Renovating 82 2nd Ave. for the arrival of Kebabwala from the Unapologetic Foods team

Storefront renovations are underway at 82 Second Ave., where the Unapologetic Foods team is opening the fast-casual Indian kebab house Kebabwala between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. 

News of this arrival dates back three summers. However, Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar have been plenty busy with the arrival of Rowdy Rooster on First Avenue and Naks a few blocks to the north. (The two are also opening a branch of their Adda Indian Canteen in the former Huertas space at 107 First Ave.) 

As for Kebabwala, Mazumdar told Eater the small space (10 indoor seats) is inspired by street grills around India and describes it as "a shot in the arm of a Delhi night market, with kebabs, bread, and the whole nine yards." 

No. 82 has been vacant for years and last housed restaurants including 7 Spices and Reyna Exotic Turkish Cuisine.

Kebabwala eyes spring opening at 82 2nd Ave.

Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar are prepping for another quick-serve Indian restaurant in the East Village.

The pair, who recently debuted Rowdy Rooster on First Avenue near Ninth Street, plans to open Kebabwala, which Eater describes as a "casual Indian kebab shop," at 82 Second Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street later this spring. 

No. 82 has seen several restaurants come and go, including 7 Spices and Reyna Exotic Turkish Cuisine. 

Pandya and Mazumdar also operate the well-regarded Dhamaka at Essex Market. 

Photo Monday by Steven

More details on 2 new fast-casual Indian restaurants from the owners of the Masalawala

Back on June 23, we reported that restaurateurs Roni Mazumdar and Chintan Pandya of the Masalawala fame were opening a quick-serve establishment at 149 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. 

The restaurateurs, who also operate Adda and Dhamaka, apparently have big designs on fast-casual Indian food.

As the Times reports, Mazumdar and Pandya are opening two spots in the East Village.

The first of the team's fast-casual restaurants, the fried chicken-centric Rowdy Rooster, opens in August on First Avenue and Ninth Street. Mr. Pandya is studying the numerous Indian iterations of fried chicken, from pakoras to Chicken 65, a spicy snack that supposedly originated in a hotel in Chennai. 

A month later comes Kebabwala, on Second Avenue and Fifth Street, which will focus on classic kebab preparations like chicken tikka and seekh kebabs.

Kebabwala will be going into 82 Second Ave., which has seen several restaurants come and go through the years, including 7 Spices and Reyna Exotic Turkish Cuisine. The owners are expecting a fall opening.

As for 149 First Avenue, which will house Rowdy Rooster, the storefront has been vacant since Afandi Grill closed after 13 months in October 2019. And several years earlier, This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef roamed the space until March 2014.

In April, Mazumdar and Pandya decided not to renew the lease for the Masalawala, bringing an end to its 10-year run just below Houston at 179 Essex St., as Eater first reported. 

Photos by Steven