Catching a Subcontinental Drift

This week's dining experience took us to Viceroy of India on Devon right here in Rogers Park. Maynard Krasne and I walked to the restaurant from our East Rogers Park stomping grounds, and there's no better way to see the diversity of our neighborhood than by strolling its streets and byways.


I've been to a number of restaurants on Devon, but never to this particular establishment. It was a pretty typical lunch buffet, where for around $8 you can get a good sampling of Indian cuisine, try new dishes, and learn what you do and don't like.

On this day, the entrees included Bhindi Masala (Okra sauteed with tomatoes and onions), Chana Masala (Chickpeas), Saag Paneer (Cottage Cheese cubes in creamed spinach), Butter Chicken (chicken on the bone in creamy tomato sauce), and Lamb Curry. The buffet also included three different types of appetizers (mixed vegetable pakoras and samosas), two kinds of Basmati Rice, and dessert (definitely try the mango ice cream). You also get Nan (Indian bread) and an order of Tandoori Chicken, which we polished off pretty quickly.

I was most partial to the Bhindi Masala, Tandoori Chicken, and Saag Paneer. The food could have been spicier for my taste, but that's usually the case when dealing with buffet style dining. And that's why it's good to follow up with a future visit where you can put your new culinary knowledge to good use by ordering off the menu.

Viceroy of India is located at 2518 W. Devon Ave (773.262.8787). Other very good Indian restaurants I've tried in the area are: Tiffin (2536 W Devon Ave - 773.338.2143) and Indian Garden (2546 W Devon Ave - 773.338.2929). Thanks as always to Tom Mannis for the photographs.