EAST VILLAGE. One of the restaurants that make up the East Village's Curry Row, Angon offers as authentic an Indian experience as you can hope to find this side of London. The fare focuses on traditional favorites, and the dim, atmospheric setting will easily make you feel as if you've been swept to the Far East. Start off things with an order of pani puri, samosa chat or chicken wings with tandoori masala. Any of those'll surely whet your appetite for the main course to come ­ perhaps spicy liver jhal fry, shrimp malai curry, reshimi kabab or vegetable curry. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave; 6 to Astor Pl

SOHO. This Northern Indian restaurant consistently delivers fresh shrimp, fish and vegetarian dishes in a cozy, sleek environment. Try the highly recommended kachori or any of the sizeable combination platters. Outdoor dining available. Reservations accepted; casual dress. TRAIN: C, E to Spring St

EAST VILLAGE. If you've got the taste for spices but fighting the crowds on Sixth Street has no appeal, Banjara stands as a better-than-good alternative. In fact, folks who stray from Alphabet City and the Lower East Side submit that this pleasant neighborhood eatery can give many of the city's more high-profile Indian restaurants a run for their money. Indeed, the kitchen's knack for delightful clay-oven specialties (the wine-marinated chicken in particular) often converts curious customers into devotees after one visit. TRAIN: F, V to 2nd Ave

MIDTOWN WEST. Lunchtime is light on the wallet at this Midtown Indian eatery as they offer a buffet stocked with all the traditional favorites as well as boxed lunches. Dinner service may be a bit pricier, but the food doesn't disappoint. Choose from the tasty seafood, chicken or vegetable dishes after whetting your appetite with an appetizer such as their signature homemade cheese dish called Panir Tawa Masala. Outdoor dining available as well as delivery and take-out. TRAIN: B, Q, N, R to 57th St

MIDTOWN EAST. The lunch buffet makes for a good mid-day selection at this Northern Indian favorite. The interior of this grill features stonework, light wood tones and booth seating, providing for an earthy, intimate setting. Begin your Indian dining experience with a vegetarian starter of Subz Seekh Kabab, skewered rolls of fresh vegetables. Next, order the Sikandari Raan, tender tandoori leg of lamb that's been marinated in an exotic mixture of rum and spices and then cooked to perfection. Seafood, chicken, pork, lamb, vegetable and bread options abound. Delivery and take-out available. Reservations accepted and casual attire appropriate. TRAIN: E, F to Lexington; 6 to 51st St