Nadia Chaudhury/Eater NY

Nadia Chaudhury is a born-and-raised New Yorker who is an editor for Eater’s Northeast region and Eater New York, was the former Eater Austin editor for 10 years, and often writes about food and pop culture.

Adda is one of the earlier restaurants from the Indian dining hitmakers of Unapologetic Foods, of Dhamaka and Semma fame. And while it moved from its homey Queens roots into the East Village, there’s a good reason Eater NY named it the Best Comeback in the 2025 Eater Awards: The kitchen hasn’t lost its focus on flavorful regional subcontinent fare. Yes, the butter chicken experience ($42 and must be preordered) is highly popular, but there’s so much more to explore.

What to order

• I’m a big fan of South Asian-cooked brains, and Adda’s don’t disappoint. The bheja masala ($27) mixes goat brain with egg custard, resulting in a springy, silky consistency, spreadable on the pao, a Portuguese sweet bread.
• The ananas paneer tikka ($23) comes with thick pineapple and cheese slices with some zippiness.
• The bhatti kumbh ($23) was a hit with my group: Before it was served, fresh foraged mushrooms were presented much like fish at an omakase. The resulting dish featured mushrooms that were seasoned and cooked to a juicy texture.
• The Awadhi lamb shank korma ($48) is showy: a server brings it over in a Dutch oven, then they remove the meat from the lamb shank using a spoon, mix it all, and leave the bone for flavor (for those who like to gnaw on the clinging meat bits).
• Do not skip getting the creamy dal side ($9).

What to drink

The chutney trio ($32) comes with medium-sized drinks: tamarind-dark rum, mango-serrano tequila, and onion-dry gin; you’re encouraged to mix sips while eating the accompanying snacks.

Insider tip

Adda’s offerings go beyond the menu. A chaat walla (a version of chai vendors) visits your table, with two snacks on offer. For dessert, kulfi pops are similarly presented, where you pick your dip flavor. When you pay the check, a server places an offering tray of little wrapped Indian candies on the table.