It’s human nature to be attracted to businesses that are more visible. It’s why chains like McDonald’s tend to focus on bright colors that catch the eye and draw diners in. When we discuss hidden gem restaurants in New York, we tend to mean places that are slightly less flashy and off-the-radar. It’s not often that we mean places that are literally hidden, but in today’s article, we’ll feature a restaurant that is quite literally underground. The Temple Canteen in Queens is located beneath a Hindu temple, and it serves up delicious, massive portions.

The building that the restaurant is housed in is in itself quite notable. The Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam is reportedly the first traditional Hindu temple in the Western hemisphere.
Jackie Gordon Singing Chef/Google Maps
The temple is popularly known as the Ganesh Temple because Ganesha is the primary deity worshiped there.
Inside, the temple is as beautiful as it looks on the outside. There are several shrines present to various gods.
Mark Dimont/Google Maps
Downstairs lies the tasty temple canteen. This restaurant was established in 1993, primarily to prepare food offerings, but it soon became a dining site for worshipers and visitors alike.
kiran Reddy/Google Maps
As you'd expect, many of the diners come after having visited the temple, but diners of all religions are welcome here.

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You can't go wrong with anything on the menu here. Everything served is vegetarian, and this is one of the best spots for authentic South Indian food in New York.
Priyameehan Manoharan/Google Maps
The dosa is a popular choice. It's a hot thin pancake made from fermented batter made up of rice and lentils. They are typically savory, though the canteen serves plenty of sweet treats as well.
Kundan Sen/Google Maps
Don't forget to wash down your meal with a delicious Indian filter coffee.
This is such a unique environment and an unexpected place to find a superb restaurant!
Vishal Trevedi/Google Maps

For more information about the Temple Canteen, including a menu, you can check out its website.

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Featured Addresses
Temple Canteen, 09 Holly Ave No 143, Queens, NY 11355, USA