PONGAL

Excellent Food, Exceptional Service Pongal is a Must-Visit!!!! we were greeted with warmth and genuine smiles. The atmosphere was inviting, and the service was exceptional especially thanks to **Aman... Read more

Excellent Food, Exceptional Service Pongal is a Must-Visit!!!! we were greeted with warmth and genuine smiles. The atmosphere was inviting, and the service was exceptional especially thanks to **Aman** and "Pretty "who truly made our visit memorable. Their hospitality, professionalism, and attentiveness stood out immediately. They take care of customers as if the restaurant were their own, something you rarely see these days. Aman and Pretty made sure our orders were taken correctly, served the right dishes to the right table, and checked in throughout the meal with care always with a smile. It’s clear they’re hardworking, honest, and passionate about what they do, and it makes all the difference. We started with sev puri which was fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor. It had the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Next was, cheese pav bhaji which was rich, buttery, and incredibly comforting. The cheese added a creamy twist that made it irresistible. Must try THALI was a complete meal and a great way to sample a variety of Pongal’s offerings from flavorful sabzis and dal to roti, rice, and dessert. AND DOSA was another highlight crisp, warm, and served with delicious sambar and chutneys. The batter was clearly fresh and well-prepared. We also loved the **Ragda Puri**, which was full of texture, spice, and flavor — a true chaat lover’s delight. MUST TRY lime soda sweet and salty versions. Refreshing and well-balanced, it complemented the food perfectly. Pongal isn’t just about great food — it’s the people that make it truly special. Aman and Pretty made us feel welcomed and cared for the entire time. We’re already planning to return soon with more friends and family. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and visit Pongal..!! You’ll be treated to amazing food and even better service. Thank you, Aman and Pretty we’ll definitely be back soon! From - OfficialDjdraj (Insta) Read less

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3-Star Review for Pongal Restaurant, NYC Visited Pongal with high hopes, especially being a Tamilian and excited to see a restaurant with a Tamil name in the heart of NYC. The location is nice... Read more

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3-Star Review for Pongal Restaurant, NYC Visited Pongal with high hopes, especially being a Tamilian and excited to see a restaurant with a Tamil name in the heart of NYC. The location is nice and the restaurant has plenty of seating inside, which is a plus. However, parking nearby is quite a challenge. The food, unfortunately, didn’t live up to the expectations. I specifically asked if the chef was South Indian before ordering the Chennai Thali ($20), and while it was confirmed, the thali itself was underwhelming both in portion and flavor. The spread included puliyodharai, rice with rasam, poori with kurma, and one muttakose (cabbage) curry. Puliyodharai lacked any depth of flavor, rasam was just okay, but the poori and kurma were quite good. Honestly, I think I should’ve gone with the North Indian thali instead. The most bizarre part? When I asked for pickle, the server replied, “Should I order 1 qty of pickle?” 😅 In all my visits to over 20 restaurants in the Lexington area, I’ve never seen a place charge for pickle with a thali meal. Overall, Pongal didn’t deliver the authentic Tamil experience I hoped for. Average food, questionable pricing strategy, and not compelling enough to make me return. Read less

I had worst experience from beginning to the end. They did not offer me a seat for nearly 10-15 minutes when I m the only one waiting to get seated. Food taste is ok but the quantity is bad. I’ve got ... Read more

I had worst experience from beginning to the end. They did not offer me a seat for nearly 10-15 minutes when I m the only one waiting to get seated. Food taste is ok but the quantity is bad. I’ve got the thinnest Pesarattu ( Moong dal dosa) ever. They even forgot to bring lassi that I ordered. Thank goodness they didn’t charge for it. The place to sit it very conservative. The seat cushions are just falling off of the seat. Very uncomfortable to sit. Also they don’t accept American Express cards. I don’t recommend this place for anything. Read less

I have been coming here since the last 20 years!! Highlyyyy recommend!!!! by far my favorite restaurant for Indian food. I will tell you my favorites and my go to's! first is onion rava dosa . Th... Read more

I have been coming here since the last 20 years!! Highlyyyy recommend!!!! by far my favorite restaurant for Indian food. I will tell you my favorites and my go to's! first is onion rava dosa . The Sambar is so good!!! it comes with tomato and coconut chutney!! the rose lassi is so cooling and tasty. the pani puri is yum. I love the masala bindh andi the samosas . For dessert I love the badam halwa!!!! I eat it there and take a order to go . And their pista kulfi is absolutely mouth watering. Just want to say thank you to Pongal for always making my tummy feel good and for making such good soul food. best wishes to you guys always!! Read less

Delicious South Indian food with lots of good vegetarian options! Everything we got was good, but their breads (roti, dosa) were especially delicious.