NYCReview
photo credit: Sonal Shah
Maloya
With its well-stocked bar full of rhum agricole and tropical cocktails, this restaurant in Bushwick feels like an escape to the island of Réunion. Though the long bar, which runs the length of the candlelit room, is Maloya’s main draw, the homestyle food is also a great introduction to Indian Ocean créole cooking, making this a good choice for low-key drinks that might just turn into dinner.
Colorful posters of Réunion's mountains and beaches line the sea-green walls, and though your server might be wearing flannel, the zouk playlist and tropical fruit murals create a relaxed, summery atmosphere. Start with a well-mixed ti' punch before moving on to pours of rhum agricole or some French wine—and definitely get the assorted snack platter with your drinks. It comes in a woven basket with a little toy-sized pot of chutney, and should include the excellent pork samoussas, fragrant with combava (makrut) and the bonbon piment, and crunchy lima bean fritters.
You could stop there, but the entrees, all under $25, are worth delving into for a taste of subtly spiced créole cooking. Try the swordfish massalé, tender cubes of swordfish in a tamarind broth, or the housemade sausages in the rougail saucisses. Just don’t expect heavy seasoning or fancy plating. This is more like having a meal in a Réunionese home, complete with double-handed cooking pots, directly from the island.
photo credit: Rob Casimiro
photo credit: Rob Casimiro
photo credit: Rob Casimiro
Food Rundown
photo credit: Rob Casimiro
Drinks
photo credit: Sonal Shah
Appetizers
photo credit: Sonal Shah
Entrees
Sides
photo credit: Sonal Shah