A Memorable Dining Experience in New York City
Sometimes, the stars just align, and that was the case for my wife Lindsey and me on a recent trip to New York City. We were there for one night, with one shot to eat somewhere memorable, and somehow landed a reservation at Semma, the Southern Indian restaurant from the team at Unapologetic Foods. And today, it just got named the No. 1 restaurant in New York by The New York Times. Not a bad coincidence.
Introduction to Semma
New York is teeming with Indian restaurants, yet before Semma, a deeply personal tribute to the chef Vijay Kumar’s upbringing in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the city’s diners had never seen Indian food like this. Punctuated with chiles, coconut, and earthy curry leaves, Semma’s flavors are lingering and loud, yet restrained. Its dosa is the best in the city: a crisp specimen that’s heady with fermentation and slicked with ghee and fiery gunpowder spice.
The Dining Experience
We were already buzzing just walking in. The place had that feeling — you know the one. That electric hum that only exists when everything’s in sync. It’s not something you can manufacture or buy — it either exists or it doesn’t. And at Semma, it was there in full force. That warmth, that soul. Like a worn-in blanket you reach for on a cool night. The menu reads like a love letter to the region, with small, shareable bites to start, bigger plates for the middle, and then the mains, rounded out with rice and breads.
The Food
Chef Vijay came out to say hi — his face lit up with pride — and asked if there was anything we wanted to try. We just said, “We’re in your hands.” The ride began with Paniyaram — crispy rice and lentil dumplings kissed with asafoetida and served with Paatti’s chutney. Then came one of the most unexpected hits of the night: Mulaikattiya Thaniyam — sprouted mung beans with coconut and chili. Light, spicy, refreshing. Those two dishes set the tone: this wasn’t going to be a normal dinner. This was a flavor journey.
Highlights of the Meal
Next came the dish you’ve probably seen all over the internet: the Gunpowder Dosa. A lacy, crisp crepe made with rice and lentil flour, stuffed with potato masala and served with three sauces. Straight-up delicious. It landed next to a salad of snow and snap peas with coconut and red onion — clean, cool, and crunchy. Then came tender pieces of braised short rib, rich with black cardamom and Tellicherry pepper. Boom. We paired it all with a bottle of Matthiasson Chardonnay from the Linda Vista Vineyard in Napa.
Conclusion
So — is Semma deserving of the No. 1 spot? Yeah. It is. But it’s more than just the food, wine, or cocktails. What sets it apart is heart. It’s clear how much of themselves chef Vijay, Roni, and Chintan put into this restaurant. The passion, the pride, the story — it’s all on the plate. Thank you, chef. Thank you, Roni. Thank you, Chintan. For one incredible night, you invited us into your world. And we’ll never forget it. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience in New York City, Semma is definitely worth a visit. With its unique flavors, electric atmosphere, and heartfelt service, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
