Honestly, if you go looking for Benares Modern Indian Restaurant & Caterers and expect the same old greasy takeout containers and fluorescent lighting, you're in for a massive shock. It's funny. Most people hear "Indian catering" and their brain immediately goes to lukewarm buffet trays of mystery meat in orange sauce. But Benares—specifically the one tucked away in Tribeca or its sibling up in Wyckoff—is basically the antithesis of that stereotype.
It’s posh. It’s deliberate. It’s actually quite sophisticated.
The name itself, Benares (or Varanasi), is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It’s a place of heavy spirituality and even heavier culinary tradition. But here’s the thing: while the restaurant respects those roots, especially the vegetarian-heavy vibes of Uttar Pradesh, it isn't a museum. It’s a living, breathing kitchen led by guys like Chef Dhandu Ram, who spent time at the Michelin-starred Tulsi. You can taste that pedigree in the first bite of their Eggplant Chaat. It’s not just food; it’s a flex.
Why the "Modern" in Benares Modern Indian Restaurant & Caterers Actually Matters
Most "modern" restaurants just put a sprig of micro-greens on a plate and call it a day. Benares is different. They take the technical foundational stuff—the tandoor temps, the spice grinding—and apply it to ingredients you don't always see in your standard Tikka Masala joint.
Take the Sevai Tomato Kurma. We’re talking mussels, scallops, rock shrimp, and crab claws tossed in a garlic tomato sauce over Indian-style rice noodles. It feels almost coastal, almost Mediterranean, but the soul is 100% Indian. This is what people get wrong about the place. They think it’s just another spot for Garlic Naan.
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It’s not.
The menu is a sprawling map of the subcontinent. You’ve got the Kashmiri Soup, which is this deep, earthy blend of roasted turnip and beetroot flavored with fennel and ginger. Then you jump over to the Andhra Chicken Curry or a Goan Shrimp Curry. It’s basically a road trip through India without the jet lag or the chaotic traffic.
The Catering Secret Nobody Tells You
If you’ve ever planned a wedding or a big corporate summit, you know the food is usually the thing that keeps you up at night. Benares Modern Indian Restaurant & Caterers has carved out a weirdly specific niche here. They don't just "drop off food." They essentially transplant the restaurant experience into a banquet hall.
- The Customization: They actually listen. If you want a full-blown Sangeet with live stations or a buttoned-up corporate lunch with Halal and vegan options that don't taste like cardboard, they do it.
- The Reach: From destination weddings to Manhattan high-rises, they’ve managed to scale fine dining quality into bulk quantities. That is incredibly hard to do.
- The Diversity: Their catering isn't just Northern Indian. They do Indo-Chinese (looking at you, Chili Paneer) and even Middle Eastern influences.
I’ve seen reviews from couples who had guests fly in from India—the ultimate "tough crowd"—who claimed it was the best wedding food they’d had. That’s high praise. Like, "win an Oscar" level praise in the Desi community.
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Beyond the Butter Chicken
Look, the Butter Chicken at Benares is great. It’s creamy, it’s balanced, it’s safe. But if you’re only eating that, you’re missing the point.
The Aamiya Jhinga is where the real magic is. These are jumbo prawns marinated in mango, rice vinegar, ginger, and molasses before hitting the tandoor. It’s sweet, sharp, and smoky all at once. Or the Kadhai Goat. Most people are scared of goat. Don't be. When it’s cooked with fresh tomatoes, onions, ginger, and garlic like they do here, it’s more tender than most beef you’ll find in NYC.
What to Expect When You Walk In
The Tribeca location on Murray Street has this warm, streamlined vibe. Think mustard-colored banquettes and dark wood. It feels like a place where you’d have a third date or a business meeting where you're trying to look more successful than you actually are.
The service? It’s attentive but not suffocating. You’ll often see the management or even the owner chatting with tables. It’s that old-school hospitality wrapped in a "modern" New York shell.
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The Reality Check: It’s Not All Perfect
Let's be real for a second. Is it pricey? Compared to the cart on the corner, yeah. Entrees are going to run you in the $20 to $30 range. Portions are generally big, sometimes "overwhelming" according to some regulars, which can lead to waste if you aren't careful.
And if you’re ordering delivery? Sometimes the packaging for things like Naan doesn't hold the heat as well as a dine-in experience. If you want the full effect of Benares Modern Indian Restaurant & Caterers, you really need to sit down at a table and eat it fresh off the fire.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to check them out, here’s how to do it right:
- Hit the Lunch Special: Seriously. In NYC, getting an appetizer, entree, and dessert for under $20 is basically a heist. It’s one of the best deals in Tribeca.
- The "Atom Bomb" is Mandatory: It’s their signature dessert. Chocolate lava cake vibes with a distinct Indian twist. Just order it.
- BYOB in Jersey: The Wyckoff location is BYOB. Bring a crisp Riesling or a light IPA; they play surprisingly well with the heat of the spices.
- Call for Heat: If you like it "burn your tongue off" spicy, tell them. Otherwise, they tend to default to a medium-mild level to satisfy the general public.
Whether you're looking for a quiet dinner or trying to feed 200 people at a wedding, Benares manages to bridge that gap between "authentic" and "innovative" without falling into the trap of being pretentious. It's just good food, made by people who clearly know their way around a spice box.
To get the most out of the experience, try booking a table during their Happy Hour (3 PM - 7 PM) for discounted drinks before diving into the heavier tandoori dishes. If you're looking into their catering services, ask for a tasting session first—it’s the best way to see how they can tailor those complex flavors to your specific event needs.