For 26 years, Chola has held its place among the chic design shops and upscale dining destinations of the Upper East Side, earning accolades from The New York Times (two-star review) and Michelin Guide. Shiva Natarajan, the visionary behind this culinary gem, pioneered the Indian dining landscape in New York City with establishments like Dhaba, Chote Nawab and Malai Marke, extending his influence into several top restaurants in Westchester, NY and Connecticut. Despite his extensive ventures, Shiva’s heart remains with his crown jewel, Chola, now entrusted to his protégé and current owner, Min Bhujel. Shiva’s dedication to culinary excellence endures as he actively participates in menu development, traversing India to uncover and share original recipes beloved by billions.
The success of Chola is anchored in Shiva’s dedication to preserving traditional Indian culinary practices in each recipe, a labor of love that starts in the kitchen. Every detail is meticulously attended to, from mixing and roasting spice blends to creating chutneys, regional sauces and house-made ghee, each forming a symphony of authentic flavors using outstanding ingredients. Another reason for Chola’s success is the personalized service offered by Min Bhujel and his team, who embrace the quintessential Indian value of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” meaning, “the guest is God.”
Most recently, Shiva appeared on Martha Stewart’s Roku special, “Martha Cooks,” where he offered his expertise on how to cook some of her favorites like Butter Chicken, Okra, Lemon Rice and Raita Yogurt. He is currently writing a cookbook to consolidate his vast knowledge and experience of Indian cuisine, traveling around the country to uncover local recipes.
Some of Chola’s newly developed menu items appear throughout the menu. Starters: Puchkawala Alu Dum, spiced tamarind potatoes from the streets of Kolkata; Kodi Vepudu, chicken sautéed with peppercorn-based spices and curry leaf, from Andhra; Baghari Jhinga, creamy mustard shrimp from Kashmir; Mangalorean Meen Fry, a dish originating from the coastal area of Mangalore, prepared with choice of pan-seared branzino or salmon; Sweet Potato Bhartha, mashed and tempered with mustard seeds, coconut and curry leaf.
For the entrees: Katrika Tomato Curry, stir-fried eggplant, dry lentils, house blend sambhar powder; Avial, a coconut-vegetable dish from Kerala; Bhoger Khichuri, a delicious one pot meal of rice, moong lentil and vegetables from Durga Pooja festivals of Kolkota.
Signature meat dishes: Nihari, a famous goat stew preparation from Northern India, made with wheat flour, which gives the dish a thick and creamy texture; Mirapakaya Kozhi, an Andhra-style dry coconut chicken; Lata Shetty’s Lobster Ghee Roast, a family recipe from Shiva’s mother-in-law with tamarind, coconut and onions; Meen Polichattu, pan-seared fish in a banana leaf.
Rice and Biryani standouts include Misti Rice, a delicacy from Kolkata that features sweet rice, cashews, raisins and ghee; Mughlai Goat Biryani, a highly aromatic specialty with Basmati rice, whole spices, yogurt and herbs served in a clay pot. Also available is a selection of traditional and garlic naan.
Dessert showcases Kulfi, a condensed milk and saffron ice cream; Misti Dohi, a fermented sweetened yogurt from Kolkata; and Coconut Barfi, coconut squares with cardamom.
The Cocktail selection has been curated by Allen Katz, owner of the New York Distilling Company. Highlights of the cocktail program include, Himalayan Sunset, Spring 44 vodka, King’s Ginger liqueur, mango puree and fresh lime juice, East of Manhattan, Ragtime rye, La Copa sweet vermouth and saffron syrup. The restaurant also offers a well-curated international wine list, which can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle and pairs well with Indian cuisine. Additionally, there is an excellent selection of Indian beers such as Taj Mahal and Kingfisher and non-alcoholic beverages like Mango, Sweet, and Salt Lassi.
Chola’s iconic vintage clock defines the restaurant’s entrance and sets the tone for the authentic experience that awaits within. The front room boasts a spacious bar adorned with golden hanging pendants, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The dining room features marbled walls offset with gray banquettes lining the perimeter. Black and white photographs feature coastal scenes from Southern India to share the landscape behind the cuisine. A mix of modern and traditional accents can be found throughout the restaurant, paying homage to the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture.
