Himalayan Yak

(Closed since late 2007, Himalayan Yak reopened soon after this photo was taken, following an extensive makeover; I hope to revisit it soon. See a small sample of its former menu on the jump page.)

It's an interesting contrast with the nearby, serene Om Tibet (itself now permanently closed): This larger, brighter Nepali/Tibetan/Indian restaurant had a flat-screen TV playing in the dining room; traditional music was relegated to the kitchen. Rectangles of la phing ($3.99), cold bean jelly tossed with garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce, had a texture bordering on mealy.

I don't mean that as a criticism; rather, they're more substantial than you'd expect from jelly, and a better foundation for the (mainly peppery) tabletop condiments. As for the curry dishes called shamdey, I was disappointed that lamb wasn't available this evening. Goat shamdey with rice ($7.99) was chewy and laden with bones, but at least the kitchen was kind enough to include a couple of marrow bones among them.

Day-zee ($3.50), sweetened steamed rice mixed with butter and golden raisins and topped with sour yogurt, qualifies as a dessert, just.

Himalayan Yak
72-20 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, Queens
718-779-1119

Comments

[Chris]

ooohhhh this place used to be called "Tibetan Yak." I wonder why they changed the name? Glad to see its coming back I thought it was gone forever! This is where I first tried butter tea.