Hindu Temple Canteen

I came at 8:30 just to enjoy their chai and sat quietly there. I had their idli as well.<br>Next time I come, I’d like to o try their Pondicherry Masala—so tempting

Unsuspecting, but amazing little spot for dosas.<br><br>I occasionally travel for work to Pune, Maharastra so, I definitely crave good Indian whenever I can find it. My boss knew of this spot (don’t ask me how).<br><br>It’s unassuming (in the basement of a temple) and the prices are accordingly quite humble (amazing given the location).<br><br>We started with vadas that came with unique, not that spicy green chutney and a pretty spicy sambar.<br><br>Then, on to dosas. I’m usually a masala dosa guy, but tried a Rava Dosa for the for the first. I think I may have a new favorite. It’s takes a bit longer, but the semolina base makes a really nice texture.<br><br>Everything was spicy and warm - as good as the food I love in India.<br><br>Should you find yourself here and you enjoy good Indian food, you should definitely stop in.

Incredible food, easy and quick service, friendly staff. I only wish I lived closer so I can go more frequently. I visited with my in laws and they were very impressed with the experience. They live in Michigan and I live in Connecticut with my wife. They are looking forward to visiting us again so we can all make the 1.5 hour trip back. Totally worth the drive.

I am sad to write this review. I used to like the canteen a lot, I've been going there for many years but lately, the quality of the food has declined noticeably and even the staples, the coconut chutney, sambar, and south Indian coffee don't taste nice. And dishes are overpriced. The staff are rather rude and the ordering system could use some improvement. All in all, you can find better south Indian food elsewhere in NYC.

Very fairly priced South Indian vegetarian restaurant/canteen in Flushing, located in the basement of the temple. The food was delicious and at the same time wasn't too oily. Although, the snacks were a bit on the expensive end, I felt, but definitely a must-visit.

An inexpensive vegetarian spot at the basement of the temple. A bit of trek from the city, the food is excellent with a large variety of dosas and sides. Usually get a bag of snacks to go that last weeks.

The gift and book shop next to the canteen is must visit. They have musical<br>instrument including veena, dholak and harmonium. various idols, puja samagri and books.<br>Food at the canteen on top notch. Tasty, authentic, fresh A+++. Idly, vada, pongal and masala dosa were some of the best i have eaten outside India.<br>Must visit the temple next door. temple is very beautiful, clean and serene inside. Must visit the spiritual shrine. 🙏🏽💕

Gave 4 To-go orders - 2 different orders of Rava dosa, 1 order of Vada(4pieces), 1 order of Masala dosa. This order was for office lunch time for 3 different people. And they giving me sambar in one 16oz container 🤷🏻‍♀️. How in the world will 3 ppl eat from one 16 oz container of sambar and chutney. And we had left overs, so who will take the 1 container of sambar and chutney home?! At least do 3 different packaging for 4 orders! And you mentioned in the bill Packaging charge $0.50 each x 4 ?!

This is one of the most well-known South Indian eateries in the New York City area, located not in Manhattan but in Flushing, Queens. What makes it unique is that it’s situated in the basement of a South Indian Hindu temple. You can attend temple service upstairs and then come downstairs to the cafeteria-style eatery.<br><br>We visited one evening close to closing time, but the place was still packed — mostly with Indian diners, which makes sense since many of us eat dinner late. While the temple upstairs was what you’d typically expect, the dining hall downstairs was lively and full. Even so, we managed to find a table.<br><br>This is a fully self-service setup. You place your order at the counter, sit down, and wait for your number to be called to collect the food. There’s no table service or fancy dining experience here — it’s rustic, basic, and entirely focused on fresh, hot, authentic South Indian (Tamil-style) food.<br><br>We started with upma, which tasted very homely — the kind that reminds you of food cooked at home. The portion was generous enough to share between two people and came with sambar. Interestingly, the sambar here seemed to be made with moong dal instead of the usual tuvar dal, and it wasn’t very spicy. I actually loved it — it was comforting and quite unique compared to most sambars I’ve had elsewhere.<br><br>We then ordered dosas. I originally wanted a rava dosa, but they were out of it, so we settled for a paper masala dosa. The service was quite slow — possibly because it was late in the evening — and we had to wait a long time after finishing the upma. By the time our dosas arrived, they were almost closing, but the dosas were hot, freshly prepared, and satisfying.<br><br>The food overall wasn’t extravagant, but it was exactly what you’d expect — simple, authentic, and well-executed. The standout for me was definitely the sambar/dal, which felt different and memorable. The rest of the meal was good, though fairly basic. We ended with gulab jamun, which was very standard.<br><br>All in all, it’s a solid place to visit if you’re in the area and craving authentic South Indian food. Nothing fancy — just honest, comforting meals served fresh.

I stopped by the Hindu Temple Canteen after visiting the temple and the place delivers exactly what people say about it. The food is simple, fresh and made with the kind of consistency you only get in a temple kitchen.<br><br>I tried two plates because I was there with a friend. The pongal was warm, comforting and properly seasoned. The curd vada had a light, balanced taste and felt refreshing. The mixture on the side added a nice crunch. The dosa was crisp, not oily, and the coconut chutney tasted clean. The sambar was mild but paired well with everything.<br><br>The canteen is not about presentation. It's about honest food that feels familiar and satisfying. Portions are fair and pricing is very reasonable for New York. If you're already visiting the temple, stopping here makes total sense. It’s quick, reliable and a good break before heading back out.

Whether you’re religious or not, the food is amazing. The dosas here are much better than the cart in Washington Square park. I have been coming here since I was a kid, and I still come back here and there even though I don’t live in NYC anymore. Wait times after placing your order may be about a half hour or more, but it’s worth the wait.

It’s a bit hidden, but worth finding it. The prices were so reasonable and while the food was not the best Indian food I have tried it was very hearty and filling. I had upma. They also have a beautiful temple. It’s a hidden gem and I’m glad I got a chance to see it and have food here.

Authentic South India dishes and all are delicious. Dosai, poori, vadai, onion pakoda are must try. 2 counters were there and it didn’t take even 5 minutes to order on a weekend. Got dosai within 10 minutes. There’s additional packing charges for take out. It’s 2 level below the ground level and steps are kind of narrow, so be cautious when you have elders with you.

The best south indian food in the area. The price is moderate. The ambiance quiet. Lots of places to sit. The dosa s are excellent. So is the idli vada combo. The Mysore masala.dosa is as authentic as it can get. Overall a definite recommendation if you want home style south indian food

Make the trip out here you will not regret. Super casual atmosphere, great prices, and tasty home style South Indian food. We did not have a lick of food left on our plates and while I was full I was not uncomfortable because everything we ate was fresh and light. Can’t go wrong with a dosa from here