Seemor
SigiriB+Worth Trying
91 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
· Sri Lankan restaurant, Asian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (764 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Small East Village Sri Lankan spot serving bold, spicy classics with cash-only quirks and slow peak-hour service; great flavors if you can handle heat and wait times.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Sigiri delivers exceptional food quality with bold, authentic Sri Lankan flavors that draw repeat visitors across the city—the crab curry and black pork curry are genuinely memorable. However, inconsistent execution on sides and freshness combined with stretched service and significant wait times during peak hours prevent a higher grade. The charming East Village location and strong loyal following position it as a worthwhile neighborhood destination for those prioritizing bold flavors over convenience.
Restaurant Summary
Up a short flight of stairs on 1st Avenue, this tiny room hums with curry aromas and no-frills charm. Servers are warm but often stretched, so dishes can lag when it is packed. As one diner put it, "the crab curry alone made the wait fade away." Bring cash or Venmo and expect tight seating. The cooking leans traditional and fiery: black pork curry with deep roasted spice, string hoppers and appam for sopping up brothy gravies, and a lamprais that eats like a meal-and-a-half. Spice levels are adjustable, but even medium has backbone. It is food-first, made to order, and best for those who crave bold flavors over fancy plating. Families can make it work if kids are adventurous. Safer bets include fried rice, milder chicken curry, yellow rice, pol roti, and desserts like watalappam or caramel pudding. Hoppers and string hoppers can delight when fresh but have mixed consistency; order milder spice and share sides before committing to the hotter curries.
At a Glance
- Big, authentic Sri Lankan flavors with adjustable heat
- Signature crab curry and black pork curry draw repeat visits
- Slow service and long waits at peak times
- Cash or Venmo only; verify bill for any auto gratuity
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- authentic_sri_lankan_heat
- byob_friendly_policy
- signature_crab_curry
- hard_to_find_classics_like_hoppers
What People Love
- Deep spice and coconut-rich sauces
- Hoppers and string hoppers that pair perfectly with curries
- Staff guidance on spice levels
- BYOB flexibility and neighborhood vibe
Points of Concern
- Service can be very slow at peak; plan for waits or go early
- Cash-only or Venmo may catch newcomers off guard
- Inconsistent sides: occasional cold or thick hoppers/string hoppers
- Isolated safety lapses reported (spoiled milk, hair) but not systemic
- Review patterns show authentic mix of praise and detailed complaints, not coordinated hype
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$34-46 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For milder palates: Yellow Rice + Chicken Curry (mild) + Pol Roti
- Vegetarian path: Dhal Curry, Eggplant Moju, String Hopper Kottu (veg)
- Seafood lovers: Prawn Curry with Aappa and White Basmati Rice
Perfect For
- Spice-seeker dinners with BYOB
- Casual catch-ups where flavor matters more than decor
- Exploring Sri Lankan classics for the first time
- Seafood lovers splitting the crab curry
Location Insights
Area: Lively East Village corridor with indie eateries and nightlife; attracts students, locals, and curious diners.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban awareness recommended late nights.
Nearby: Near bars, indie theaters, and specialty grocers; upstairs from a small shop with beer/wine nearby for BYOB.
East VillageThe East Village dining scene is characterized by a wide variety of casual eateries, trendy cafes, and ethnic restaurants, reflecting the neighborhood's diverse population. It has a lively social atmosphere with a mix of laid-back and hip venues, attracting a crowd interested in innovative cuisine and nightlife.
Alphabet CityAlphabet City, part of the East Village, is known for its bohemian vibe and emerging food scene, featuring a blend of traditional and modern dining spots. It is popular for its casual bars, music venues, and affordable yet quality restaurants.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:30
Tuesday11:30–21:30
Wednesday11:30–21:30
Thursday11:30–21:30
Friday11:30–21:30
Saturday11:30–21:30
Sunday11:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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