It's nice to have finally stumbled upon an Indian restaurant that is in the middle of the high-end to cheap take out range (excluding Curry Hill of course). Equally nice, Masala Wala is on the Lower East Side central to the East Village and Nolita and remains somewhat undiscovered, unfortunately. Both times I've visited, I have only been one of the two tables dining. Perhaps the too hot or too cold temperature in uninviting, but the waiters and owner are down to earth and will accommodate your temperature change request.
On my first visit, a girlfriend and I shared Dilli Aloo Tikki: potato croquettes stuffed with peas and herbs. They had spicing, but were pan-fried and fairly oily.
We go on to split Chicken Tikka Masala and Saag Paneer. While Chicken Tikka was a safe choice, and creamy sans spice, the Saagwala was the obvious winner. Little cubes of cheese immersed in creamed, herbed spinach.
I loved the mixing of the mint coriander and tamarind sauces! Lovely to look at and to dip naan.
The second visit proved Masala Wala to be consistent and the Chicken Vindaloo was average (tasty), but hardly worthy of an actual Vindaloo. There was absolutely no heat factor!
The chicken samosas were dry and uneventful. I've had better at the Whole Foods hot bar.
For reasonably priced Indian food, especially for delivery, it's worth it!
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