About PONGAL

Pongal is a long-standing, highly-rated South Indian kosher vegetarian restaurant located at 103 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan's Curry Hill neighborhood, which has been serving authentic cuisine since 1996 and consistently earned acclaim from ZAGAT, Michelin, and The New York Times . The restaurant takes its name from Pongal, the biggest harvest festival celebrated in South India each January, and specializes in dosas (thin, crispy fermented rice and lentil crepes), uttapams (thick pancakes with vegetable toppings), thalis (assorted tasting platters), and an extensive selection of chaat appetizers and vegetable curries . The menu features signature dishes including the Rava Masala Dosa, Mysore Special Thali, Gujarati Thali, Pani Poori, Medu Vada, and Idli, all served with traditional coconut chutney and sambar . Pongal holds kosher certification, accommodates vegan and gluten-free diets, and offers a warm, inviting ambiance with colorful Indian artwork adorning the walls, making it a popular destination for both casual dining and date nights . The restaurant has earned strong ratings across major platforms, including 4.5 stars from over 600 Uber Eats users and 4.3 stars from nearly 1,800 Google reviews, with customers consistently praising the friendly service provided by manager Tipu and his team, the perfectly crispy dosas, and the authentic South Indian flavors . Operating hours are daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and the restaurant offers delivery, takeout, and dine-in options, though some reviewers note that parking in the neighborhood can be challenging . While the majority of reviews are highly positive, some customers have offered constructive criticism regarding the authenticity of the sambar or portion sizes, with a few South Indian diners noting that certain dishes do not fully capture regional Tamil flavors . Nevertheless, Pongal remains a beloved fixture in Curry Hill, often recommended alongside nearby establishments like Saravanaa Bhavan, and has maintained its reputation as a go-to spot for vegetarian South Indian cuisine in New York City for over 25 years .