Masala Story

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"In Brookland I found Masala Story — originally meant to be a second location of NoMa’s Indigo until a family falling-out ended the partnership — to be not a photocopy of Indigo but more of a Photoshopped version: enhanced, sharpened and sometimes even better. I tasted similarities in the stews, thaali platters and whole-wheat flatbreads, but the butter chicken here is creamier (which I prefer) and there’s a daily rotation of biryanis, including a chicken biryani that packs a lot of heat. There are more appetizers too, like amritsari fish, and the baingan bhartha is "silky and sweet," while the shahi paneer’s sweet tomato curry pleasantly reminded me of roasted pumpkin. What really separates Masala Story from Indigo is the space and its hospitality — there’s a full-service bar with draft beer, and co-owner Manish Berry is very hands-on, checking on diners and making suggestions." - Tierney Plumb