#SecondReview @MunaNyc #MunaNYC by #SuMadhab #Indian 152 East 46th Street Midtown Manhattan
Founder, Owner and Executive Chef of Muna, Su Madhab with Chicken Chowmen, Peachy's new favorite
It's never who you know, it's WHOM YOU KNOW and we know Su Madhab and Muna! They made their debut shortly after they opened on May 1, 2023 and earned their inaugural feature in the summer of 2023. Although it has been over two years since we first visited, this is not a reflection of our high opinion of the culinary talents of Muna, which truly is living up to its name and blooming tremendously. (Muna is blooming new spring growth in terms of meaning.) A native of Himalaya, Su Madhab became an American citizen in 2017 and you and your stomach are going to be glad he did and here's why! The cuisine at Muna is Indian.
Most people like butter. Most people like chicken. You are in for total treat with the supreme luxurious, creamy flavor of the commandingly delicious Buttery Chicken, above. The richness will take you away on a tastebud vacation and one aspect that sets Muna apart from its competition is its commitment to freshness. Some Indian neighborhood venues in terms of freshness are comme-ci comme-ca they would say in Paris or middling they would say in Ireland or just so so if you have never been to France or Ireland. Muna is standout fresh.
If you are in a vegetable mood, opt for the Vegetable Korma, below, a wonderful exploration of mixed vegetables dancing in a fragrant, inviting almond cashew nut sauce on the lighter side. If you don't want something heavy, this has your name all over it. Note the menu is five pages long and has some standards you would expect to see as well as some innovations exclusively by our friend Su.
Strikingly exotic is the Baigan Bharta.
Of course if you are a Peachy Deegan you are going to say what on earth does that mean, so we will tell you: it is mashed and curried eggplant and green peas! It is a walk on the exotic side for the unafraid and those willing to dine on something a bit spicy, and is a new menu addition.
If you have read our other Indian reviews, you know Peachy is a confirmed Chicken Biryani enthusiast at many Indian restaurants. It truly is a spectacular dish you should befriend pronto. This edition by Su of this all-time favorite dish is wonderfully mixed with all the right elements in the correct quantities to yield a terrific symphony of flavor and is not at all dry like lesser versions at lesser places we don't tell you about can be.
Also the Raita (yogurt sauce) amps up the taste even more so go for that with your fork.
You absolutely need to ravish your palate with this specific Chicken Biryani, very fresh with elevated spices.
If you are unfamiliar with Indian cuisine, the form of the bread basket is Naan and there are options at Muna! Garlic Naan, above, is certain to appeal to everyone that has ever loved garlic bread in their life and just as excellent if not better is the Onion Kucha, below. Kulcha is different from Naan because it is stuffed, and in this case, with onions. Muna offers an ambitious carb section here with eight great naan choices for those that love carbs like we do!
In your culinary lesson today, learn the word Tandoori because it means GRILLED. In chilly November no one in the Northeast unless you are a die-hard is keeping court at your backyard BBQ. However, Su is at Muna! We love seafood and that's no secret: from the Tandoori Salmon (Grilled Salmon) above to the Tandoori Shrimp (Grilled Shrimp) below, Muna hits the high notes on deliciousness withe the talents of both Su and his Clay Oven which yields such depth of flavor on these beauties of the sea.
Note in all of our reviews, it is harder than ever sixteen years into Whom You Know to compete with the restaurants that have been firmly established as the most excellent, and when we return a second time, that really means something. Many places come and go but at just over two years old we think Muna is here to stay.
Under Traditional Classic Street Food, meet Chicken Tikka Kebab: Spice Marinated Chicken from the Tandoor. It's quite crisp on the outside with a contrasting texture but just as vividly delicious as other dishes, resting upon attractive garnishes like onions and green bell peppers which make appearances in other plates too adding color and nutrition.
They even have green salads here and they put the dressing (yogurt and green chili) on the side for Ms. Pretty Picky: meet the excellent moist Tandoori Chicken Salad! Yes, you actually CAN get a green salad at this Indian restaurant!!! If you like grilled chicken in your salad, this has your name all over it.
It should speak volumes to you that there is a Himalayan / Nepalese section of the menu and Peachy knows practically zero about this type of food, and here's your chance to learn too. We re-emphasize Su is a native of Himalaya so you are learning from the real deal. In our 30,000 other posts you see zero mention of Chicken Chow Mein (maybe the Chinese spelling) or Chicken Chowmen (Himalayan spelling for sure says Su: it is not a typo!) however the cherry on the top of our experience is a new favorite of Peachy Deegan's: Chicken Chowmen by Su at Muna!
The spices here are different from the Chinese version you might know elsewhere.
This boasts an amazing array of Su's bespoke Chowmen Masala Spice Blend with 19 different spices. Like the Princess and the Pea, Peachy is probably going to be able to tell if he ever uses 18 or 20 instead...stay tuned, this is our first and it was FABULOUS.
It is obvious that Su takes great pride in what he does and not only is he talented in his culinary pursuit but also is the kind of restaurant owner that has an authentic, engaging upbeat personality and truly loves his vocation and his guests.
Muna continues to really impress us and we look forward to seeing them keep up the excellent work!
152 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017
(646) 398-7960
Their website tells us:
Their website tells us:
Our journey with Muna started from a shared dream within the SATHI family — to bring the comfort of real Indian home cooking to Midtown NYC. We wanted to create a place where people could enjoy honest, homemade food made with care. Muna means “new spring,” and that name reflects our vision — a fresh beginning rooted in tradition, warmth, and the flavors we grew up with.
Honoring Indian and Himalayan Roots
At Muna, we carry forward the recipes that shaped our family tables. From classic Indian curries to Himalayan-inspired dishes, each one reflects the love and history behind our cooking. We believe in food that feels personal — simple, comforting, and true to its roots. Every meal we serve is an invitation to experience the taste of home and the joy of authentic flavor.
Our Promise to Midtown NYC
Located at 152 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017, Muna offers more than just food — it’s a place to connect, celebrate, and enjoy together. We welcome guests to dine in our cozy space, host gatherings in our private hall for up to 75 people, or order easily for takeout and delivery. Our mission is to serve every meal with heart and make each visit feel warm, relaxed, and memorable.
