You could poll a thousand unsuspecting pedestrians, and not one would guess that behind Musaafer’s nondescript entrance are intricate hand-painted walls and lotus-flower chandeliers. But this Tribeca Indian restaurant, designed in homage to the Taj Mahal, is a place that’s meant to be photographed, serving food that’s meant to be photographed, too. At this second location of a glamorous Houston spot, fussy presentation tends to take precedence over muted flavors, like a mishti doi sprouting dehydrated-yogurt mushrooms, or lychee ceviche with the fruit convincingly cosplaying as scallops (until you take a too-sweet bite). You’ll see a few dates ignoring each other in favor of their phones, but Musaafer is really the kind the kind of place to bring your aunt who loves an afternoon tea service and an art-museum gift shop. She’ll get some good material for her Instagram story, and if you stick to heartier dishes—like nihari birria tacos, or the relatively straightforward lamb chops—you’ll also have a satisfyingly fancy meal out.
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