Bungalow
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"Must go once"
I visited without a reservation while traveling and was greeted by very polite staff. Although I had to wait about 40 minutes in a cozy waiting area, it was well worth it. I sat at the bar since I was on my own and was thoroughly impressed by Chef Vikas. He is humble, approachable, and treats everyone like family—personally greeting tables, taking photos, and making the experience special for all. Despite being an extremely busy place, it is a must-visit. Many thanks to Chef Vikas and the entire team for such a memorable experience!
"Disappointing"
Having lived in New York City for so long, I should have known better—just because a restaurant is hard to book and hyped by celebrities doesn’t mean the food is amazing. While our appetizer was delightful, the experience went downhill from there. My main course was described by the waiter as “not spicy at all,” but it was unbearably hot—so much so that I became nauseous before finishing it. When offered a replacement, I couldn’t trust his assessment of spiciness. Even though all the waiters were Indian, they should be able to guide customers about spice levels. The rose ice cream was underwhelming, and overall, there are far better Indian restaurants in New York. The one redeeming factor is the beautiful interior. Unfortunately, the hype did not live up to reality.
"Absolutely delicious meal, featuring a celebrity chef"
We were thrilled to finally get a reservation at Bungalow. The interior is absolutely stunning, impeccably decorated, with a beautiful skylight and plants draping from the ceiling. We even caught a glimpse of Chef Vikas Khanna up close—it’s clear how much he cares about his craft, even without interacting directly. Everything we ordered was exceptional. The standouts for me were the five-cheese kulcha and the paneer entrée—the paneer was incredibly light and fluffy. The biryani and lamb shank were also delicious. We were too full for dessert, but they thoughtfully brought out candied dates, and even provided wipes at the end—a lovely touch. Overall, a truly memorable dining experience!
"Underwhelming, To Say The Least"
Bungalow was a clear disappointment for us, despite our high expectations. While the service was polite and accommodating—the hostess and manager handled delays well, and our server swapped out a dish we didn’t enjoy—the positives end there. The lounge area is large and nicely decorated, but cocktails were tiny, overpriced, and nearly non-alcoholic. The décor felt mismatched, with exposed industrial pipes and overcrowded tables, and cleanliness was a major issue: wet benches and crumbs made our seating experience uncomfortable and unpleasant. The food was underwhelming given the hype. Standouts included the Five Cheese Kulcha and Amritsari Chole, but other dishes, like the Anarkali Chicken and molten chocolate dessert, fell flat in both taste and presentation. While portions were generous, the $450 bill for two felt steep for what we received. Overall, Bungalow is overhyped, and nothing about the experience
"A table at Bungalow by Vikas Khanna: Where strings are pulled, palates are played, and Punjab reigns supreme"
Dining at Bungalow by Vikas Khanna is not just a reservation—it feels like a triumph of patience, persistence, and a touch of divine intervention. Securing a table is a challenge in itself, and after much effort, we finally booked for four on May 23 at 8 p.m., with precisely one hour to experience the magic. Arriving on a gentle New York drizzle, we were immediately welcomed by Chef Vikas Khanna himself, whose warmth and hospitality make guests feel like family. The ambiance blends classic elegance with Punjabi vibrancy, music that celebrates its roots, and fully occupied tables that prove taste is truly currency here. As vegetarians, we often expect limitations—but not at Bungalow. Chef Vikas went above and beyond, offering complimentary dishes that rendered our meticulous menu planning delightfully unnecessary. Standouts included the Dahi Kebab, Amritsari Chole, Black Dal, Five-Cheese Kulcha, and the crowning glory: a mango dessert trilogy so divine it seemed almost otherworldly. Flavors are unapologetically bold, authentically Punjabi, and served with genuine heart. Being personally served by Chef Vikas added a special touch that made the evening unforgettable. Leaving the restaurant, we felt pride that Indian cuisine shines so brightly in New York—and regret that one stomach can only savor so much. Verdict: A must-visit, a must-book, and a must-boast-about. When in NYC, Bungalow is not just a meal—it’s an experience where India truly reigns. Balle balle!
"Not worth the hype"
Our visit to Bungalow was, unfortunately, quite underwhelming. Despite the anticipation and reputation, several aspects of the experience fell short. The biggest letdown was the unavailability of key dishes. On a busy Saturday night, both the Biryani and Tandoori Avocado were sold out. We had traveled over two hours specifically for these signature items, so it was baffling to miss out on them. The Lamb Seekh Kabab was dry and lacked the smoky tandoor flavors, while the garlic naan felt plain and uninspired. Attention to detail, especially for such a highly anticipated restaurant, was lacking. Service was another major issue. Despite a mandatory 20% gratuity, we were served by six different staff members who barely checked in. Our main server only returned at the end for the bill, making the added gratuity feel unjustified. Additionally, there was confusion with our water order—we requested tap water but were repeatedly brought bottled water, which we were charged for, leaving us frustrated and confused. Some dishes, like the Chicken Chitranee and Rajasthani Pulled Lamb, were flavorful and enjoyable, but these highlights weren’t enough to compensate for the overall disappointment. In conclusion, Bungalow’s celebrity-chef allure and trendy reputation don’t match the execution and consistency of the dining experience. The long wait and effort to visit were simply not worth it, and we left questioning whether the hype is truly deserved.
"Excellent Indian experience"
Absolutely superb restaurant! From the attentive service to the amazing variety of dishes, this was an excellent experience. Everything we tried was very tasty, and the cocktails were equally wonderful. Highly recommended!
"Good, but there are better options for high end Indian"
I found Bungalow to be somewhat overhyped. While some dishes were enjoyable, nothing truly blew me away, and there were a few clear misses. The “Mango Three Ways” dessert was disappointing, as the mango itself wasn’t ripe, and the coulis wasn’t enough to balance it. On the positive side, the puri and guguni were both very good. The tandoori avocado had interesting flavors, particularly the jackfruit sauce, though I’ve experienced similar Persian-style versions with pomegranate molasses, yogurt, and cilantro that were more balanced. The lamb chops were beautifully cooked, but underseasoned and could have used more salt. Overall, a mixed experience—some highlights, but not worth the hype.
"Toughest ticket in town"
Chef Khanna is truly a superstar, and believe it or not, his food surpasses even his impressive culinary journey. From the elegant ambiance to the impeccable service, dining here is an exceptional experience.
"Personal Touch in Customer Service"
I recently dined at your restaurant and wanted to share some feedback. While the food and ambiance were excellent, I felt that the personal touch in customer service was somewhat lacking. A warm greeting, occasional check-ins, or even brief conversations from the staff can go a long way in making guests feel valued. Small gestures, such as acknowledging special occasions or offering a complimentary treat, could greatly enhance the overall experience. I would love to see a bit more staff engagement to create a truly welcoming and memorable atmosphere.
Bungalow
Bungalow presents a contemporary take on Indian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques. The stylish setting and innovative dishes make it a popular choice for those seeking a unique dining experience.
Address
24 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009, United States
Website
https://www.bungalowny.com/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
n/a