Dhamaka Menu: Prices, Hours, and Location Guide
If you are looking for the “unapologetic” Indian dining experience that has taken New York City by storm, you have come to the right place. The Dhamaka menu is famous for highlighting regional Indian cuisine that rarely makes it to standard restaurant tables-think goat kidneys, whole rabbit, and bold spices that don’t hold back.
Located inside Essex Market on the Lower East Side, Dhamaka doesn’t just serve food; it serves a statement. Whether you are hunting for the signature Gurda Kapoora or the crowd-pleasing Paneer Tikka, this guide provides the most up-to-date Dhamaka prices, dietary information, and ordering details. Skip the hard-to-read PDFs and get the clear, mobile-friendly information you need below.
Dhamaka Appetizers & Starters Menu
The starters at Dhamaka are designed to wake up your palate. Unlike typical takeout spots, these dishes rely on texture and regional spices. The Paneer Tikka here is widely considered one of the best in the city, featuring fresh cheese made in-house.
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Dietary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chana-Chenna Tikki | $17.00 | Green garbanzo, housemade cheese, tomato chutney (2 pc) | (V) |
| Paneer Tikka ⭐ | $21.00 | House made paneer, ajwain, yogurt (2 pc) – Highly Recommended | (V) (GF) |
| Lasooni Palak | $16.00* | Spinach, garlic, cumin seeds (Price est. based on pre-fixe avg) | (V) (GF) |
| Baingan Bharta | $16.00* | Grilled eggplant, onion, green chili | (V) (GF) |
| Dahi Batata Puri | $14.00 | Crispy shells, potatoes, yogurt, spices – Street food classic | (V) |
(V) = Vegetarian | (GF) = Gluten Free
Note: Some appetizer prices may vary depending on seasonal pre-fixe adjustments.
Non-Vegetarian Mains (Family Style)
This section is the heart of the Dhamaka menu. Dishes here are served “family style,” meaning they are large portions intended to be shared. If you are a fan of bold meats, the Rara Gosht and the adventurous Gurda Kapoora (goat kidney and testicles) are the dishes that put this restaurant on the map.
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Dietary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kashmiri Gosht Chaamp | $17.00 | Lamb loin, garam masala, ghee | (GF) |
| Beef Pepper Fry | $17.00 | Wagyu flank, curry leaves, Tellicherry pepper | (GF) |
| Macchi Hara Masala | $22.00 | Rainbow trout, cilantro, mint | (GF) |
| Gurda Kapoora ⭐ | $23.00 | Goat kidney & testicles, tomato, pao bread | (GF) |
| Butter Pepper Garlic Crab | $24.00 | Crab, Amul butter, garlic, crushed black pepper | (GF) |
| Rara Gosht | $34.00 | Goat meat & mince, yogurt, onions, garam masala | (GF) |
| Malai Murgh | $36.00 | Chicken, cream, Amul butter | (GF) |
| Champaran Meat | $49.00 | Mutton, whole garlic, red chili – Cooked in clay pot | (GF) |
| Lamb Musallam Feast | $75.00 | Lamb shoulder, saffron, cashews (Requires pre-order) | (GF) (N) |
Vegetarian Mains
Dhamaka treats vegetables with the same respect as meat. The Paneer Methi is a standout, offering a rich, fenugreek-infused gravy that pairs perfectly with rice or bread.
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Dietary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paneer Methi ⭐ | $21.00 | House made paneer, fenugreek, tomato | (V) (GF) (N) |
| Dahi Waali Bhindi | $42.00 | Okra, yogurt, Rajasthani red chili | (V) (GF) |
| Dhaba Dal | $14.00* | Rustic lentil stew (Price estimated) | (V) (GF) |
Rice & Biryani Menu
You cannot complete a meal here without rice. The Nalli Biryani is a massive dish featuring a slow-braised lamb shank that falls off the bone.
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Dietary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aged Basmati Rice | $8.00 | Steamed long-grain rice | (VG) (GF) |
| Kolambi ani Kekda Bhaath | $38.00 | Tiger prawn, crab, aged basmati rice | (GF) |
| Nalli Biryani ⭐ | $42.00 | Slow braised lamb shank, aged basmati rice | (GF) |
Most Popular Items at Dhamaka
If you are visiting for the first time, these are the customer favorites you should consider ordering. These items define the culinary philosophy of Chef Chintan Pandya.
1. Gurda Kapoora ($23.00)
This is the dish everyone talks about. It consists of goat kidney and testicles cooked in a rich, spicy tomato masala served with “Pao” (soft bread). It is earthy, textural, and undeniably bold.
- Best for: Adventurous eaters and offal lovers.
- Dietary: Gluten-Free (without the bread).
2. Paneer Tikka ($21.00)
Unlike the rubbery cubes found in many buffets, Dhamaka makes their paneer fresh in-house. It is marinated in yogurt and ajwain (carom seeds) and grilled to perfection.
- Best for: Vegetarians and groups sharing appetizers.
- Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free.
3. Rara Gosht ($34.00)
A meat lover’s dream. This dish combines chunks of goat meat with minced goat meat in a thick, spiced gravy. It is incredibly savory and pairs excellently with rice.
- Best for: A hearty main course.
Nutrition & Dietary Information
While Dhamaka does not publish a standard caloric chart, the nature of the cuisine allows for some general guidance.
- Gluten-Free Options: Most curries and rice dishes, including the Rara Gosht and Paneer Methi, are naturally gluten-free. Always skip the bread/Pao if you are Celiac.
- Vegetarian Options: Look for the (V) tag. The Paneer Tikka and Chana-Chenna Tikki are safe bets.
- Nut Allergies: Dishes like the Lamb Musallam and Paneer Methi may contain cashews or other nuts (N). Always inform your server of allergies, as cross-contamination is possible in the busy kitchen.
If you are watching your intake, similar to dining at places like Longhorn Steakhouse, sticking to grilled protein options like the Macchi Hara Masala (fish) is a lighter choice compared to rich, creamy gravies.
How to Order: Reservations & Delivery
Getting a table at Dhamaka can be competitive due to its popularity and relatively small size inside Essex Market.
Dine-In
- Reservations: Highly recommended. Booking opens 30 days in advance via Resy.
- Walk-ins: Possible, but wait times can be long, especially on weekends.
- Group Size: For parties of 5 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically added.
Delivery & Takeout
Dhamaka offers online ordering for those who prefer to eat at home.
- Delivery Apps: You can find Dhamaka delivery options on UberEats and Postmates.
- Pickup: Call the restaurant or order via their official partner links to pick up at Essex Market. This is often faster than delivery.
Hours & Location
Dhamaka is located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It is distinct from other restaurants named “Dhamaka” or “Mirch Dhamaka” found in Virginia or the UK.
Address:
119 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002
(Located inside Essex Market)
Dhamaka Hours:
| Day | Lunch Hours | Dinner Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Tue – Sun | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Monday | Closed | Closed |
Note: Hours are subject to change for holidays or private events. Always check Google Maps for real-time updates.
Current Deals & Promotions
Dhamaka is not a discount-heavy establishment, but there are ways to maximize value.
- Restaurant Week: Dhamaka often participates in NYC Restaurant Week, offering a prix-fixe menu for around $60/person. This usually includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert.
- Family Style Sharing: Because portions are large, ordering 2-3 mains for a group of 4 often results in a better price-per-person than ordering individual entrees. This shared value concept is similar to the bundle deals you might find at family chains like Pizza Hut or bucket meals at KFC, albeit at a higher culinary tier.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dhamaka menu Halal?
While the restaurant serves many goat and lamb dishes, they do not explicitly advertise as a Halal-certified kitchen on their main website. It is best to call ahead to confirm meat sourcing for specific dietary laws.
Does Dhamaka have a kids menu?
No, there is no specific kids menu. The food is generally spicy and complex. However, dishes like the Paneer Tikka or plain rice and bread are usually kid-friendly.
What is the most expensive item on the menu?
The Lamb Musallam Feast is the most expensive item at $75.00. It is a massive, celebratory dish meant to be shared by a group and requires pre-ordering.
Are there vegan options at Dhamaka?
Yes, but they are limited. The Baingan Bharta (eggplant) and Dhaba Dal (lentils) are typically vegan, but you must confirm that no ghee (clarified butter) was used in the preparation.
Can I order delivery from Dhamaka NYC?
Yes, Dhamaka delivery is available through major third-party apps like UberEats and Postmates, servicing the Lower East Side and surrounding Manhattan neighborhoods.
Is this the same restaurant as Mirch Dhamaka?
No. Dhamaka NYC is part of the “Unapologetic Foods” group (Chef Chintan Pandya). Mirch Dhamaka is a separate chain with locations in Virginia and elsewhere. The menus are completely different.
Disclaimer: Prices and menu items are subject to change based on seasonality and supply chain costs. The information provided here was verified in December 2025. Please contact the restaurant directly for the most current details.
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