Taking Out an Indian Food Newbie

My cousin has been asking my boyfriend and me to take her out for Indian food because she's never tried it before.

I've been trying to think of good, affordable place s(preferably on Devon) for her to try.

Of course, deep down, I really want to take her to Khan's. But I don't think that's an "accurate" example of accessible Indian dishes, as delcious and well priced it is.

Our friend suggested Tiffin, which I think is a good one given the aesthetics, but it is on the pricier side with smaller portions.

I'd go to Hema's, but I'll be honest when I say I'm really hung up on the fact that they don't service naan.

Any suggestions?

TIA!

How about Sabri Nehari? It's Pakistani, but it's right on Devon and it's the first thing that came to mind. The namesake is definitely worth trying, although it might elicit a "What the?" reaction from someone new to Indian/Pakistani food.

More info here:
http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=101394

Carlywood wrote:Of course, deep down, I really want to take her to Khan's. But I don't think that's an "accurate" example of accessible Indian dishes, as delcious and well priced it is.

Carlywood -

What does accessible mean here? Trying to get a feel of what you're looking for.

Sorry, I wasn't very clear.

What I mean, is a place that serves up a decent chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, palak paneer and maybe even chana masala and anything curry.

We'd even defer to tandoori chicken (I know, kinda boring).

I suppose I want her to experience something on the milder side, but try a few dishes, both vegetarian and non, with naan =).

I hope that helps. By no means is Khan's BBQ NOT accessible in terms of the fact that I'd take anyone there to try it because it's great...it's just not the place I want to start my cousin off with for her first time.

Khyber Pass in Oak Park has an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet that's cheap and would give her many options to sample.

Oh...forgot to mention it's for dinner tonight...

But thank you for the Oak Park suggestion...I'm always on the lookout for new Indian places. And you gotta love a good buffet...

Hmmm. I still don't really get it. I think Hema's and Khan's would be fine spots for a newbie. Khan's does not offer a paneer dish that I know of, and does not offer Lamb Vindaloo, but does offer everything else you mentioned, I believe (along with other lamb / gosht dishes.) Too bad Hema's is out, because when Hema and / or her sister are there, they will totally hook you up with whatever you are looking for. Hmmm. I have never been to this place, but based on what I've read/heard, maybe this will fit your bill? Have lots of variations on naan, owner is accessible, friendly, and very helpful for newbies:

Bhabi's Kitchen
6352 N. Oakley Ave.
Chicago
(773) 764-7007
Bhabi's has a thread here with its detractors, and proponents. Again, I've never been.
http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=600
http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1981

Also, perhaps Usmaniya? In my experience, they are friendly towards newbies as well, and it's a bright-ish spot
Usmania Restaurant
2244 W. Devon Ave.
773-262-1900

Although, to be honest, I think I'd take her to Khan's. Or Hema's on off peak hours.

You're right...I'm not totally making sense, am I?

I think I'm leaning toward Khan's again...

Thanks for your suggestions.

I always take my friends who claim not to "like" Indian food to either Tiffin or Indian Garden on Devon Avenue. Why? Certaintly neither is my favorite place to eat in the area but I do find that both do the basics...tikka masala, rogan josh, lamb vindalo, etc...very nicely and the atmosphere doesnt overwhelm those who arent yet converted to south asian food. Once your friends are hooked you can take them to Khan Bbq or Hyderabad...and they will be hooked

Indian Garden
2548 W. Devon Ave., Chicago
Tel: (773) 338-2929

Tiffin
2536 W. Devon Ave., Chicago
Tel: (773) 338-2143

iblock9, how are the portions at Indian Garden?

(BTW, thank you for the suggestions.)[/quote]

I like Tiffin but it's been a while since I've been there. Cooks move around and places go up and down. That said, I think it might be worth a try, based on my previous experiences bringing folks there who were unfamiliar with the food.

OTOH, why deprive your friends? Take them to Khan.

=R=

Carlywood wrote:iblock9, how are the portions at Indian Garden?

(BTW, thank you for the suggestions.)

[/quote]

Good question...they dont stick out in my mind as being huge or too small. The vibe reminds me a lot of Tiffin in that it seems to be "upscale" (in the anglo sense as opposed to a kebab house or cabbie joint) with carpeted floors and table cloth covered tables. BTW my vegetarian friends like Indian Garden a lot and choose it over Udupi Palace and the other South Indian joints which are better known for their vegetarian fare.

Well, we ended up going to Tiffin and she liked it, so I promised her a trip to Khan's.

Thanks again to all for your suggestions.

Carlywood wrote:Well, we ended up going to Tiffin and she liked it, so I promised her a trip to Khan's.

Thanks again to all for your suggestions.

LOL! I never realized that Tiffin was a gateway restaurant.

=R=