Musaafer, a fine-dining Indian restaurant, has opened a new location in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood. The restaurant, originally established in Houston, Texas, is now located at 133 Duane Street in a historic building dating back to the 1860s. Co-owners Mithu Malik and Shammi Malik are leading the expansion, aiming to replicate the culinary approach that earned their Houston location a Michelin Star in 2024. In a statement to Eater, the couple described opening in New York as “the ultimate dream for success, especially in the restaurant industry.”
The original Houston location opened in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and gained recognition for its upscale interpretations of regional Indian cuisine. In 2024, it received a Michelin Star. As of today, Musaafer has become part of New York City's restaurant scene. Executive Chef Mayank Istwal told Eater that the menu reflects more than two years of travel across India, incorporating traditional spices and regional flavors. Istwal added that the team’s goal is to present dishes that communicate stories, stating that they aim to go beyond the five senses to engage guests.
The interior design of the Tribeca location references notable Indian landmarks and includes elements such as marble dining tables with mother-of-pearl inlays, occupying a space of approximately 10,000 square feet. A design feature shared between the Houston and New York locations is the Sheesh Mahal, a room decorated with hand-cut mirrors. The New York version, however, is described as having a lighter ambiance with a silver-toned theme. According to Chron, the menu also includes Indian wines and cocktails, including a sous-vide Campari Negroni with paan.
The opening of Musaafer in New York represents a continued expansion of Indian culinary presence in the U.S. dining landscape. Mithu Malik described their inclusion in New York’s food scene as an honor. As reported by Eater, Musaafer’s staff will receive extensive training to help them share the “histories and stories behind everything” on the menu.
