Naan on Devon...a better Boti?

This is a simple little place (alright, maybe a dive), easy to overlook among the rows of similar spots along Devon, but don't do it. If you do, you'll be missing one of the best dishes on the street, because the chicken Boti here is outstanding. Other dishes are good too, especially the Tikka, but it's really all about the Boti.

Chicken Boti is a favorite with me and I've tried it in lots of places. Until now I thought, as I'm sure many others do, that Khan owned the Boti niche on Devon, and their version is indeed great. I've had it dozens of times. Other versions range from o.k. to pretty good, but in the end can't really hold a candle to Khans. This one does, and might (depending on personal taste of course), even outshine it, and that's saying a lot.

The Boti here is greenish and crispy at the edges after it's stay in the tandoor at the front of the shop, similar in appearance to the dish at Khan (most other botis on the street are red). Although the flavors are also similar, the Naan version is just a little amped up . Spicier, hotter,richly flavored and even more tender. Saltier too (which may be it's only flaw). If you like the Boti at Khan BBQ (and who doesn't?), this is worth a try.

Oddly, they don't seem to serve Nan, just Chipatis.

Too bad they don't have broast chicken.

Naan on Devon
2305 W. Devon
773-465-9900

kuhdo wrote:This is a simple little place (alright, maybe a dive), easy to overlook among the rows of similar spots along Devon, but don't do it.

Kuhdo,

Had lunch at Naan on Devon today, simple little place sums it up, but the owner was free with a smile and the room was comfortable, in a minimilist fashion.

Naan On Devon


Chicken Boti is, as you say, a similar style to Khan, crisp edges, good heat, tasty, though my preference is hands-down Khan.

Chicken Boti


You mention the boti being tender, though I found it not so much tender as over marinated with the chicken flesh loosing structure. We also had a surprisingly neutral flavored mutton biryani, shy on the mutton, and sheek kabab that might best be described as boring.

Chicken Boti, Mutton Biryani, Sheek Kababp


Lest I sound down on Naan on Devon, let me thank you for bringing the up the boti on the board, it was a pleasant, if not exuberant, lunch and it's good to have another chicken boti data point.

Enjoy,
Gary

Gary:
The Boti at Naan is certainly more heavily marinated than it is at Khan's,and I agree that this is responsible for a difference in texture. Boti kabobs, particularly those made from beef can often be overly tenderized, even mushy from heavy marination, an effect I don't particularly like. To me, the chicken Boti at Naan hasn't crossed this line and just seems meltingly tender and succulent. I also like the greater heat and spice level it has.

Where will my next Boti call lead me? Not sure , but I still think the Naan version is very good indeed . Thanks for giving it a try.

As a sage one said...that's why Baskin-Robins has 31 flavors.

My husband went there last night to pick up some boti - it's practically right across the street, so what the heck. But when he walked in the door, he was greeted by the guy behind the counter shouting, "I have a big order ahead of you!" in an aggravated tone. "Oh?" he replied. "I have another restaurant to go to, then."

So he went to Tikka Inn, which has good naan, unlike some people.

I've mentioned many times, that this is perhaps my favorite named place on the strip (I have a weakness for indian fast food places that rhyme like curry in a hurry on lex in NYC), and you're right the boti can be very good, unfortunately I've found it a little uneven

zim wrote:I've mentioned many times, that this is perhaps my favorite named place on the strip (I have a weakness for indian fast food places that rhyme like curry in a hurry on lex in NYC), and you're right the boti can be very good, unfortunately I've found it a little uneven

Except I thought all along that kuhdo has named the thread wrong.. cos
the place is actually called "Nan on Devon" I sometimes spend time
in Daata Durbar, and this place is bang across the street.. and I see
their "Nan on Devon" sign all the time. (I now see, however, that one
sign actually does call it Naan on Devon, its only the sign above the
door that claims its Nan

Ive tried it in the past, and never thought it remarkable. However, I dont
believe I had ever tried the Boti. Will rectify that the next time Iam on
Devon (thanks Kuhdo. Am actualy relatively excited for it, because I
do think Khan's boti could actually be even more to my taste with a
little additional heat..).

BTW, Kuhdo, if youre looking for Boti's, theyre obviously all over the
place. Daata Durbar across the street itself does a fair (though not
neccesarily great) version - very different, however, with red rather
than green masala. However it is made fresh and comes on a bit
of a sizzling-hot-plate, and is a pretty large portion for the 8-odd bucks.


c8w