The Nilgiris

What is The Nilgiris? Set along Markham Road in Morningside Heights, The Nilgiris is a dependable hub for authentic, strictly vegetarian South Indian comfort food. The bright, modest dining room is trimmed with statues, carvings, and paintings of Hindu deities, creating a calm, community-centric space filled with four-top tables and family groups.

The Nilgiris Menu & What to Order Crisp, expertly fermented crepes form the backbone of the kitchen, with the Ghee Roast Masala Dosa and the fiery, red-chutney-slicked Mysore Masala Dosa setting the benchmark. Do not skip the snack repertoire: pillowy steamed plate idlis and crispy sambar vada arrive swimming in deeply aromatic lentil stew, while Idli 65 brings a pleasantly spicy, deep-fried crunch. Wash down the heat with a thick mango lassi, or conclude with an impeccably frothed Madras filter coffee poured the traditional way.

Know Before You Go Weekend lunch shifts and Friday nights bring significant crowds drawn in by the popular weekend buffet, so reserve ahead or expect a brief wait at the door. Strip-mall parking is generally accessible on-site, and the kitchen opens early at 8:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday for traditional morning tiffin runs.