Vatan which means "motherland" in Hindi is one of the very few restaurants in New York that specializes in the cooking from India's western state of Gujarat. Gujarati cuisine is vegetarian, and is served in classic Thali tradition where a wide range of various small food items are served on a large silver platter. At VATAN there is no decision making, as for a fixed price of $32 you receive an onslaught of dishes . . . NINETEEN of them to be exact, and you can continue to order more (at no cost) if you are still somehow hungry after. This is an eating experience that is exotic and festive. VATAN is only open in the evening, closed Monday. Because of it's uniqueness in is almost always full, and a reservation is strongly advised.

The interior of VATAN is amazing! It is designed to take on the feeling of being in a rural Indian courtyard. This includes a twenty foot Banyon Tree (though fake it looks terrific) a water well, and murals of life in small-village India cover the walls. Overseeing the restaurant is a pinkish glowing Ganesh, the Hindu God of "good fortune and luck, and so embraced by Hindus all over the world. The seating is made up of deep ample booths, some of the booths sitting up to 8 - 10 people. Some might feel the design is a little over - the - top and Disney-like, but I found it wonderful and everyone I have spoken to has felt the same. This is a place that has atmosphere!

At VATAN you are served a massive amount of food. There are three different Thali platters that will arrive to you. The largest of the two platters in the photo is called the "Entree Thali," this is made up of seven items, which includes: Toor dal (boiled lentils cooked with Indian spices) Ful-Cobi (Cauliflower and green peas sauteed in a savory sauce) Bhaji (Sauteed spinach and corn) Kheer (Rice Pudding with saffron and dry fruits) Papadam, and the bread Puri.  The smaller platter is called "Entree Complements," which include: Pulao (Boiled rice with peas) Kadhi (Soup with yogurt and chickpeas blended with four distinct spices) and Khichdi (Lentils mixed with rice and assorted vegetables.) 

The warm and engaging Usha and Marleeni positioned by VATAN's water well. They are VATAN's servers and are pleased to explain any questions you have about the array of food dishes. Usha who is on the right has been with the restaurant for twelve years. VATAN opened for seventeen years.

A closeup of the mural painting which completely cover all wall space at the restaurant. The paintings are done with an acute sense of style and very colorful.

This is the "Appetizer Thali"and is as you would expect is the first platter to arrive. It consists of eight food items: Chana Masala (Garbanzo beans with onions and coriander) Muthia (Steamed flour with spinach) Sev Puri (Potatoes, garbanzo beans, yogurt, and chutney filled with crispy bread) Batatavada (Fried potato balls in chickpea flour batter) Khaman (Puffed cream of wheat flour cakes) Mirchi Bhaji . . . 

Another mural, they are done with great craftsmanship. Also, you can see the large booths with the over-hanging straw roof.

The tables are painted in colorful Indian themes.

Even the wash rooms doors are painted colorfully at VATAN.

Gujarati language lesson - "Hello" (Kem cho)  "Thank you" (Dhuhn ya vaad)  "Delicious"  (acha khaa) - this is actually a Hindi phrase.

Interesting fact about Gujarat - Over 60% of the Indian population in North America is from the state of Gujarat.

Address - 409 Third Avenue (28 - 29th Street)   (212) 689 - 5666