Cinnamon Garden

The name of this East Village restaurant honors one of the most integral spice to Indian cuisine: cinnamon. Though Americans often think of cinnamon as a sweet flavor, it actually lends a rich, earthy flavor to curries, korma, vindaloo and more. The menu at Cinnamon Garden includes plenty of traditional dishes, like vegetable samosas, onion bhaji and vegetable pakora (all $4.95). For your entree, you might try lamb biryani ($12.95), chicken korma ($11.95) or Goan shrimp curry ($15.95). Don’t forget the garlic naan ($3.95) or chapati ($2.95), either! Guests also might want to take advantage of the dinner specials, which pair entrees like tandoori chicken ($20.95) or lamb curry ($19.95) with an appetizer, mulligatawny soup, naan and your choice of dessert.