A newly sprung Indian restaurant in Manhattan, Tulsi tends to follow the golden mean philosophy in its outlay on aura and appearance. While staying away from an ostentatious interior design and a lavish décor, it celebrates the liveliness of Indian cuisine in an admirably professional manner. Staff and even the chef appear over enthusiastic about checking guests’ satisfaction while having a meal. The bright side: you are ensured prompt service and adequate attention. A peppy music in the background infuses ebullience and energy in the restaurant.

Tulsi has distinctly drawn its inspiration from North Indian cooking traditions. It seems to favor its tandoor (a high-temperature clay oven) dishes and is definitely proud to trot out its lamb chops and stuffed eggplant with an adept alacrity. Both dishes live up to the promotion. Lamb chops - their opulence disguised in a charred display - especially demonstrate the chef’s pursuit for perfection.

Curries appear on the menu but are sold with less fervor. Chicken curry is evenly spiced and has a mild, temperate finish. Although appearing less Indian and more Italian, roasted pesto Portobello mushroom is a better deal for a vegetarian meal than some of the other offerings. Biryani – Mughal rice dish – adds a savory appeal to the food at Tulsi. Its fragrant charm, suave appearance and tender touch complement the intricacies of the cuisine.

The street cart chaat offered as an alternative on the lunch menu along with kati roll is an interesting creation. Chaat gives you a mélange of sweet, sour, soft, spice, cool, crunch, chilly, yam, yogurt punch. Kati rolls - wraps filled with either spiced vegetable-paneer mixture (home-made cheese) or the staple spiced chicken or lamb - serve as quick solutions for lunch when running out of time.

Dessert section has been kept slick through a clever selection of items. A truncated lunch menu has traditional Indian desserts like kulfi and falooda. An expanded list for dinner includes the more elaborate banana pitha and dal chini shahi tukra.

Wine list matches well with the food. If you revel in tea Tulsi can provide a pot of Darjeeling brimming with sparkling vivacity and filled with soothing scent from the foothills of Himalayas. There is also the masala tea for a stronger effect.

Overall, a decent attempt at making customers comfortable and happy with a meal graciously prepared and generously served.