Dinner at GupShup
Book a table reservation on Resy
First come first serve
GupShup is an eclectic Indian restaurant in Curry Hill, but in my opinion, it’s more so located in Flatiron.
GupShup was originally on my list for brunch pre-COVID, but dinner wasn’t bad and the cocktails were amazing. So here goes a review of another restaurant on my COVID-dining list.
The Deets
Scan QR Code
for the menu or click button below
GupShup is open for outdoor dining, during these “post-quarantine” times. You don’t really need a reservation during the week, but I recommend having one if you plan on dining at GupShup on a weekend day. If the weather is looking a little iffy, but you would still go out to eat under an umbrella, just add that request in the notes of your reservation on Resy. I usually leave a note in the “special requests” for a table with an umbrella or shaded by the scaffolding and/or awning. I believe there are four sidewalk tables under the scaffolding and some of the other tables on the street are shaded by umbrellas, whether it’s the sun or rain you’re trying to escape from.
Scanning QR codes to view a restaurant menu is sort of standard practice when dining out nowadays, so make sure you charge your phone before heading out to dinner. In case you want to check out the menu ahead of time, now that you’re reading this post, the button under the picture to the right is the most up-to-date version on their website.
Food
For starters, we ordered the Fried Chicken as an appetizer. It was delish! The chicken was moist on the inside, but crispy on the outside, and it came with this ginger honey glaze.
For the main, I ordered the Large Butter Chicken because I’m basic like that. There is a small portion on the menu, but I recommend ordering a large if it’s going to be your entreé.
My boyfriend ordered the Salmon Tikka, which was so fragrant and it tasted as good as it smelled. Sometimes when I’ve ordered this dish at other restaurants in the past, the salmon was pretty dry.
And of course, how could you not order some naan at an Indian restaurant. That’s like going to an Italian restaurant without bread. The Plain Naan was pretty good, but not as fluffy as the naan that I’m used to, in terms of texture. I thought serving it in the old school newspaper was a nice touch though.
Fried Chicken
Butter Chicken
Plain Naan
Salmon Tikka
Drinks
I ordered the Regal Cinema Negroni, just wanting a nice refreshing cocktail, and boy did it pack a punch! It was still refreshing, but strong AF. I was having it before my dinner came (aka an aperitif), but I would classify this as a great Summer brunch cocktail.
The beer selection is pretty limited, but I don’t mind because if I’m in a “beer” mood, I’m not that picky. My boyfriend ordered the Bells IPA. And I ordered a cocktail, but if I did order a beer, I would definitely go with the GupShup House Lager for a light buzz. A Friday night dinner at GupShup might call for the Omagange Rare Vos Amber Ale, since it’s got a higher alcohol content.
The Tea
The service wasn’t great, but it was okay. I recall it was a very hot day and the waiter didn’t bring much water, even from when we first arrived and were seated. We actually had to ask for water and then remind him a few times, which was frustrating because it was super hot and the waiter was only serving one other table besides us. Luckily another waiter had come by more often than our original server. He was very helpful and friendly, but unfortunately, I didn’t catch his name. Good conversation and way better service than the first waiter that seated us.
They served decent portions, so no complaints there, but I did feel they are slightly more expensive than your typical Curry Hill Indian restaurant. Here are the prices for some of the menu items mentioned in this post: Winnie the Pooja $17, Hot Like Kohli $17, Ayervedic Jackass $17, My Friend Baloo $17, Tandoori Cauliflower $12, Pulled Jackfruit Tacis $18, Butter Chicken $18, Classic Chicken Tikka $24, and the Garlic Naan was $6 each.
“These tasty Indian restaurants will complement your diet”
written by Jennifer Gould & published in the NY Post
Before going to dinner at GupShup, I read this article in the New York Post about two Indian restaurants in Manhattan that will change the way you think about Indian food. And although GupShup and Baar Baar were on this list, this isn’t the restaurant that made me look at Indian food differently. Babu Ji did. Blog post coming soon.
Final Thoughts
From what I gather from conversations with people sitting at the next table in various restaurants, many seem to be peeved about having to use their phones to scan a QR code to view the menu. I’m not, but that’s my observation.
Definitely saving my calories for a few extra cocktails next time. I like the culturally-inspired drinks. A hint of absinthe or cardamom creates very unique flavor. My Friend Baloo… Winnie the Pooja… I’m coming for you!
Gotta love the pink napkins with my serverware! The inside of the restaurant had a very eclectic look & lots of bright-colored decor. I can only imagine the vibe of the venue pre-COVID, especially during these epic weekend brunches I always heard about.
Next time, I’m sticking to appetizers so that I can try more of a variety of menu items, like the Pulled Jackfruit Tacos & the Tandoori Cauliflower. And maybe I’ll be adventurous and try something new… The Paneer Cheese Rolls.
A review of an eclectic Indian restaurant right in Curry Hill.