Rowdy Rooster - East Village

"This fast-casual spot from Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar, the partners behind Dhamaka and Semma, serves a fried bird with an Indian spin. The sandwich comes in two sizes on a Portuguese pao roll and is available at a range of heat levels, along with chutney and yogurt raita. Regular bone-in pieces of chicken, served in a box, are also available, as are vegetarian options, the best of which is made with fried cauliflower. A follow-up location is now open near Penn Station." - Robert Sietsema