NYC Restaurants

When 27-year-old Ayan Sanyal couldn’t find a decent masala chai in New York City, he took matters into his own hands, opening Kolkata Chai Co. in the East Village.  Sanyal also chose to go the authentic route, avoiding syrupy versions of the drink and opting instead for the way it’s prepared in his native India with fresh ginger, cardamom and spices. The cafe is also offering an oat milk chai with tea from legacy estates in India. Kolkata is also reimagining street food staples like Thai bhel puri made with puffed rice, mango avocado toast and more.

- Thomas Rafael