Vatan Indian Vegetarian

Delicious food, beautiful and special place. I particularly love the appetizer assortment. You should like spicy though because even the mild option is still quite spicy. One of my favorite Indian places in town and a great place to bring out-​of-​town visitors!

Excellent menu. Food quality is great. They could cut down on the servings so there is no waste. Heaven for vegetarians!

We went to Vatan over the holiday season, and I was impressed with it. We made a reservation up ahead, and were greeted by the host who promptly seated us. We were made to remove our shoes when we were going to sit, which is sort of a customary thing to do in India. The ambiance was great, with a lot of photos of rural India and an artificial tree, and even a water well ! The waitress was really warm and friendly, and explained to us how the Thali system works and offered a good assessment of the spice levels.
If there is one thing I really miss about Indian food while living in US, is the lack of vegetarian options. Vatan naturally fulfills that what I miss. There was 3 courses of food options: appetizer, main course, dessert and chai. We really liked the appetizers a lot, with the mirchi bajjis, dhoklas and sev puri being my favorite. The main course was just about ordinary, and the mango icecream in the end was really good.
Overall, I liked the ambiance, food and the décor of this place. I only wish it was a little cheaper. It is about 32 $ per person which just doesn’t add up. We realized the profit of margin this place makes is really high. If the Thali was 20 – 25 $ I would come back to eat here again.

Great setup, good service, amazing array of food items. What let’s down the authenticity of the food. It’s more bland and cosmopolitan than proper Indian food. Been there twice and both times I found several items not as good for the price.
To be honest most Indian restaurants offering thali give you a ok-​decent deal but never give you the proper thali that one would get back in india and that’s expected for a $ 10-​$ 20 meal. But for a $ 40-​$ 50 thali, you really expect no botch-​ups!
And that is where they let you down.

Not worth the price if you grew up eating Indian thalis. The appetizers were quite good. Main course is disappointing and lacks imagination. The seating is awkward, especially for elderly folks.

I have been to Vatan several times over the past 5 years and I love that you get to try such a big selection of Indian vegetarian dishes and the environment is really cute.
That said, while some of the food was excellent (mango ice cream and several potato based dishes), when I ate here last week for the first time in several years I found much of the food very bland. I asked for my food hot, but not only was there no heat at all, many of the dishes seemed watery and totally lacking any flavor.
I would recommend this restaurant for people who want to try Indian food but do not know where to start. The cute village like set up and mild dishes would also be great for kids.

Ambience and service were amazing. The tables, decorations and music made for a really nice experience.
Food wise, the appetizer and dessert are the best courses. Wish I had ordered more appetizer once I got to the main course (taking off one star for this). Dessert was delicious and they serve masala chai at the end of the meal.
Would definitely go back!

So tasty! I’m not a vegetarian but I appreciate Vegetarian /​Vegan food, and this place does not disappoint.
Each bite is a blast of spices and sauces and authentic taste that leaves you ravenous for the next bite.
I came here with my friend and we both ate every part of every course offered to us.
Only knocks are that the dishes the food was served on weren’t completely clean and the water jugs were not 100% clean either.

Read some very mixed reviews on Unilocal so wanted to review for myself. I have lived in India for over a year so consider myself a reasonably well informed judge of Indian food.
This is one of the best Indian restaurants I’ve been to in Manhattan. The staff were polite and attentive. The food is delicious, non greasy, and plentiful. The restaurant is pretty atmospheric and the tables definitely not too crowded together.
If you want to pay a little bit extra for a great Indian dining experience, I would definitely recommend Vatan.

Terrible food, trying not to throw up while I write this. Appetizers seemed ok while eating but after a few minutes I started feeling sick .may be it’s the oil they use or spike food with something so customers feel terribly full even before the main course arrives.
Food was not fresh, tasted like it’s been lying around. The only food that felt fresh and hot was the Gujarati Kadi.
Overall bad food. I will not be going back again.

A-​OK with a side of disneyland kitch. I’m a huge fan of Indian cuisine and Vatan did not disappoint, though there is something to be desired. Let me explain:
Upon entry, you are greeted by a friendly host who will take you to your table in a (borderline silly) Indian village (with a large sculpture of Ganesha watching over). Shoes are removed, and you are seated. A pair of servers will explain that there is nothing to consider for your all-​you-​can-​eat meal aside from the spice level (mild, medium, hot) of the main course. You can choose beverages and there is a very basic wine & beer list and limited, but full-​ish bar.
As the name suggests, all of the dishes are vegetarian, and for those of us who might think that a lack of meat is a problem, well, that course of thought is plain wrong.
It all sounds great, why only 3 stars? The food isn’t spectacular, its fine. What is spectacular is the variety of foods that you sample and the *idea* of endless dishes. You won’t be able to finish all that is brought to the table.
The service was friendly, almost too friendly. You could tell there was a warmth.
It’s a fun spot to bring an out of town guest. I’ll most certainly return.

I’ve traveled to many major metropolitan areas within the U.S., but never have I tasted such authentic Gujarati food, except in India, of course. This is the best. The service is excellent as well, and the ambience is second to none. I highly recommend it. I dined here several times when I lived in the area, and now only get to taste their food when I travel to NYC from LA.

I’m all about all you can eat places. This place was a game changer for me. Vegetarian tasting good? No way. I’m a total carnivore. WRONG.
This place was so freaking good. They bring out everything in like a sampler type of plater with little portions of everything called Thai. You can ask for more of whatever you like and they’ll bring it out to you.
Everything that they bring out is delicious, so just try everything.
My favorites were the sev puri, kheer, mango ice cream, and tea. Ugh so good. Definitely check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

Holy Cow, Vatan is a disgrace to desis, Indians and especially Gujaratis. I felt like something died in my stomach after I left.
If you commit to eating here, commit to being robbed. It felt like an overpriced ticket for people who want to visit an Indian exhibit in Epcot Center… the taste and quality of the food matches the type of people who would want to visit said exhibit in Epcot Center.
This conversation between the server and I will sum up my experience:
ME: Excuse me (after constant flagging of my arms), we think our orders were mixed. We asked for HOT, like Indian Hot.
SERVER: «This is our hot. We don’t have hot hot because the Americans eat here. So we have to make sure they can eat too»
ME: Can I at least get some achar?
SERVER: (embarrassed) «we don’t have achar or anything to make more hot, maybe garlic paste?»
ME AND SERVER: [For the rest of the meal, the server avoided my eyes or when she did look at me said through her body language, «I know, I despise this food too, no ghee, bland, incorrect ingredients, it’s an embarrassment… but the white people eat it up because they don’t know any better and this is how we make a living”]
SERVER: «Would you like anything else? Ice cream? …»
ME: No, just the check (after it was clear that we couldn’t even eat half of our food or sip the chai)
Based on these Unilocal reviews, I can confidently state that there are three types of people who eat here:
1) Non-​Desis or Europeans with guide books: These people give Vatan 3 or more stars. That is because their palates are alien to this type of food. They can’t conceptualize that each bite is supposed to have about 6 – 8 different flavors that ONLY come out with the spice. (Don’t EAT it if you can’t take the heat!) They probably use utensils to eat… they get a pass…
2) Desis: Looking through these reviews it’s clear that those, like I, who grew up with amazing homemade desi food find this place a wretched tourist circus. It’s like telling me that Taco Bell is where I should go for home-​cooked Mexican food. The food was dull, bland, nothingness… We were recently in Gujarat for a month visiting family and ate our way through India. In Ahmedabad, we had the most AMAZING all you can eat veg Thali meal. My spouse (who is Cuban), was even able to immediately tell that Vatan was lifeless crud… The Desi establishments have left NYC people. you can only get good Indian (read: Gujarati) food in the tri-​state area in Edison, New Jersey or at home. For reals.
3) Desis who somehow grew up in a home where their folks sucked at cooking: Desis who give Vatan 3 stars or more. I feel bad for their souls.
Just. Don’t. Do. It. It is THAT bad. Colonized BS.

Nope — this place is not doing it for me. I came here on advisement from a colleague who loves this place. He’s Indian (came from India 10 years ago) and found this place pretty authentic. I came with high hopes especially since I grew up eating home cooked Indian food I know the crap most Indian restos like to pass off as «authentic». This place seems authentic but the food is so bland that it hurts me that I’ve spent the amount that I did on the food here.
I think of this place as an over-​the-​top cultural experience for non-​Indians as opposed to a restaurant providing mind-​blowingly good food. Case in point, there are paintings of classic Indian art on the walls, there is a large elephant statue in the corner, a model well with metal urns symbolizing the village life in India, the food is served on thalis (see explanation below) and traditional metal glasses typically found in India. But with all the fan fare, they loose points on food quality, which to me is an important factor for a restaurant.
This place serves you a pre-​fix several course meal on thalis — which are large circular plates of food with smaller bowls filled with different dishes (typically curries and dal). You have a choice in your spice level but even when I requested a high spice level, the food taste was missing the typical flavors that I am used to. Also — where is your menu for desserts? I have a huge obsession with Indian sweets (mithai) and I was disappointed to see that the meal only comes with mango ice cream. Indians have a wealth of different desserts and to serve only ice cream, to me, was a big cop out.

Delicious, all-​you-​can eat Gujarati Indian food at a great price? What more can one ask for!
The service is efficient, friendly, and warm; the atmosphere is quiet and very conducive to dates; and the food is exquisite. Everything is prix fixe, so you’re getting the chefs’ top picks, and the appetizers and entrees are served as thalis (small dishes), so you’re getting to taste a diversity of dishes. And you never have to worry about not getting enough to eat because you can order as many seconds as you want of your favorites. Each and every dish is delicious, but since I have a sweet tooth, I often savor the ice cream (usually mango-​flavored) with special relish.
I’m vegetarian, so I of course love this place and consider it one of my favorite spots in New York, but my more carnivorous friends have also had great dining experiences here. It’s the kind of place that makes even the most stubborn meat-​eater happy to go veggie for at least one meal.
Come hungry (it is all-​you-​can-​eat after all) and with time to spare so that you can savor and appreciate each dish.

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Indian food for many years where I grew up in New Jersey, while traveling extensively for business in London, India, Singapore, Brazil, and on and on. I prepare Indian cuisine in my home.
I’ve since moved away from NJ but somehow found this place on Unilocal during my last trip to NYC. Boy am I glad I did! When I found out that I was going back to New York for work, one of my initial thoughts was VATAN, a Gujarati, vegetarian, all-​you-​can-​eat, only-​open-​for-​dinner on 3^rd Ave between 28^th and 29^th.
The service was fantastic — again. I was greeted by name when I walked in (Thanks, Open Table.) They seated me quickly (though I was 30 minutes early.) I was almost immediately offered a beverage and had a menu with a pleasant greeting. The server throughout my meal was helpful, attentive, and very pleasant. Water was refilled before I put my glass down yet it wasn’t one of those things where the server is hanging all over you working a tip. Really professional.
The food… I could go on about the food for some time. The place is an all-​you-​can-​eat but they bring it to your table rather than buffet style. For hygienic reasons, temperature and quality of food, and pure laziness, this is a much better approach. I also don’t take as much.
First they bring you a load of appetizers. Next, your entrée arrives which is served in Thali style (by the way, you have a choice of mild, medium, or hot.) On both occasions, I went with hot. It’s really not that hot by Indian standards. If there is one item you want more of, they bring it. If you want more of it 10 times, presumably they bring it 10 times. This is true even for dessert and tea. The ice cream was even deeeerishous!
I’m a big eater but I was easily and handily beaten — there was no way I could order more of anything. There’s a lot of food. And it’s really, really good stuff. Frickin’ Yum.

*** Great Portions/​Very filling, Cozy atmosphere, Great Price ***
We ordered the option where it was a pre-​fixe option. You get a TON of options and you can ask for more. It is insanely filling so be sure to come here on an empty stomach. The indian food here is pretty good and I would recommend trying this out if you’re looking for a vegetarian restaurant. Staff is great and very accommodating.

After a long day of meetings in New York, I ended up going to Vatan with a few clients who grew up in India and who suggested this spot. They always pick excellent Indian restaurants, but this one is my favorite thus far. They told me that in Hindi, «Vatan» means «Home»…and with an experience like this, you might want to change your address to southern India!
The ambiance is very cool. There are no windows in two story dining room, which normally would be a negative, but there are enormous murals covering the wall and ceiling that make you feel as if you are actually in a small Indian village… and certainly not at 29^th and 3^rd.
As for the prix fixe… it is shockingly good. Everyone at the table will literally be brought every single dish on the menu, which is spectacular because there are 8 appetizers, 9 entrees, 3 sides and 2 deserts. This kit of parts could easily be considered a 22 course tasting menu and at $ 32!!! Most likely you will not be able to eat all of the food that is brought to the table. My favorites included the Sev Puri, Bhaji, Kheer and Chole. The homemade ice-​cream they bring at the end is fantastic and is perfectly complimented by the chai tea. Shockingly, the wait staff at Vatan will bring you as many of these dishes as you want. One of the diners in our party had three helpings of ice cream… it was that good! The presentation of these dishes is also unique as they come on metal trays instead of plates.
If you are looking for a place to take a vegetarian friend or client, look no further everything we ate was vegetarian and was delicious. Even for me and my generally carnivorous appetite Vatan stand out… big time.
The restaurant was very busy when I went, but I was told it can be extremely popular on the weekends so a reservation is a must.

I LOVE Vatan! How much?
Well lets just say, we came to Vatan for Valentine’s Day a few years ago and this year — where we are going is always a «surprise» — we walked by Vatan Valentines Day 2015 and I saw the Elephant outside and started walking into Vatan. My husband asked «how did you know dinner was here» and I thought to myself, I didn’t care — we were eating Here Tonight!
I am blessed with many Gujarati friends who are incredible cooks. Over the years, eating their food I have become spoiled. When I moved away I was saddened… until we found Vatan.
It is a prix-​fixe AYCE and they serve you on platters in little dishes, very cute and more than appetizing *gobble gobble*
So they give you a little of everything and you are free to order more of anything you like. EVERYTHING is good, if not Fantastic. Really authentic. The food is very fine and cooked to perfection. The ingredients are all cut small, for example the cauliflower is chopped up into manageable pieces, not like some restaurants which serve you the entire stalk.
My favorites:
App — Muthia, Sev Puri (you have to eat more than one!)
Entrée– Ful-​cobi, Batakanu sak, Bhaji
Dessert — Homemade Mango Ice Cream, Mmmm…
Did I mention everything was Vegan? You won’t miss the meat, I promise.
* Oh Oh Spice Level! We eat very spicy in general. We always get Medium Spice. Be forewarned. Spice levels here rival «authentic» Thai spice levels. But you can always ask for your next plate to be spicier or milder.

Don’t know of any more perfect place to have a great assortment of veggie Indian food! Wow! Everything about this place blew me away! Décor is delightful, just enough spice, menu is awesome, service is super kind, and price is just right! $ 32 for the pre-​fix which includes almost everything your heart desires.
I this place! Coming back soon but on an empty stomach!