Best traditional Indian fare in E Midtown has $10 lunch specials (entree+naan+dal+rice) & an excellent dine-in buffet ($14 M-Th; $15 Fri-Sun). Reservations needed esp for wkend buffet.
they don't take reservations, but you can call ahead and put your name on the list, and they'll call you to come when your table is ready.
