Café Himalaya

Despite its industrial, bare-bones decor (white walls, bright lights, linoleum floor) and insufficient staffing, Café Himalaya’s exotic fare—yes, even for New York—makes it worth a visit if only for the purpose of breaking one’s culinary habits. Plump, round tsel momo (vegetable dumplings) are fresh and light as an appetizer, while dense, earthy chili shrimp and cinnamony “Himalayan-style” chicken curry are rich and warming, as befits the inhabitants living on the majestic Rooftop of the World. Pair either with the excellent whole-wheat paratha, which just about outshines every other dish.