten-free options (with menu items clearly marked), and is cashless, accepting only credit/debit cards . It has earned a stellar 4.8-star rating on Uber Eats from over 1,500 reviews, with customers consistently praising the quality, freshness, and generous portions . Regulars also rave about the mango lassi, masala fries, and the warm, attentive service that makes you feel like family . Open daily from around 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Desi Galli is the perfect spot for a quick, satisfying lunch, a late-afternoon snack, or a catered feast that will have everyone asking where you ordered from