JALSA

"This Ditmas Park restaurant could conceivably create their own theme park based around their chicken dum biryani. There would be huge lines, costumed mascots dressed like chickens roaming the grounds, and the smell of saffron wafting through the air. Unfortunately there is no such theme park (yet), but you can imagine it while you enjoy their northern Indian dishes. Call 718-552-2534 to place your takeout order or check out their delivery menu online. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

"Jalsa Grill and Gravy in West Midwood is one of the few restaurants I know of in the city representing, at least partly, the food of West Bengal, the state in which Kolkata (the former Calcutta) is situated. In addition to a chaat or two (including a wonderful example featuring fried slices of Asian eggplant on a chickpea base), there’s an entire section of the menu devoted to West Bengali fare, including chingri malaikari, a gingery coconut curry laced with mustard oil and turmeric. All food is halal." - Robert Sietsema

"This Ditmas Park restaurant could conceivably create their own theme park based around their chicken dum biryani. There would be huge lines, costumed mascots dressed like chickens roaming the grounds, and the smell of saffron wafting through the air. Unfortunately there is no such theme park (yet), but you can imagine it while you enjoy their northern Indian dishes. Call 718-552-2534 to place your takeout order or check out their delivery menu online." - Hannah Albertine

"If the chicken dum biryani from this Ditmas Park spot had its own theme park, the lines would be unbearable and everything would smell like saffron. In other words, we’d be there all the time. Jalsa has been a staple for northern Indian dishes in the neighborhood for years, and if you like fragrant rice and juicy chicken meat that falls off the bone, you’ll quickly understand why." - Nikko Duren

"The city has plenty of Bangladesh restaurants, but few that represent for the food of West Bengal, India, just across the border. That’s one reason Jalsa Grill & Gravy was so welcome when it opened in Ditmas Park 18 months ago. One menu highlight is a chaat featuring slices of slender eggplant fried with a coating of spiced chickpea flour. Cooked in the tandoor, the outsize lamb tikka kebabs are juicy and smoky, on a menu with almost too many highlights. Delivery: seamless.com, grubhub.com, postmates.com, ubereats.com, doordash.com" - Robert Sietsema