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Lunch Break: Spicy Indian Food, An East Village Burger, Cheap Falafel

A crazy lunch deal, a lovely burger from a surprising place, and a super cheap menu: check it out in today's New York Lunch Break. By Yvo Sin.

Tamarind

Tamarind
(credit: Tamarind)

1679 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10128
(212) 410-9400
tamarindnyc.com

Tamarind, a restaurant that focuses on northern Indian cuisine, runs the gamut in terms of spiciness, and also appeals to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. What you need to know, though, is that from now until September 30th, they are running an insane deal for lunch (11:30a - 4:00p): all entrees are 50% off for dine-in, and 25% off for take out. If that's not enough incentive to visit, the lamb korma is so tender, it melts in your mouth; other specialties include lamb mushroom masala, or boneless chunks of lamb cooked with fresh mushroom and Indian spices, your choice of lamb, chicken, prawns or vegetables cooked in mango sauce with yogurt, curry leaves, mustard seed, ginger, garlic... you're sure to find something on the menu to pique your interest.

Veselka

Veselka
(credit: feistyfoodie.com)

144 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10003
(212) 228-9682
veselka.com

See Also: Best Burgers in NYC

This East Village mainstay has always been known to serve up delicious Polish fare, but the burger should not be overlooked either. Consistently appearing on many "Best Burger" lists around the city, the burger is cooked perfectly to order, and served with steak fries, a pickle wedge, tomato, lettuce and a small cup of cole slaw; you'd be hard pressed to turn one of these bad boys down. Of course, if burgers aren't your thing, check out the other items on offer: Polish food to delight all the senses fills the rest of the menu. Pierogies, kasha, blintzes, goulash - Veselka has it all.

Mamoun's Falafel

Mamoun's
(credit: feistyfoodie.com)

Locations in Manhattan, Connecticut and New Jersey - check website for addresses
mamouns.com/

See Also: NYC's Best Falafel | NYC's Best Hummus

At Mamoun's, the sandwich side of the menu starts at $2.50 and ends at $5, so you know you've come to the right place when your wallet needs a friend. On the low end of the price scale is a falafel sandwich; crunchy balls of chickpeas, deep fried, seasoned and stuffed inside a pita with tahini and vegetables, this will certainly fill you up nicely. On the high end of that scale is a kefte sandwich; think of a Middle Eastern seasoned meatball, again stuffed into pita and made into a wonderful sandwich. No matter which side you go with, you won't be disappointed.

For the latest on where to eat in the Tri-State, follow us on Twitter!

Yvo Sin is the founder and head writer of The Feisty Foodie.

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