Critic Rating: 8.5/10
Edited by Aradhna Da Silva and Samia Orva
Foods from around the world like birria tacos and butter chicken have gained extreme popularity, especially through TikTok. As a vegetarian, I can’t have either, but with only two locations in all of NYC, Taco Mahal has opened its doors to a new world of food fusion. They offer both vegetarian and meat options, combining flavors from Indian and Latin American cuisine.
The location in West Village has both indoor and outdoor seating available. There were LED lights, which provided an amazing ambiance and comfortable space to enjoy food and hang out with friends. The outdoor seating was amazing too, with fans installed to make sure customers enjoyed their food without being tired from the heat. The interior of the store features artworks from both Indian and Latin American cultures: the walls were covered with images of famous people with Hispanic backgrounds, like Frida Kahlo, and also included portraits of Indian gods.
At this location, I ordered both a roti taco and a naan taco with paneer tikka masala filling. As an Indian myself, I found the paneer tikka masala to be well made, with flavorful spice and a nice level of creaminess. The roti was a warm and thin, tortilla-like bread, while the naan was fluffy. If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the roti due to its close resemblance to a tortilla’s thinness and its capacity of holding food. It was served with arugula and purple cabbage on top, which is not typical to Indian cuisine, but nonetheless was still refreshing. Although the main focus of this restaurant is fusion food, I did not find myself feeling like I was eating Latin American food, though this might be because I only had the vegetarian options. Taco Mahal may have a lot more to offer for those that eat meat, so it should not be left completely off your radar. I would rate both the tacos and the experience of dining at this restaurant an 8.5/10.
Overall, Taco Mahal was fantastic. From the decor on the walls to the food served, Taco Mahal captured elements of both Latin American and Indian culture. It is an unexpected fusion that many should try; however, it may be lacking for those of us that are vegetarian. Even though this was the case, I highly recommend anyone that likes both Indian food and tacos to go and try this place out, especially if you are looking for something warm, spicy, and fun to eat.
