Five Star Punjabi Indian Cuisine

I can usually recommend most kinds of food to my friends regardless of what they are looking for. If they wants good arepas, ramen, Cuban, tacos, sushi, lobster rolls, Sri Lankan, Thai, Issan, pizza, etc. I can usually recommend someplace in NYC that will satisfy their craving with at least one place I have been to that I liked better than others. Then comes the ever inevitable question of Indian food, which I should have a better grasp on because of my heritage. Sadly, I don’t think I have ever been totally impressed with the Indian food I have had in NYC. And when I say Indian food, I mean North Indian (aka: Punjabi). I am not a huge fan of south Indian dishes. I’ll eat it, but I won’t go out of my way for it. I also never really got into chaat.

Anyhow, I have been to a couple places on 6th street and it was always pretty mediocre. I also went out to Jackson Heights for Desi Biryani and the biryani wasn’t really that impressive. I haven’t tried too much in Murray Hill, but I have heard that those too are okay and not really anything to write home about. So I pretty much just gave up and didn’t really go out for Indian food that often. And then when I do end up going, it has usually been such a long time since I had any Indian food I am just excited that I get to have some naan again.

Well, a while back I made it out to a place called “Five Star” in Long Island City with some family friends who have been going there for years. The place is split up into two parts. The right side is the original dining room and pretty modest. The left side is a giant banquet hall that is I think is just used for weddings or other events. We at on the right side.

The food was solid… probably some of the better and more authentic Punjabi food I have had in NYC. It definitely felt like a place the cab drivers would stop by on their way home after a long shift.

The family I went with is vegetarian and we shared everything so I can’t really vouch for the meat or seafood. But the veggie food was great. We had malai kofta, saag paneer, some off-menu paneer items, basmati rice, and a selection of naan. The only miss I think was an off-menu item of paneer with veggies & spices but no sauce. Everything else were hits, especially the malai kofta.

When we had dinner here I was with family that drove in to the city so we first drove out to Queens to meet up with some other family friends. Then we drove to this restaurant in Long Island City. So I had a rather bittersweet feeling about having such great food here. I almost knew that it would be impossible for me to return because this hidden gem must be hidden far away from any subways. But thankfully it was right next to multiple trains: E, V, F, G, 7, N, W.

For some photos check out this recent review by Serious Eats.
And for an old photo of the menu, check out The Bridge and Tunnel Club.

5 Star Pujabi Indian Cuisine
1315 43rd Ave
Long Island City, NY 11109
(718) 784-7444