The Masala Wala Opens at 179 Essex Street

Black garbage bags were finally removed from the windows of 179 Essex Street yesterday morning, and The Masala Wala officially opened by afternoon. After seeing a much larger branded banner installed not long ago, we knew official launch couldn’t be too far off.  Especially since the proprietor informed us in mid-September that the Indian joint was to begin serving in two weeks. More like triple that.

Anyhoo, menu fare includes traditional Indian “street-side delicacies” at cost-conscious price points; decent lunch specials, too.  Plus, there’s a sizable selection of offerings for all the vegetarians out there.

The opening of Masala Wala here at 179 Essex caps nearly seven months of interior renovations, and a summer of delays. Of course, this was also the short-lived home of fast-food dive Munchies, which closed exactly one year ago.