I am always on the hunt for the next mind-blowing food creation in New York City. When I heard about a spot blending classic Indian comfort food with a street food twist, I had to see it for myself. My destination was Taco Mahal in the West Village. I ordered their secret menu item. A half chicken tikka masala, half lamb curry cheesy naan taco. The result? Unreal.
The Ultimate Naan Makeover
The process behind this dish is absolutely mesmerizing to watch. They start with fresh naan dough. Next, they stuff an aggressive amount of shredded cheese right into the middle. They pinch it shut until it looks like a giant dumpling. Then they toss it in flour and roll it out nice and flat.
But they do not stop there. They top it with even more cheese, heavy Indian seasoning, and minced garlic. They pack it all down. Then it goes straight onto the wall of their roaring tandoor clay oven.
It bakes until it becomes a bubbly, golden brown masterpiece. They scrape it off that clay wall and drizzle it with a generous amount of warm ghee. The base is locked and loaded. It is time to build a taco.
A Tale of Two CurriesTaco Build Breakdown: 1. Base: Garlic Cheese Naan with Ghee 2. Protein Left: Chicken Tikka Masala 3. Protein Right: Lamb Curry 4. Toppings: Arugula, Cilantro, Mint Chutney, Diced Onion, Red Cabbage
I wanted the best of both worlds. I asked for half chicken tikka masala and half lamb curry. They do not skimp on the portions here. A massive ladle of creamy, bright orange chicken tikka masala covers the first half. Then comes a heavy scoop of rich, dark lamb curry packed with tender chunks of meat. Drenched.
To balance out the intense heat and richness, they pile on fresh toppings. They finish it with crisp arugula, fresh cilantro, a heavy squeeze of green mint chutney, diced onions, and vibrant red cabbage.
The Money Shot
Taking a bite of this beast is a total game-changer. The structural integrity of the naan holds up perfectly under the weight of the heavy curries. The cheese baked inside the dough gives you an elite stretch with every single pull. Look at that pull.
The sweetness of the tikka masala pairs perfectly with the deep, savory spice of the slow-cooked lamb. The fresh onions and cabbage add a loud crunch that cuts right through the sauce. It is messy, heavy, and completely spectacular.
If you love Indian flavors and want a unique twist on the classic taco, this secret menu item needs to be on your radar.
Are you ready to crush this massive cheesy naan taco on your next trip to the West Village?