So it’s another rainy New York summer day and you’ve just finished watching the trifecta of Indian-themed movies that once rose to quasi stardom: Mississippi Masala, Monsoon Wedding, and Bend It Like Beckham. Suddenly, you find yourself craving some of that sizzling hot, spicy, flavorful food you were watching the characters savor over the last six hours.

You manage to pull on your galoshes and schlep over to the 28th and Park subway stop off the 6 train. As you walk east and approach Lexington, you find yourself in a quandary. How will you ever choose from the throng of restaurants along this street!? In a panic, you fumble for your iPhone, shielding it from the torrential downpour that we now consider normal, and manage to punch 212city.net into your browser…

Phew! A sense of relief washes over you as your eyes meet the screen. Here you find the top three picks of eateries in this neighborhood from a seasoned veteran of Indian food consumption. Trust me, friends, this is my cup of chai:

Saravanaa Bhavan
I don’t generally prefer chains, but Saravanaa’s is indubitably worthy of making an exception. Boasting its presence in seven countries around the world, this all-vegetarian restaurant is a solid choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Saravanaa’s is best for lighter South Indian fare (masala dosa, rava kichdi, sambar), but I also recommend tasting their chole bhathura, an excellent, heavier North Indian dish. The noteworthy madras coffee, pleasing even the most persnickety olfactory senses and palates, is a remarkable replication of the original served in India. The ambiance is very casual and service is rather slow, but that being said, you must temper your expectations of speedy service in order to really enjoy most of the restaurants in this neighborhood.

Dhaba
The ambient bollywood beats and chromatic symphony of fabric rolls lining the walls at Dhaba create a fun vibe that is distinct from its siblings on Lexington. In addition to the lively ambiance, the extensive drink selection and food served in generous portions make Dhaba an ideal venue for dinner. Admittedly, not all of the items on the menu are hits, such as the pani pori and masala chai, but there are indisputably more hits than misses. The standout item here is the dahiwala murgh—white meat chicken with yogurt, fresh coriander, onions, bay leaf, and black cardamom—which is creamy, moist, and cooked to perfection. The Pav Bhaji is also tasty and filling, and while not advertised on the menu, you can request that cheese be added to it for some extra dairy goodness. Service varies from visit to visit, and while prices appear to be high, this is merely an illusion. Dhaba gives you plenty of bang for your buck.

Tiffin Wallah
This establishment manages to defy the slow-service modus operandi of its neighbors. The service is consistently swift and courteous regardless of the time of day. I recommend coming here for lunch or a mid-afternoon snack as there is a wide selection of chaat (savory snacks and appetizers traditionally sold road-side in India and Pakistan). Order a bhel puri or two if you want to try what I deem to be their signature dish. A variety of North Indian curries are offered as well, but are also served in smaller portions. The space is clean, well-maintained, and uses a cool color scheme, stemless glasses, and bamboo plants to create a rejuvenating and relaxing feel. Additionally, the manager is almost always around to ensure smooth operating.

The icing on the cake, or rather, the syrup on the gulab jamun? You can easily get away with spending $20 or less at any of these places.

So while Murray Hill doesn’t possess the antique charm of the West Village or the chic feel of SoHo, it can certainly call itself home to the best, most convenient Indian food on the island. As such, part of this neighborhood has been affectionately coined ‘Curry Hill,’ an apt title for the few blocks where the aroma of exotic spices is ubiquitous. Rain or shine, hopefully the recommendations above will help you navigate through Curry Hill to find and enjoy Indian food so good that it almost tastes home cooked (I said almost, Mom).

Dhaba
108 Lexington Ave. (btwn. 27th & 28th St.)

Tiffin Wallah
127 E. 28th St. (at Lexington Ave.)

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