New York's Pioneering Indian-Themed Cocktail Bar Serves Up Familiar Favorites Such As Butter Chicken and Saag Paneer Cocktails
INDN, a contemporary Indian kitchen and cocktail bar, has made its grand debut in the heart of NoMad, New York City. Co-owned and founded by Vicky Vij, a prominent figure in New York City's Indian culinary scene, this exciting new venture is set to redefine dining and drinking experiences.
The menu at INDN takes inspiration from Chakhna, a style of food traditionally paired with alcohol. This fusion of flavours makes it the perfect companion to INDN's bold cocktail program, which is the focal point of the establishment. Each drink pushes the boundaries of traditional Indian dining, offering unique and innovative concoctions.
The Paneer Panic, for instance, is a playful take on Saag Paneer, blending Bombay Sapphire with Empirical Cilantro, saag, turmeric, and lime, and garnished with a cube of paneer. The Butterface cocktail, on the other hand, is a clarified mezcal-based concoction, infused with Empirical Ayuuk, fenugreek, garam masala, and lemon, mimicking the flavour of butter chicken.
For those seeking a more traditional palate, the Daru Ke Baad (big plates) section offers comforting classics like Bhuna Mutton, Yakhni Pulao, Pudina Luchha Parantha, and Shahi Tukda. Small-plate highlights include Seekh Kebab, Keema Pao, and Amritsari Fish.
Vegetarian options abound at INDN. Malai Chicken Tikka, while a vegetarian interpretation, offers tender dark meat marinated in hung yogurt and cream before hitting the tandoor. Palak Chaat, another vegetarian option, features crispy fried spinach leaves topped with yogurt, chutneys, chaat masala, and pomegranate seeds. Tandoori Mushrooms, charred and pickled with a hint of raw mango, are another vegetarian delight.
The cocktail menu wouldn't be complete without a few surprises. How Can She Slap?!, a tropical cocktail, balances sweetness with heat using Johnnie Walker Black, Bacardi Ocho, mango, ginger, and lemon. The Chaat Margarita, a fusion of gin and tequila, offers bright, tangy notes of yogurt, cilantro, and tamarind. The Pickle Backstabber, featuring Nolet's Gin and Ketel One Vodka, complemented by spicy pickle oil, verjus, and saline, adds a spicy twist to your evening.
The space at INDN combines minimalism with authentic Indian character, with every detail thoughtfully crafted and imported from India. This blend of tradition and innovation is reflected in every aspect of INDN, from its menu to its ambiance.
INDN is located at 30 W 30th Street. Operating hours are Sunday to Wednesday - Bar Hours: 5 pm-12 am | Kitchen Hours: 5 pm-11 pm and Thursday to Saturday - Bar Hours: 5 pm-1:30 am | Kitchen Hours: 5 pm-11pm. Make sure to visit INDN and experience the fusion of tradition and innovation that redefines Indian dining and drinking experiences in New York City.
