Review: KOKUM is a Gem in the Curry Hill Neighborhood of NYC

Michelin-starred chef and owner, Hemant Mathur is delighting guests at Kokum, the gem of an Indian restaurant, in the Curry Hill neighborhood of Manhattan. It is the only spot in the city with menu items that represent the four regions of Southern India: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra. Sit back and relax. Your dining experience will be one of a kind in this stylish and welcoming spot.

Kokum has a new management team that includes Executive Chef, Roshan Balan. Roshan started cooking alongside his father who was also a very skillful chef. He then went on achieve a diploma in hotel management from Merit Swiss Asian School of Hotel Management in New Delhi. Completing the team is Min Bhujel, who previously worked at the prestigious Crown Plaza Hotel in Nepal, and helms the restaurant as front of house manager.

We visited on a Thursday evening for dinner. Even though the restaurant was humming, the service was gracious and efficient. Our server took the time to help us make just the right selections. With a nice array of meat, seafood and vegetarian items, there is something to suit everyone's tastes and preferences. Each of our dishes was delicately seasoned to perfection. The spices highlighted the fresh, natural flavors of our food.

We suggest you start your meal with a few table shares like the "Medhu Vadai," lentil donuts with coconut chutney and sambhar or the "Lasoni Gobi," tangy cauliflower. Be sure to order one of the light Indian pancakes like the "Miryalu Kodi Dosai" with spicy pepper chicken.

Kokum's delectable entrees are wonderfully presented. Indulge in chef's specials like the "Lamb Madras" with coconut, curry leaves and mustard seeds, the ""Gutti Venkaya Kura," eggplant with tangy gravy or one of their seafood dishes like the "Konju Papas," shrimp, kokum, coconut milk and fresh tomatoes. For those that prefer, there are traditional favorites like "Chicken Masala" or "Saag Paneer." Sides are a must. They include rice dishes along with some of our favorite house-made breads like their "Paratha" or "Tandoor Roti."

Kokum is ready to please your sweet tooth with tempting desserts that include classic favorites like "Payasam," vermicelli rice pudding flavored with cardamom and "Rasmalai," soft, perfectly sweetened cheese patties with a cream reduction.

Kokum has nice array of beverages to pair with you meal like Indian tea or coffee, Moru, and a full selection of beer, wine and cocktails. We enjoyed one of our favorite Indian beers, Kingfisher.

We'll be returning to Kokum soon for lunch. They have special "Thalis" that offers guests a complete South Indian meal, with a curry of your choice, served with rice, lentils, vegetables, sambhar, Indian pickle and raita, fresh baked bread and dessert.

Find out what the buzz is all about and visit Kokum. Not only is it a fantastic Indian restaurant but the price point is reasonable too. Reservations are suggested, especially for large parties.

Kokum is located at 106 Lexington Ave. between 27th and 28th. Call 212-684-6842 or visit www.KokumNY.com. Hours of Operation: Lunch Monday-Friday Noon-3 p.m., Dinner Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-11p.m., Saturday Noon-11 p.m., Sunday Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Photo Credit: "Gongura Mamsam" by Jason Greenspan

To post a comment, you must register and login.