The beloved New Delhi Restaurant, a staple of Union Square for 36 years and the sole Indian dining gem on the city’s Legacy Business Registry, is teetering on the edge of closure. Despite its accolades and a guest list boasting the likes of Bill and Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris, the vibrant eatery struggles to keep the doors open as foot traffic in downtown remains bleak.

Chef and owner Ranjan Dey recently lamented, “January and February have been one of the slowest [months] in 36 years”. That’s a far cry from how it used to be when the aroma of turmeric and cardamom drew crowds. The punchy flavors seem to be no match for the haunting emptiness of Union Square post-pandemic.

It’s not just New Delhi feeling the brunt of this economic tumble; many of the iconic retailers that once graced the square, like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, are joining the farewell tour. The reality is stark: with remote work keeping potential patrons flopped on their couches instead of shopping in person, the heart of downtown is fading faster than a trendy vegan café after a bad Yelp review.

In a valiant effort to spice things up, New Delhi has unleashed a “Curry-Oke” night, tapping into the primal karaoke cravings bubbling within the community. But will a few renditions of ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ alongside a side of butter chicken be enough to save the day? We’re not betting the farm on it, but hey, it’s better than crying into your curry! Meanwhile, Ellis Street whispers of becoming an “entertainment zone,” where boozy street fairs might someday grace its presence. If only we could fast-forward to that future.

As it stands, the restaurant has cut back its hours to minimize losses, now only opening for dinner, and who doesn’t want to fill their evenings with aromatic Indian cuisine? It’s a tough road ahead, but the restaurateurs and the people who love them are ready to rally.

So if you’re pondering where to dine next, might we suggest supporting New Delhi? After all, they say the curry is better than regret. Don’t wait until you’re shouting, ‘I wish I’d gone!’ from the sidelines of history. Your taste buds, and the restaurant itself, will thank you.