Those who are penny-pinching in this downturned economy do not have to sacrifice quality when dining out. The Zagat NYC Dining Deals Guide reviewed two locations for fiery Indian cuisine that won't break the bank when the bill comes.

Chola
232 East 58th Street
1-212-688-4619
www.fineindiandining.com

Why wait to dine at dinner when you can indulge in a buffet at noon? Zagat calls this East Side $13.95 lunch buffet "superb." Surveyors say the cuisine is "pitch-perfect" at this "adventurous" Eastsider. Fans praise the mix of "traditional" fare with "offbeat regional dishes" that dares to go "beyond tikka masala." Others give kudos for the "variety" and "knowledgeable" service.

Out of a possible 30, Chola gets 23 for food, 16 for décor and 20 for service. At dinnertime, the cost of a meal is about $37.

Chennai Garden
129 East 27th Street
1-212-689-1999

Deduct $6.95 from your wallet for the "tasty" cuisine that comes out "quick and easy" at this Gramercy Park buffet. Patrons praise "solid, spicy" South Indian specialities that are vegetarian and orthodox kosher to boot. While some surveyors say there's not much décor, most agree the reduced price tag more than compensates.

Chennai Garden gets 22 for food, 10 for décor and 14 for service. Dinner costs about $23.