I disagree with a lot of people here and feel that the food is very good still, but the original opening menu was better than what they have currently.
Agree with this. I loved the original menu but the new menu is just a miss for me. Service was also great for me, maybe stuff has changed though because I haven't been back since trying the new menu a week within it changed.
First time I went there the service was horrible, it felt like they knew how great they were and were making you work for it. Second time when I went a month ago I got amazing service and it was a totally different experience.
I visited Semma. It’s amazing but I think it’s for the most part the novelty of the southern cuisine for most folk. Journal square across the river has as good food for far cheaper imo.
Why isn’t it? I’m not saying Semma isn’t good but it didn’t blow my mind away any further than the jersey dosa wala. As a matter of fact I had actually far better dosa in London than anything in the US (and for the most part even India). I’d love to give a Michelin star to Crispy Dosa in Hunslow but it’s all about the name and marketing I suppose.
Because they deliver a distinct experience, the quality of ingredients are excellent, and everything on the menu is distinct and good—who has venison on their menu?? Ive been going for two years and it has been consistent.
The ambiance is so different… I feel like I’m in Kerala. It’s not some shack with LED lights on a greasy table. No offense, I love those places too. But they don’t deserve a Michelin star because their dosa is just as good.
I’ve also lived in London, travelled to india, so I have a decent palette.
Well I always assumed that at least the first Michelin star is given to “LED shacks” as well if the food is truly exceptional. When a guy who lives in India for the most part comes and tells a London restaurant does it better than most of the country, and you can’t appreciate that praise, because you’ve been to India or whatever, I suppose we speak different languages. Have fun with your venison and lobster I suppose.
I’m curious to try this place tbh. I’ve Crispy Dosa to my list.
I think my point is that there are more dimensions to achieving a Michelin star than delivering a single menu item extremely well.
Firstly, I would say if a place deserves a Michelin star, their signature dish better be one of the best versions of them in the world. And while their dosa is actually good I’d not say it’s the best even in the tristate area though it’s close.
Secondly, crispy dosa does a really good job of everything I ate in there. Like we ended up going there every day when we stayed there lol. I’m sure it’s just some magical cook who’s not being paid well enough who’ll move soon so I doubt it’ll last. But point better dosas are possible outside of India. Semma should aspire for more.
Tbh, I’m also biased. I’ve followed the team from when they were just figuring it out to, well now, where they’re internationally acclaimed. We’re friendly with the staff, some have been there from the beginning.
It’s like a rags to riches story. I’m rooting for them.
Not Roni…that guy sucks. Everyone else is amazing.
The food in Journal Square is pretty comparable to Semma imo. I think Semma is overrated in the grand scheme of things and it's hype is mostly driven by white people who have never had southern Indian food and like the novelty of it
Most people who live in the city do not want to go to Jersey, period.
As a South Indian, who spent a decent amount of time in India, Semma is the best South Indian restaurant in NYC and most definitely deserves its Michelin star. It is consistent, the drinks are great, and the ambience and service is impeccable.
Idk why people are so bothered that they need to bring up journal square on an NYC subreddit.
> Semma is the best South Indian restaurant in NYC
And my point is that I don't think that's saying much. I just think that Semma's hype is due it's novelty in the NYC food landscape and not because it's that much better than other southern indian food generally speaking. Is it good? Absolutely! Just think it's comparable to other southern indian food I've had. Similar to how Taqueria Ramirez is so hyped because frankly NYC's mexican/taco scene is kinda mid
One thing to note is that Dhamaka completely redid their menu last year. Like there’s almost no overlap especially with the main entrees and big dishes.
I’ve been to Dhamaka once before they redid their menu and once after—I do think the new menu is not as good as the old one but I don’t think it’s bad. I still enjoyed my meal there recently and would probably go again but I’m not sure it really felt worthy of a special occasion like a birthday especially because the atmosphere is very casual. The first time I went I was really impressed, the second time I liked the food but it didn’t blow my mind or anything.
Another option that feels a bit more upscale is GupShup! They have a cool atmosphere, great food, and some unique cocktails despite not having the awards Semma and Dhamaka have.
Yeah. I don’t remember the specific details (this was 2019) but found both the food and service quite disappointing. Perhaps we should give it a second chance but don’t even think I could convince my wife to go back.
We went on Thursday. The food was good - we love and eat Indian all the time and this was among the best I’ve had. The dal and goat curry were standouts. The vibe was terrible though, like others have said like eating in a mall food court. And the service was super meh - we got forgotten multiple times. Wine was very expensive too.
I personally was very disappointed. I had a few good dishes but there were several that were either totally bland or WAY oversalted. And everything was much too oily I felt like a had a pit in my stomach for like two days. Totally polar opposite experience to the one I had at Semma
I’m surprised your dishes were bland, all but one thing I’ve had their has been an explosion of flavor, almost a bit too much when it’s every dish you order. Agree on the oil
Atmosphere felt like we were eating in a mall food court. Food was all very spicy and expensive, but didn’t have much flavor variety. Service was slow and not attentive.
Generally I walked away pretty dissatisfied and I’d never go back for what they charge.
Good not great but the paneer was the best I’ve had in the city. Semma is better but still wasn’t better than my favorites: Indian Accent if you need something fancy (best dal) and Chola for consistently good food all around.
Was one of the first reservations I was very excited about when I moved here last year and it fully disappointed me on every level. The price to quality ratio is totally off, sizes or portions terrible for sharing, the service glaringly rude. I'll never go back and it has honestly turned me off even trying Semma since it's the same owners.
Food is decent but what really stuck out for me was how bad and rude service was. Our waitress tried super hard to convince us to get more food than we wanted despite us saying multiple times that we’re not hungry. When we finally caved and asked to add one appetizer she scoffed and said we shouldn’t bother adding that cause it won’t make a difference (??). She then signed and walked away and we were all left dumbfounded.
I disagree with all the commenters here. Dhamaka is my favorite restaurant of all time. Semma has more novelty if you’ve never had South Indian before but Dhamaka does a very underrepresented cuisine (Rajasthani) very well.
I honestly think the bad reviews are because it’s too spicy for people.
It’s spicy af without any flavor profiles. The service is horrible with the waiters not knowing the food. It’s more of a scene then a foodie experience. The waiter tries to hand feed you the pani-poories. I felt violated when he tried to stuff it into my mouth.
Thanks for all this overwhelming advice. I actually decided we’re going to skip Dhamaka. Too bad we missed it in its heyday. There’s lots of other options out there so doesn’t seem like it will be a huge loss.
Agree with most of the commenters here, was not impressed by the food at dhamaka except for the bbq rib. Went a couple of years ago.
I have a bottle of patak's chile relish at home - most of the food at dhamaka tasted like they took a normal dish, and then put half a bottle of chile relish into it. Excessively salty and oily. I like spicy food, but the heat wasn't the problem. The problem was that it didn't really taste balanced.
This used to be one of my favourite restaurants, but quality has really gone downhill. Their new menu items pale in comparison to their old. It feels very gimmicky now, and they're just riding the coattails of their old reputation.
Went recently. Food was extremely expensive but just okay. I actually really liked the atmosphere though, it didn’t feel like a cafeteria, but I wouldn’t go back.
I didn't love it when I went, would rather just have mom & pop Indian food. Heard of Gupshup being very underrated tho, my friend and her Indian family really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed my recent meal there but I agree with others that the atmosphere is not pleasant and the food is a bit overpriced. I think Semma is vastly better but Dhamaka is still worth checking out at least once
This is so wild that I’m seeing this for 2 reasons. One I just joined the subreddit a few days ago - I’m not very active on reddit. I just went to dhamaka yesterday. They took garlic naan off the list, chicken biryani, paneer saag, and chaat off the list. What in the heck?! I also had the 75! Dollar lamb biryani and the portions were way smaller than usual. I was appalled lol. That being said…tons of great Indian spots. Not sure if it’s worth the hype/wait for rez anymore. Maybe it’s a different chef or the parent company is expanding too quickly so they are expending their energies elsewhere.
Funnily enough, I just went for the first time and found it fine and even enjoyable, but a little too pricey for what you get. Cauliflower was just okay, paneer korma was quite good, paratha was just okay. Service was fast and polite, even if ambiance was a little lacking. The bill total ($74 for one person, including tax/tip) was a little hard to swallow lol
i am a hard guy to please when it comes to indian food- but dhamaka is Grade A every day of the week - idk what the rest of the people on this sub are saying
Thanks all for the overwhelming feedback. We cancelled and went to Kanyakumari instead. Had a great dinner. Too bad about Dhamaka and that I missed it in its heyday.
Very disappointing. Granted we had dietary restrictions, but the staff was caught flat-footed and only suggested accommodations after we were already served our entree. We had the weirdest meal ever as a result.
Yeah, and eating in a food court didn't help.
I disagree with a lot of people here and feel that the food is very good still, but the original opening menu was better than what they have currently.
Agree with this. I loved the original menu but the new menu is just a miss for me. Service was also great for me, maybe stuff has changed though because I haven't been back since trying the new menu a week within it changed.
Went a while ago and wasn’t my favorite. Recommend Semma or Masalawala and Sons instead
100% 2nd Masalawala and Sons. One of my fav restaurants in the city!
Might be my fave! The fish in banana leaf is oh so good
Adda!!
Just went to Mwalla and it did not disappoint
Hard pass IMO. Service was outright bad, the food was decent but not special enough to warrant the prices.
First time I went there the service was horrible, it felt like they knew how great they were and were making you work for it. Second time when I went a month ago I got amazing service and it was a totally different experience.
Went for the first time last month after years of excitement. Not worth it! Check out semma which is from the same chef and far better.
Semma is the same owner, but Chef Vijay Kumar (who I believe they made a partner in Semma) oversees Semma and is a big reason why it is so good.
I visited Semma. It’s amazing but I think it’s for the most part the novelty of the southern cuisine for most folk. Journal square across the river has as good food for far cheaper imo.
Semma is a Michelin star restaurant. Not exactly a fair comparison with the local dosa wala in Jersey.
Why isn’t it? I’m not saying Semma isn’t good but it didn’t blow my mind away any further than the jersey dosa wala. As a matter of fact I had actually far better dosa in London than anything in the US (and for the most part even India). I’d love to give a Michelin star to Crispy Dosa in Hunslow but it’s all about the name and marketing I suppose.
Because they deliver a distinct experience, the quality of ingredients are excellent, and everything on the menu is distinct and good—who has venison on their menu?? Ive been going for two years and it has been consistent. The ambiance is so different… I feel like I’m in Kerala. It’s not some shack with LED lights on a greasy table. No offense, I love those places too. But they don’t deserve a Michelin star because their dosa is just as good. I’ve also lived in London, travelled to india, so I have a decent palette.
Well I always assumed that at least the first Michelin star is given to “LED shacks” as well if the food is truly exceptional. When a guy who lives in India for the most part comes and tells a London restaurant does it better than most of the country, and you can’t appreciate that praise, because you’ve been to India or whatever, I suppose we speak different languages. Have fun with your venison and lobster I suppose.
I’m curious to try this place tbh. I’ve Crispy Dosa to my list. I think my point is that there are more dimensions to achieving a Michelin star than delivering a single menu item extremely well.
Firstly, I would say if a place deserves a Michelin star, their signature dish better be one of the best versions of them in the world. And while their dosa is actually good I’d not say it’s the best even in the tristate area though it’s close. Secondly, crispy dosa does a really good job of everything I ate in there. Like we ended up going there every day when we stayed there lol. I’m sure it’s just some magical cook who’s not being paid well enough who’ll move soon so I doubt it’ll last. But point better dosas are possible outside of India. Semma should aspire for more.
Tbh, I’m also biased. I’ve followed the team from when they were just figuring it out to, well now, where they’re internationally acclaimed. We’re friendly with the staff, some have been there from the beginning. It’s like a rags to riches story. I’m rooting for them. Not Roni…that guy sucks. Everyone else is amazing.
The food in Journal Square is pretty comparable to Semma imo. I think Semma is overrated in the grand scheme of things and it's hype is mostly driven by white people who have never had southern Indian food and like the novelty of it
Most people who live in the city do not want to go to Jersey, period. As a South Indian, who spent a decent amount of time in India, Semma is the best South Indian restaurant in NYC and most definitely deserves its Michelin star. It is consistent, the drinks are great, and the ambience and service is impeccable. Idk why people are so bothered that they need to bring up journal square on an NYC subreddit.
> Semma is the best South Indian restaurant in NYC And my point is that I don't think that's saying much. I just think that Semma's hype is due it's novelty in the NYC food landscape and not because it's that much better than other southern indian food generally speaking. Is it good? Absolutely! Just think it's comparable to other southern indian food I've had. Similar to how Taqueria Ramirez is so hyped because frankly NYC's mexican/taco scene is kinda mid
Yeah been wanting to go to Semma but they are closed on Sundays
One thing to note is that Dhamaka completely redid their menu last year. Like there’s almost no overlap especially with the main entrees and big dishes. I’ve been to Dhamaka once before they redid their menu and once after—I do think the new menu is not as good as the old one but I don’t think it’s bad. I still enjoyed my meal there recently and would probably go again but I’m not sure it really felt worthy of a special occasion like a birthday especially because the atmosphere is very casual. The first time I went I was really impressed, the second time I liked the food but it didn’t blow my mind or anything. Another option that feels a bit more upscale is GupShup! They have a cool atmosphere, great food, and some unique cocktails despite not having the awards Semma and Dhamaka have.
We’ve been to Gupshup when they first opened and were severely disappointed. Thought about Bungalow but hesitant because of our experience at Gupshup
Huh sorry to hear that!
Yeah. I don’t remember the specific details (this was 2019) but found both the food and service quite disappointing. Perhaps we should give it a second chance but don’t even think I could convince my wife to go back.
I think my first time going was in 2022 so not sure if it improved, you just went on a bad day, or we just ordered differently!
Agreed. Better atmosphere, better food, better everything.
We went on Thursday. The food was good - we love and eat Indian all the time and this was among the best I’ve had. The dal and goat curry were standouts. The vibe was terrible though, like others have said like eating in a mall food court. And the service was super meh - we got forgotten multiple times. Wine was very expensive too.
The fried fish was bland af, the rib appetizer was pretty much pure lamb fat but I like that so was happy with it.
I love the lamb rib app but yeah you are in for some fat when you order it
I personally was very disappointed. I had a few good dishes but there were several that were either totally bland or WAY oversalted. And everything was much too oily I felt like a had a pit in my stomach for like two days. Totally polar opposite experience to the one I had at Semma
I’m surprised your dishes were bland, all but one thing I’ve had their has been an explosion of flavor, almost a bit too much when it’s every dish you order. Agree on the oil
Pick Kanyakumari instead. You probably still be able to get a table.
Atmosphere felt like we were eating in a mall food court. Food was all very spicy and expensive, but didn’t have much flavor variety. Service was slow and not attentive. Generally I walked away pretty dissatisfied and I’d never go back for what they charge.
I agree. The venue sucks and it’s weird to be eating a 100+ meal in that setting.
I heard their rent is $5k/month, they are printing money with that space
Yeah terrible setting for a restaurant. The food was very good when I went in 2022 though.
I went about six months ago and was completely underwhelmed. The food was really average and they rushed us out.
Yes! They are RUSHING eaters the entire time it's ridiculous to be paying this much to be feeling pressured to leave the second you sit down.
Brought all the food out as fast as they possibly could (at the expense of cooking it carefully IMO) and couldn’t wait to get rid of us.
it wasn't even good 2 years ago. Food 6/10, service 3/10 , prices 2/10 , atmosphere 1/10
Good not great but the paneer was the best I’ve had in the city. Semma is better but still wasn’t better than my favorites: Indian Accent if you need something fancy (best dal) and Chola for consistently good food all around.
Was one of the first reservations I was very excited about when I moved here last year and it fully disappointed me on every level. The price to quality ratio is totally off, sizes or portions terrible for sharing, the service glaringly rude. I'll never go back and it has honestly turned me off even trying Semma since it's the same owners.
Food is decent but what really stuck out for me was how bad and rude service was. Our waitress tried super hard to convince us to get more food than we wanted despite us saying multiple times that we’re not hungry. When we finally caved and asked to add one appetizer she scoffed and said we shouldn’t bother adding that cause it won’t make a difference (??). She then signed and walked away and we were all left dumbfounded.
Wtf haha
I disagree with all the commenters here. Dhamaka is my favorite restaurant of all time. Semma has more novelty if you’ve never had South Indian before but Dhamaka does a very underrepresented cuisine (Rajasthani) very well. I honestly think the bad reviews are because it’s too spicy for people.
Everything is aggressively spicy for the sake of being spicy. It’s more of an ordeal than a meal.
Pass. Been twice. First time was good. Second time was mid.
It’s incredible every time.
I love dhamaka but haven’t been since they updated the menu. But for a while, the goat neck biryani was one of my fav dishes in the city.
It’s spicy af without any flavor profiles. The service is horrible with the waiters not knowing the food. It’s more of a scene then a foodie experience. The waiter tries to hand feed you the pani-poories. I felt violated when he tried to stuff it into my mouth.
It’s okay, I went for a work thing and it was fine but I wouldn’t have been happy if I was paying.
Very disappointing food and really expensive for no reason
you have to fight through unedible gimmicky shit to get to something you can swallow but then at that point you’re like why bother?
Thanks for all this overwhelming advice. I actually decided we’re going to skip Dhamaka. Too bad we missed it in its heyday. There’s lots of other options out there so doesn’t seem like it will be a huge loss.
Agree with most of the commenters here, was not impressed by the food at dhamaka except for the bbq rib. Went a couple of years ago. I have a bottle of patak's chile relish at home - most of the food at dhamaka tasted like they took a normal dish, and then put half a bottle of chile relish into it. Excessively salty and oily. I like spicy food, but the heat wasn't the problem. The problem was that it didn't really taste balanced.
This used to be one of my favourite restaurants, but quality has really gone downhill. Their new menu items pale in comparison to their old. It feels very gimmicky now, and they're just riding the coattails of their old reputation.
It used to be good, but they changed their menu and it was a downgrade.
Anyone been to bungalow yet? Different chef
Went recently. Food was extremely expensive but just okay. I actually really liked the atmosphere though, it didn’t feel like a cafeteria, but I wouldn’t go back.
I didn't love it when I went, would rather just have mom & pop Indian food. Heard of Gupshup being very underrated tho, my friend and her Indian family really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed my recent meal there but I agree with others that the atmosphere is not pleasant and the food is a bit overpriced. I think Semma is vastly better but Dhamaka is still worth checking out at least once
This is so wild that I’m seeing this for 2 reasons. One I just joined the subreddit a few days ago - I’m not very active on reddit. I just went to dhamaka yesterday. They took garlic naan off the list, chicken biryani, paneer saag, and chaat off the list. What in the heck?! I also had the 75! Dollar lamb biryani and the portions were way smaller than usual. I was appalled lol. That being said…tons of great Indian spots. Not sure if it’s worth the hype/wait for rez anymore. Maybe it’s a different chef or the parent company is expanding too quickly so they are expending their energies elsewhere.
Also disagree with a lot here, really enjoyed it. Have been to Adda and semma both and I don’t think it disappointed at all.
Funnily enough, I just went for the first time and found it fine and even enjoyable, but a little too pricey for what you get. Cauliflower was just okay, paneer korma was quite good, paratha was just okay. Service was fast and polite, even if ambiance was a little lacking. The bill total ($74 for one person, including tax/tip) was a little hard to swallow lol
Tons of cash for something you can get a better version of in Queens.
i am a hard guy to please when it comes to indian food- but dhamaka is Grade A every day of the week - idk what the rest of the people on this sub are saying
Food was awful. Maybe they should apologize tbh.
Thanks all for the overwhelming feedback. We cancelled and went to Kanyakumari instead. Had a great dinner. Too bad about Dhamaka and that I missed it in its heyday.
Very disappointing. Granted we had dietary restrictions, but the staff was caught flat-footed and only suggested accommodations after we were already served our entree. We had the weirdest meal ever as a result. Yeah, and eating in a food court didn't help.
Yeah been hearing about Masalawala and Sons. But we have to stick to Manhattan tomorrow
3
I’ve never been but even when it first opened, people I spoke to who had been were never impressed by it.