I'd like to put in a good word for Arya Bhavan, a small vegetarian place on Devon that just celebrated its first anniversary. I finally got around to trying the lunch buffet and was very pleased with it. At the beginning of the buffet there's an assortment of fresh veggies (cucumber, beet, onion, etc), 3 homemade pickles (the green chili and carrot with sesame seeds and mustard oil was very nice), and 3 fresh chutneys (coconut, tomato, and tamarind). One nice feature is made- while-you-watch mini uthappams (rice and lentil pancakes; I've had better versions, however). Two kinds of rice, rasam, sambar, and about 8 other hot dishes. They had plantain poriyal (a dryish stew with coconut) and hot cucumber in curd, dishes you don't see everywhere. The other hot dishes were more common legume, spinach, or mixed vegetable preparations. Small vadai (lentil and rice donuts) were better when soaked in sambar. Desserts were opo halwah (shredded opo squash cooked with ghee and spices, served warm) and a payasam (milk pudding) as well as fresh fruit. Freshly baked naan is delivered to the table. After the meal, pan was presented (mysterious stuff wrapped in a betel leaf; chew it up as a digestif). Atmosphere was casual but pleasant: white walls, fresh flowers, classical Indian music. Another nice touch was a beautifully carved watermelon (for decoration only) on the buffet table. I can't think of too many places to get a better or more interesting vegetarian meal for less than $10. The buffet is served all day ($8.99 from 11:30 to 5, $9.99 from 5 to 10:30). You can also order from the usual menu. Be aware that some dishes, though certainly not everything, can be fairly spicy. Arya Bhavan 2508 W Devon Av Chicago 773-274-5800 Share what you know. Learn what you don't.
Chicago, IL