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NYC gets new South Asian food spot
The East Village restaurant brings together regional and diaspora food traditions from across South Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean under one menu.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 21, May 2026
- 17:58 EDT
- 32
Drāvida / dravidanyc.com
Indian-origin chef Aarthi Sampath has launched Drāvida, a new restaurant in Manhattan’s East Village that highlights South Asian culinary traditions.
The restaurant opened on May 20 and serves food inspired by cuisines from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Trinidad, Guyana, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.
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The menu includes dishes such as Trinidadian doubles, South African oxtail bunny chow, Idli and Shrimp inspired by Indonesian and South Indian flavors, and Indo-Malay Nasi Kandar.
Helmed by Sampath, a chef and television personality, Drāvida aims to present regional and diaspora-influenced dishes that are more commonly served in homes than restaurants.
“I wrote the concept for Drāvida in 2019, and now, the vision is coming to life,” Sampath said in a statement.
Sampath moved to the United States from Mumbai in 2013 and trained at restaurants including Junoon, The Breslin, and the Rainbow Room before launching her own ventures. She later appeared on Food Network programs including “Chopped” and “Beat Bobby Flay.”
“This restaurant is for New Yorkers who haven't seen their food represented—for the communities that built this city and whose cuisines haven't always had a place at the table,” Sampath said.
Located at 211 1st Avenue, the restaurant occupies two floors of a restored 100-year-old building and includes a lower-level cocktail bar called Jam and Jaggery.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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