Let’s start with the basics. There’s no chicken tikka masala at Kurry Qulture. And that’s a good thing.
Kurry Qulture is located on 30th Ave in Astoria, which people who never go to Queens will recoil at, and people who live in Astoria might possibly appreciate. It’s been an up and coming area for a while, with promises to be more up and coming, which can only benefit KQ.
Inside, the restaurant is dim, with lots of candles, and a closed off back patio that promises outdoor seating once winter releases its grip on NYC. Cocktails, of course, began the dinner. The first drink being the Hex-Mex (mexcal, homemade chill, pineapple syrup, lime) along with a small sipping cup of a spicy tomato soup. Later cocktails would include a new spring cocktail centering around fresh strawberries, and the Mango Royal (Chambord, mango, champagne).
The dinner began with the KQ Cauliflower (cauliflower, garlic tomato chutney). Even if you aren’t a cauliflower fan, get this. It tastes nothing like your granmother’s steamed limp cauliflower and will give you a new appreciation for the vegetable. This was paired with Shrimp Chettinad (shrimp, mustard seeds, coconut, tapioca wafer). This was followed by two different kababs, Chicken Bukhni (three chili marinade, pineapple chutney) and a pickling spiced kebab with mint chutney.
For vegetables, we had Karahi Paneer (cottage cheese with peppers), Sweet and Sour Eggplant (baby eggplant, tomato-tamarind sauce), and the Beet Carrot Kofta (five spice, onion tomato gravy), served with tomato rice. This was followed by the Bhuna Goat (slow cooked with whole spices) served with Olive and Garlic Naan. And that was followed by Lamb Chops (tandoor grilled, smashed potatoes, apple chutney). The meal was ended with a serving of Rasmalai and Gulab Jamun, both very traditional desserts.
The food was excellent, and some of the best Indian food I’ve had. I was already planning on who to invite back as I was finishing each dish (seriously, the bhuna goat was incredible, and when no one was looking, I sponged up the sauce with the last bit of naan). The menu allows you to order things individually, or you can get a six course tasting menu. You really can’t go wrong, unless you go somewhere else.
Astoria might seem like far away to some people, but it’s about 15 minutes from the Times Square station, and Kurry Qulture is completely worth it. To find out more information about their menu or to make a reservation, please visit their webpage. This is one you don’t want to miss out on!