As the Indian population has grown in Chicago, so has the number of Indian restaurants. No longer confined to Devon Avenue, these five spots will satisfy both the novice and Indian food fanatics.
Tiffin
A beautiful glass-enclosed kitchen, elegant dining room and excellent service make Tiffin worth the trip. Try the mixed grill platter–chicken, seekh kabob, chicken tikka (chicken breast in a blend of masala, lemon juice and yogurt), boti kabab (marinated lamb) and shrimp–all prepared in a tandoor oven. Don’t miss the fixed-price lunch buffet ($6.95 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and $8.95 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday). 2536 W. Devon Ave. 773-338-2143.
Indian Garden
The large menu features dishes from several regions, including more than a dozen tandoor specialties–including tandoori lobster–and more than 15 tandoor-prepared breads. Extensive vegetarian options available. A $9.95 lunch buffet is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. weekdays and from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 247 E. Ohio St. 312-280-4910.
Hema’s Kitchen
Chances are Hema herself will seat you, take your order or prepare your food. A veteran of the Klay Oven, she opened her own cozy spot just north of Devon. Hema’s doesn’t have a tandoor oven, so her food is closer to what you would find in a typical Indian home. Her chicken vindaloo is excellent (spicy!) as is the vegetable biryani (basmati rice cooked with mixed vegetables and freshly roasted spices). BYOB. 6406 N. Oakley Ave. 773-338-1627.
Monsoon
Not really Indian, but a good starting point. Brothers Swetal and Rakesh Patel, and Krishna Iyer of the Indian Garden, recently opened their first upscale venture at the busy intersection of Broadway, Clark and Diversey. The food is Asian, with influences from India, Thailand, China and even France. Try the lumpia (vegetarian summer roll), tandoori beef (marinated rib eye) and cardamom or rose-milk ice cream. 2813 N. Broadway. 773-665-9463.
Udupi Palace
One of our favorite spots along Devon Avenue, this vegetarian spot specializes in the fiery cuisine typical of southern India. The five-course Udupi Special (soup, appetizer, dosai, entree and dessert for $13.50) is a great way to taste a variety of dishes. 2543 W. Devon Ave. 773-338-2152.
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