pjchmiel >> vegan > indian food

Indian cuisine is probably my favorite of all. Intricately-spiced and SUPER vegan-friendly, it's one thing I don't mind spending money on. And something I've noticed is that while the portions may look smallish, compared to Chinese or American standards, I usually leave quite full and even have about half of my entree left over to take home. Watch out for "paneer" (cheese that looks lke tofu) and ghee (a kind of butter), but don't forget the veggie samosas!

Sad note: Lucky Kabab, possibly my favorite restaurant in Chicago, has closed due to unforseen family matters. Mr. Lucky is a wonderful man and I hope he returns to Chicago and re-opens SOON (and hopefully farther south...maybe around Damen and Montrose? Hint Hint... So cheap, so good. Others are cheap and others are good, but he was always both.


Standard Indian Rest. Looks nice, but actually just so-so compared to most other Chicago Indian places.	Maraja (Milwaukee) Aloo palak (spinach w/ potatoes) and chana masala (chickpeas) w/ naan.	Arya Bhavan Two trips to the buffet (click to see both). So, so good, AND all you can eat!


Bhabi's Kitchen Mixed vegetable and Gobi Paratha. Maybe the BEST mixed veg I've ever had, it was extremely fresh. Didn't like the bread as much, but they have 20 different breads to choose from!	Bhabi's Kitchen Masoor Dal. This and the Aloo Palak were both decent, but not my taste after being accustomed to others. This dal was very soupy, which I don't like very much...I prefer it thicker, like a paste.	Lucky Kabab This $10 spread shows mixed veg and chana masala with tandoori naan and basmati rice. I loved Mr. Lucky's food SO much, I'm heartbroken to see it closed. May he reopen soon!


Lucky Kabab Aloo Palak (with Dal in background). These two dishes eaten together were like heaven on earth, I felt a kind of Nirvana while enjoying them...the spices, the fresh hot pepper and cilantro!	Lucky Kabab A cheap lunch, Aloo Ghobi and basmati rice, with the famous tamarind chutney in the middle. Not my favorite dish there, but damn good and worthy of any order. The rice was always amazing.	Lucky Kabab Vegetable Biryani is a good and cheap meal...usually a lot of rice and a little skimpy on the vegetables, hence the value. But most Indian places charge extra for rice anyway.


Royal India (Milwaukee) Chana masala and some kind of coconut milk curry. Pretty decent. The fresh cilantro on top makes the difference!	Another Indian Buffet On Devon street in Chicago, "Little India." The owner coerced us into this place as we were looking into the window!	Udupi Palace (Chicago) Chana Masala is so simple, but always one of my favorites. The "pad thai" of Indian cuisine.


Royal India (Milwaukee) Yet another delicious day at the buffet, this one includes a mild Mulligawatany soup.	Udupi Palace (Chicago) Some kind of dal (pureed lentils, nicely spiced). Indian rice is very tasty too.	Bombay Sweets (Milwaukee) Potato naan with samosas, shown with coriander and tamarind chutneys.


Royal India (Milwaukee) Garlic naan usually has fresh garlic on it and is not salty like you might hope/expect.	Canned/Frozen Stuff The bread was frozen and the chickpeas (spicier than hell) were from an Indian market.	Nondescript Cheap Indian Aloo gobi is cauliflower and potatoes. This was probably $3 and damn good.