{"id":9928,"date":"2025-10-20T21:01:31","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T21:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/9928\/"},"modified":"2025-10-20T21:01:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T21:01:31","slug":"celebrate-diwali-on-staten-island-in-2025-where-to-find-the-best-indian-and-sri-lankan-restaurants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/9928\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrate Diwali on Staten Island in 2025: Where to find the best Indian and Sri Lankan restaurants"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Starting on Monday, Oct. 20, the five-day Festival of Lights, rooted in Hindu tradition<\/a>, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.<\/p>\n

Celebrations include lighting lamps to invite the goddess Lakshmi, decorating homes with rangoli, and sharing festive meals. While primarily a Hindu holiday, Diwali is also observed by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Recognition of the holiday is growing across the United States, with New York public schools now closed on Diwali<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Staten Island\u2019s Indian and Sri Lankan residents mark the occasion with cultural traditions<\/a> and cuisine, offering locals a chance to explore the flavors of the subcontinent.<\/p>\n

\"NewThe tandoor is an oven where breads like naan are formed from buttery dough slapped against the wall of the 500-plus degree clay vessel. It roasts and puffs into flaky layers. This is the naan at Masala House in Tompkinsville. Pamela Silvestri<\/p>\n

Sri Lankan food shares many similarities with Indian cooking \u2014 think curries, rice dishes, and spice-forward flavors \u2014 but tends to be lighter and less rich. Whether you\u2019re celebrating Diwali or simply curious about the cuisine, here\u2019s a guide to some of Staten Island\u2019s standout Indian and Sri Lankan restaurants.<\/p>\n

Also check out the St. George Library Center \u2014 5 Central Ave., St. George \u2014 on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for a free Diwali-themed reading and craft session for children ages 8 and younger. The hour includes lantern-making and rangoli design activities.<\/p>\n

\"Randiwa\"Randiwa in Bulls Head offers the Lamprai, a Dutch-influenced dish that can be likened to a casserole. It is baked in a banana leaf, a present-like presentation wrapped up with rice, fritters, caramelized vegetables and a protein of choice like lamb, goat, chicken or fish.Where to eat in the spirit of Diwali<\/p>\n

Ceylon Curry \u2014 324 Victory Blvd., Tompkinsville; 347-466-5338 \u2014 A small, casual eatery with a brisk to-go business and most dishes priced at $18 or less. Features a separate dining room for table service and private parties of up to 30 guests. The newly configured space includes an open kitchen.<\/a><\/p>\n

Hylan Curry & Grill \u2014 1476 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island; 718-524-4608; hylancurryandgrill.com<\/a> \u2014 A quiet restaurant featuring Indian, Nepali, and Asian fusion with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Known for momo dumplings, tikka masala, and samosas. Offers dine-in, takeout, and catering. Formerly Indian Xpress 2, the restaurant is located in the former Trattoria Romana space.<\/p>\n

Lakruwana \u2014 668 Bay St, Stapleton; 347-857-6619; lakruwanarestaurant.com <\/a>\u2014 The most formal of Staten Island\u2019s Sri Lankan restaurants, offering sit-down dining in a charming space with takeout available. Features an all-you-can-eat weekend buffet from 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. for $15.95. Known for mullagatawny soup, lampries, biriyani, Kottu Roti, hoppers, and house-made desserts like watalappan and Mango Mousse.<\/p>\n

\"SriDosa Garden existed for over a decade. Masala Harbor takes its place and has very good Indian fare. Silvestri<\/p>\n

Masala Harbor \u2014 323 Victory Blvd, Tompkinsville; 718-420-0919 \u2014 The former Dosa Garden is now under new ownership. This cozy spot offers South Indian specialties, with wine and bottled beer available. Rear parking lot.<\/p>\n

New Asha Sri Lanka Restaurant \u2014 322 Victory Blvd, Tompkinsville; 718-420-0649; newasharestaurant.com \u2014 Authentic Sri Lankan cuisine served in a family-run setting. Popular for flavorful curries, fish buns, and allergy-friendly options. Closed on Tuesdays and the fresh-made roti bread is a \u201cmust.\u201d Made from scratch, the bread should be ordered ahead for more than six pieces at a time. <\/p>\n

Randiwa \u2014 1405 Richmond Ave, Bulls Head; 718-477-1044; Whereyoueat.com<\/a> \u2014 Unassuming spot just off the Staten Island Expressway offering Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. The Sunday buffet runs noon to 10 p.m. for $18.99. Highlights include hoppers, whole rotisserie chicken, whole fried fish, and the spicy-sweet \u201cSpicy Sizzler.\u201d It\u2019s closed on Mondays but otherwise open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

\"SriCopious nuts and curry leaves mark some curry dishes at Sagara Food City which has been recognized by Michelin. This Tompkinsville spot is a take-out restaurant. Pamela Silvestri<\/p>\n

Sagara Food City\u2014 98 Victory Blvd, Tompkinsville; 718-285-4556; Facebook: Sagara Food City<\/a> \u2014 Take-out-only Sri Lankan spot known for bold flavors and a personal touch. Owners Sagara and Anuradha Hewabajgamage prepare daily specials, bake fresh bread in-house, and offer customizable levels of heat to otherwise fiery dishes like \u201cdeviled\u201d shrimp.<\/p>\n

Spice Rack \u2014 1791 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, 718-273-5843; spicerackstatenisland.com<\/a> \u2014 Very new, fast-casual Indian takeout and delivery spot located inside Island Grocery spice market. Becoming known for flavorful halal dishes like chicken tikka, goat curry, and palak paneer. Offers customizable spice levels and fresh naan. House specialties include biryani and clay oven-grilled tandoori chicken.<\/p>\n

\"\"Fried samosas from Taste of India II are a delight, filled with mashed chick peas, potatoes or ground beef options. (Staten Island Advance\/Pamela Si<\/p>\n

Taste of India II \u2014 287 New Dorp Lane, New Dorp; 718-987-4700; tasteofindia2.com<\/a> \u2014Staten Island\u2019s first Indian restaurant, offering traditional North Indian dishes, a full bar, and catering services.<\/p>\n

Victory Halal Food & Grocery \u2014 1891 Victory Blvd, Staten Island; 718-448-2922; victory-halal-food.ueniweb.com <\/a>\u2014 Halal butcher and grocery offering Indian and Pakistani staples, fresh meats, and specialty imports. Family-run with delivery available.<\/p>\n

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