Joy Curry & Tandoor

Yellow dal. Chicken curry. Chicken tikka. Vegetable samosas and naan like no other at ridiculously affordable prices. I’ve been going to this place for years as my only Indian go to in the city. They have 2 locations but the Lexington one is my go to. They also do a lunch special and you can actually see your food while ordering it. The food is so tasteful and filling. The owners are super nice and you can eat in they just renovated their upstairs but I always get take out. If you love home cooked style Indian food run to Joy.

I’m a vegetarian so I can only comment on the vegetarian food. My brother and I usually come here for lunch. The price is reasonable with the veggie platter coming in under 10 dollars.
The food is sufficiently spiced and the portions are definitely large enough to be filling. Great quality food in my opinion.

Great quick place to grab some lunch! Only issue was the chicken vindaloo wasn’t spicy rather tasted as if it was bathed in tomato sauce. Go for one of the platters! Highly recommend if you’re looking for good cheap Indian food. Also halal if one is wondering

This is a good lunch spot, I used to come here all the time when I was working in the area. Both meat and veg dishes are good and the sauces are well cooked. Most platters are under 10 dollars from what I recall. The kebabs here are tasty. I also remember the alu gobi and fish curry being good. The naan was good quality also. The raita very watery and disappointing. The staff is nice and keep the line moving fast. The dining stye is simple and I think works good for lunch.

Solid Indian food in a decent environment! The prices are very fair. I actually like the cafeteria feel that it has. When I was there it was quiet and peaceful. Was there for about 1.5 hours and had a nice time. If you can’t make it out to Jackson Heights and you’re in the neighborhood then stop by if you’re in the mood or tasty Indian food.

A hole in the wall place in midtown east. I would have never discovered this place until a friend recommended it for dinner. The place looks kind of old and unattractive but as long as the food is good, then it’s fine by me. If you want cheap good Indian fare, come here. Similar to most Indian places, the specials are two kinds of something plus rice. It is vegetarian friendly, not many choices though but they have the standard chickpeas and cauliflower with green peas-​Ali Gobi. They have a pitcher of free water for you to pour in a cup. This place is actually huge, there is a whole level upstairs on the 2^nd floor, so it’s a big place.

Second time grabbing lunch at Joy Curry but first time at this location. There’s way more seating here with an upstairs section for dining-​in customers. Thank god I found an emptied table because I glanced at the staircase and its terrifying for me as I have super fear of heights! The Joy Platters are definitely so fulfilling and don’t bother looking at the Express Lunch section on the menu.
The line does move quickly so don’t freak out lol! I ordered the same thing from the other location…#5 Chicken Tikka Masala over Basmati Rice with the Cauliflower and peas in a yellow sauce and get a huge free Naan bread for every order. The guy asked first about adding sauce onto the Basmati Rice because people do have pet peeves for everything. I personally just love sauces on my rice =P
*hands down* very yummy Indian Food and very fast service!

I went to this place for lunch yesterday because I was craving some fast/​cheap Indian food. I got exactly what I wanted.
It’s set up «cafeteria style» where you pick what you want. I got chicken tikka masala, rice & peas. It also came with naan and some complimentary water.
I ate in and it was decent. The chicken was pretty good but it had that «sitting in a metal pan for hours» flavor. The peas were ok (I didn’t finish them), the rice was rice and the naan was soft and kind of chewy.
The people who worked there were really nice and did not rush me, which I liked. They also have an upstairs area for seating, but I didn’t go up.
Overall, I got what I wanted at this place and I don’t really have any complaints. It was decent but not excellent by any means. Yum.

This is a nice Indian lunch place, it’s not very americanized but far from traditional. Their fish curry is quite good I love it more then other places. The vindaloo sauce has some kick to it and goes well with chicken or lamb.
Service is quick (and it better be during lunch rush line can be out the door) and courteous. They do extra little things like ask «would you like extra sauce on the rice?» and have plain water available as a courtesy if you’re eating in.

Discovered this place near work and came by to give it a try! Boy are they busy!!! Fast, great service for on the go curry! Oh and btw, their Halal!
I went with the 1 meat and 1 veggie option which came with rice and naan. For the veggie I selected my fav Palak Paneer, though a bit different from other versions of Palak, I loved it! Super flavorful and delicious! The lamb was awesome as well! You actually get a lot of meat for the value! Naan just topped it all off! Soft and delicious!
I definitely recommend checking this place out… roughly around $ 10 for lunch with a meal that keeps you full and perhaps you can have it for dinner as well, this place is a winner for me!

I’ve had Joy Curry so many times in the past three years, it must mean something if I’m still ordering and eating there since 2012.
My boyfriend and I went to get takeout in the restaurant. It was about 6pm and there were only a couple sitting on the ground floor, but don’t let that fool you; they have extra seats up the stairs. We ordered a Chicken Korma (my favorite) which is a cream based curry and an order of okra, both came with basmati rice. We got greedy and also got their Garlic Naan which was freshly made, the guy who took our order told us it’ll be a couple of minutes which only means they’re making it right then and there. The meat samosa was packed with flavor and filling, delicious! And it wouldn’t be a complete Indian meal without a Mango Lassi.
The boyfriend and I were both very satisfied with the meal. It was simple and delicious. We will be back to try their other curry dishes.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Joy Curry & Tandoor. It’s cheap — $ 8 – 10 for lunch combo that includes huge amounts of 2 dish, basmati, and a naan — it’s clean with ample seating on 2 floors, it’s fast, and it’s good. It’s just that there is nothing great about it either from taste standpoint. But it is a great, harmless lunch spot that is perfect for that quickie where you won’t be disappointed.
They have individual dishes, but for lunch most people get the combo. 2 dishes of varying prices depending on what you get, big scoop of rice, and a full-​round naan bread. There’s about 12 – 15 dishes to choose from, and they are fresh which is not surprise since these empty quickly and are turned around constantly. I got the goat curry and lamb curry as my 2 dish, which is the 2 meat combo for $ 10.50. The meat are very meaty, and seems to be of good quality because the distinct taste of the goat and lamb really stand out. This is a great bargain from quality and size perspective.
The only issue I had was the blandness of their sauces on both. It’s weird to say that because they are sufficiently spicy, but was missing that «oomph» I was looking for in your typical Indian sauces. So, spicy but bland… If that was better, this would definitely be a 4-​star outfit but I just can’t get over the blandness of the whole meal. So it’s really a very stingy 3-​star, I could have easily given it 4 stars with all the positives of this place. But as it is, 4 seems just too generous. But I will be back, probably frequently, for that Indian fix.
Table-​for-​1 Factor: Perfect for eating alone — cafeteria style with plenty of seats upstairs.

good quick serve indian food. the lunch special platter, which ranges from $ 9-​$ 11 comes with a choice of meat/​vegetables, basmati rice, one side, and a naan bread. it is very filling. I have enjoyed the chicken masala, the lamb curry, and cauliflower with potatoes side. saag paneer is decent as well for dipping the naan. however, the best thing about this place is the recently renovated interior. there is a seating area upstairs with nice tables, comfy chairs, and tap water. however, beware, you might not want to eat this in the office as the smells may be too strong for your office mates. Of course, I have NOT done this since I’m very considerate :)

This place is becoming one of my favorite lunch spots. I like Indian food. And this one is by far one of the good ones I have had. Chicken Tikka is my favorite.
It’s well priced and very big portions. I make sure I do not dinner after eating this. With the super good Nan bread they give its really filling

Order takeout from here often. Always reliable on time.
Their $ 15 dinner special is enougj to feed a small african village. Comes with an app of your choosing, a samosa, daal, a main dish (chicken tikka for me), rice, naan, and the rice pudding stuff. Its easily enough for 2 meals.
Pretty much a go-​to for us if we want indian food after work within a short time frame. Order thru seamless. If they’re not active on seamless that night just call and they’re help you out.
Food is decent quality. For $ 15 can’t complain. At all.

Another fantastic discovery near Grand Central. Joy Curry Tandoor’s is a hidden gem that serves authentic Indian food, rich in taste and generous in portions. There are several ways to order– 2 meat dishes, all vegetable dishes, and other mix of combos.
On my two visits, I tried lamb with vegetables, excellent both times, to-​go and stay in. The highlight of Joy is the naan bread that is included with every order. There is plenty of seating upstairs with a table with cups for water and plastic silverware. The to-​go containers are sturdy and durable, and prevents the curry sauce to leak. The only downside to Joy is the wait in line during the lunch rush which can be up to 5 minutes.

I have been frequenting Joy Curry since they were a proper sit down restaurant with table service when they were in Curry Hill.
One day they were gone. Sad face.
Another day they reemerged like the Phoenix. Apparently they moved, and I didn’t know. For years. Either way we are reunited once again.
Now on to the food.
My favorite dish from them is the Chicken Biryani. It is so good and simple. And can be ordered spicy, I prefer to enjoy it nor mal.
They are more of a hot bar place now where you pick food from the hot bar in front of you and sit down and eat. (The staff dishes out your food for you). No official table service.
Of course you can order off the menu as well. The biryani always has to be prepared when I get it. Takes about 10 minutes, call/​order ahead if you want to swoop in and out.
They have all the favorites: Daal, Papadum, Samosas, and any of the entrees can be had as a side, which is probably enough to enjoy on your own with some rice.
This is not a fancy spot but definitely offers some simple yummy food.
The meat is halal which is good to know that there are standards to the meat being served, which is probably as good as organic, lol.
They have great lunch specials and dinner specials with naan (yummy bread) and entrée with sides. Come check it out for yourself. The combos are pretty big or a hefty portion sharing is caring in this case.

Amazing food! I’m a regular here.
Just got 2 veggies to go for $ 8.66 Which is: 1 mixed veggie, 1 chick pea mix, white rice, and bread. Also I chose to get spinach on top of my rice (see photo).
The food is delicious and most of it is spicy (as Indian should be) so watch out if you’re not into spicy food, and ask them which food is best for you.
I go here for lunch and my company orders here all the time, love it!
Service is friendly, helpful and patient.
UPDATE ¼/​2016 — I am still a regular here and love the food, I feel like it got even better since my last review. You cannot get this much delicious food for $ 8.66 (2 veggies to go) or $ 11.xx (1 veggie 1 meat to go) anywhere in the area! I’ve been coming here so long that I see staff changes, yet still everyone is polite and courteous. They also got a few new dishes into rotation since my last review. I am at this very moment am enjoying Chickpeas + Potato and Peas plate, mmm!

I don’t know what’s in Indian food that makes me crave it ALL THE TIME lately, but I can’t get enough korma, ever. After extensive research on Seamless, Joy was the only place that offered good prices on navratan korma AND had tikka naan on the menu so I was sold.
Delivery was right on time and the food was piping hot, I even had to wait a little before I could spoon feed myself the korma without it burning my tongue. The portion wasn’t large but it was really filling and a little spicy too. The naan was a little disappointing, I was expecting more tikka but I can’t really complain since I’ve never had it before.
This seems to be more of a lunch takeout spot but hey, if they can deliver me dinner, why not?

I rate places as what they are, and this is not a fancy-​shmancy gourmet place. It’s a relatively small place with good quality FRESH everyday food (some of which I am forking down right now). I order from them regularly, and have never been disappointed. My standard order is Vindaloo/​Aloo Gobi with a Mango Lassi. I would bathe in their raita if I could.
The gents are always kind and friendly, their delivery fast and efficient.
I’ve tried other stuff off their menu and have been very happy; I just like really spicy stuff so Vindaloo wins.
Speaking of spice, I personally do not think their Vindaloo is THAT hot; that said, hot cherry peppers are popcorn to me. So evaluate accordingly.