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Check,Please!WTTWChannel11
The Best Indian food in Chicago - Elory Rozner (Check Please reviewer)

Centerstage
Hema's Indian restaurant brings four-star cooking (both vegetarian and meat) to the budget-minded.Hema's Kitchen caters to everyone from the hardcore vegetarian to the meat-craving maniac.

ChicagoReader
After being outed by WTTW's Check, Please! the original Hema's Kitchen on Devon went from being a quiet, well-regarded secret to getting mobbed, especially on weekends.

Citysearch
Rating: 9.1/10
This Jewel of an Indian Restaurant offers reliably excellent, reasonably priced fare in intimate surroundings.

Metromix
Hema's food is closer to what you might have in an Indian home.

TimeOut,Chicago
After almost a decade of making Oakley Avenue a destination for Devon diners, Hema Potla has moved her original restaurant onto the main drag. The new space is about twice as roomy, with amber-tinted chandeliers, tiny bouquets on each table and the always-smiling namesake floating around the room.

Centerstage Chicago
Not sure where to go on Devon Avenue? Don't worry, you're not alone. With Indian restaurants ranging from Tiffin on West Devon (where tuxedoed waters bring your food on a silver platter) to the uber-cheap cabbie favorite Ghareeb Nawaz further east, the choices seem endless.
But stop right there and head back west to Hema's Kitchen. Their surprise October 2008 relocation, from quieter Oakley Street to bustling Devon, at first seems counter-intuitive, especially for a popular destination spot. But Hema's was ready to join the Devon ranks, with a reputation that glows even brighter than the most fluorescent light-filled Indian convenience store that sells everything from bindis to garam masala spices.Read More
Named after Indian owner Hema Potla, who hails from the city of Hyderabad, India, Hema's kitchen caters to everyone from the hardcore vegetarian to the meat-craving maniac. Go all out with appetizers like the vegetable samosa, spinach pakora, paneer pakora, or live on the lighter side with the sheek khebob roll (rolled in paratha and filled with chilies, tomatoes, onions and the irresistible green chutney). Vegetarian entrees like the spinach-and-cheese sag paneer are always a sure bet. Meat-eaters who still want some greens should go for the sag ghost, seasoned lamb cooked in spinach and spices. Whatever you do, don't forget to top it off with naan bread. Depending on when you go, you might catch Hema and her daughter. Gold-framed paintings hang on the dark beige and maroon-colored walls, and stained-glass lamps hang throughout the space add a comfortable feel. Like you need another reason to visit Hema's Kitchen.
Hema's Indian restaurant brings four-star cooking (both vegetarian and meat) to the budget-minded.Hema's Kitchen caters to everyone from the hardcore vegetarian to the meat-craving maniac.


Chicago Reader
For years Hema's Kitchen, Hema Potla's homey Indian restaurant, drew flocks of fans to a tiny, cramped storefront where food was often hustled out of the kitchen by the beaming proprietor herself. But after rave reviews on Check, Please! transformed the crowd to a mob, she expanded, first with an adjacent dining room and then with a second location in Lincoln Park. Now the original spot is shuttered and she's gone upscale, around the corner, in full Devon Avenue style. Gone are the open kitchen and the corner playpen that once housed a small child or two. Instead tables in a spacious, gleaming dining room are loaded with wineglasses and white tablecloths, plastic flowers and laminated numbers.Read More
(That last may account for service that's stunningly better than the old Hema's glacial norm.) I'd be lying if I said the new space has the raw charm of the old, but the food is as solid and satisfying as ever. Flaky lamb samosas were lightly seasoned and piping hot, though lacking the peas alluded to on the menu. Veggie dishes like aloo baigan matar--eggplant, potatoes, and peas in a tomato-coconut sauce heavily stocked with aromatic curry leaves--imparted a powerful burn, and chicken vindaloo, while heavy on the ghee, evinced an equally bold hand with the red chiles and curry leaves. The happy addition of a tandoor oven means the kitchen now turns out tender tandoori chicken and chewy naan as well. Bear in mind that it's still BYOB (no corkage fee) and the closest liquor store has a selection best described as bottom-shelf.


Macklin M
Rating : *****
Date : 10/20/2008
Do you have a fairy good mother ? Well I do, becuase I eat at Hema's kitchen. Hema Potla, is the sweetest and warmest, kind and loving person I've met who runs a restaurant. She alone is reason to come even if you do not eat just to bask in the loving atmosphere that she creates.
Hema's food is a spiritual experience."Like water for Chocolate" she stirs her pot with love and tradition that are sopowerful you feel moved within from the dining experience. If I were a rich man I would have Hema open he kitchen for free a few days a week to foster world peace and goodwill. I can say no more. Go now...tonight as fast as you can and tell her Kamau sent you. I've been eating here for over 12 years and it is my favorite restaurant in the world.

Reviwer
There is a part of me that doesn't want to share this with anyone. The mean small selfish secretive part of me wants to keep this close to my chest. I am seriously hesitating right this moment about whether or not to continue. But I will. A number of years ago whenever I would visit Chicago, in the culinary pursuits of the weekend, my friends and I would invariably do two things. We'd get a bucket of rib tips from Carson's, and we'd go to Hema's Kitchen for Indian food. Everyone knows about Carson's. That's no secret. Hema's Kitchen, well, that's the secret. I know you don't know me. And I'm certainly not a regular restaurant critic. But I don't think there's anything you really need to know. In short, I love dogs, I call my parents on the weekend, and I ride my bike to work.Read More
There is a part of me that doesn't want to share this with anyone. The mean small selfish secretive part of me wants to keep this close to my chest. I am seriously hesitating right this moment about whether or not to continue. But I will. A number of years ago whenever I would visit Chicago, in the culinary pursuits of the weekend, my friends and I would invariably do two things. We’d get a bucket of rib tips from Carson’s, and we’d go to Hema’s Kitchen for Indian food. Everyone knows about Carson’s. That’s no secret. Hema’s Kitchen, well, that’s the secret. I know you don’t know me. And I’m certainly not a regular restaurant critic. But I don’t think there’s anything you really need to know. In short, I love dogs, I call my parents on the weekend, and I ride my bike to work. Also, I love good food. I’m a regular guy. e I wish trust was just something you could get at face value, like these words lying here on this page. Actually, I don’t wish that. Trust is something you earn over time. I know that. But what I’m about to tell you is the 100% virgin pure honest poke a needle in my eye truth. Hema’s Kitchen is the best Indian food you will ever eat in your entire life. I admit that the decor might be somewhat lacking. But in the absence of tiny candles, fancy napkins and pre-recorded sitar music, also lies the absence of any pretense. This is a real place with real people and real food. But at the risk of sounding too cute, the food is actually unreal. I’ve been to other Indian restuarants around town, I’ve been to the row of Indian restaurants in Greenwich Village, I’ve even been to two Indian restaurants in London. None compares to Hema’s. ee I could tell you how everything is prepared fresh and that if Hema’s out of something, she’s out. There’s nothing to be defrosted in the microwave. (There is no microwave.) I could go on about the the tender pieces of chicken in the vindaloo and the tikka masala. (I could actually go on at some length about the reality altering spiciness of the vindaloo.) I could cast a spell about the bhuna gosh. I could prattle on about the saag paneer and the aloo mattar. And the Mango Lassi. Oh man, the Mango Lassi! But to dine at Hema’s is to really know.e And I’m not even to the best part yet. The food is only half. The other half is Hema herself. She is the short round warm and inviting woman with the glasses and the huge heart who owns the place. She is the waiter, chef and maitr·d’ of this small humble establishment. She is so incredibly sweet. When I enter Hema’s I am greeted with a hug and kiss. Hello! Where else does that happen? My parents’ house in Des Moines that’s where. A hug and a kiss, people! That’s how beautiful this place is. And this is why I hesitate. This is one of those special places. This is that place you bring your parents to, that place you bring your friends and visiting relatives to. This is that place you keep coming back to. Okay? I don’t necessarily want to wait for a table or be crowded into a corner. I like that no one really knows about this place. But I feel guilty and I feel I’m doing Hema a disservice by not sharing this information. Simple as that. Guilt. Maybe Devon and Oakley is too far. Maybe you don’t care for Indian food. Maybe you’re already reading the comics in the back. You do what you want. But I’m done. I’ve shared. Bottom line Hema’s Kitchen is the best Indian food you will ever eat in your entire life.


Andrew H.
Chicago, IL
***** Rating
Date : 11/15/2008
Went to Hema's new home on Devon today with a group of about 12 people. I had gone before, to their Oakley location, and found it a bit cramped, but the service to be good and the food even better. I was hopeful that their new location would be able to improve on that one dark spot in my mind.Read More
Well, it did. The decor and ambience was improved greatly in their new location. It was larger, and more welcoming. Plus, the staff was just as kind before. And the food (once it finally arrived) was excellent and filling. It was the most enjoyable 2 hours this fall.
Many dishes were ordered between all the guests. I ordered the Haryali Chicken, and shared Papadam, Garlic Naan, and Keema (Lamb) Naan with the table. All were delicious, though the 'hint' of garlic for the garlic naan was just that; I couldn't taste it.
I highly recommend Hema's Kitchen!


Diana H.
Rating :*****
Date : 12/17/2008
Okay, so two things:
1. I am not an expert in Indian food, having tried only two other Indian restaurants in Chicago.
2. The reason I haven't tried many other places is because I love the food at Hema's, so I keep going back!
Read More
The food is HOT--and you can get it as hot as you want it. My tongue can't tolerate extreme heat, so I need to ask for it mild, and they are usually able to do a good job of making entrees both tasty and mild enough for my sensitive taste buds. There's lots to choose from, including plenty of stuff for vegetarians. Love their samosas--they could be a meal in themselves!
The staff is very courteous. On a couple of occasions, I had the pleasure of meeting Mama Hema herself as she made rounds among the diners to make sure we were enjoying our food. Service can be slow at times, especially on the weekends, but this is a place where I am willing to forgive a little lag time in service, because I know I'll get terrific food and leave feeling all warm and spicy inside. Mmmmmmm...
Parking is difficult, so I highly recommend the #155 Devon bus.


Abby B.
Rating : *****
Date : 3/1/2009
I have been to Hema's at least once a month for the past 3 years. It is my go to place when people from out of town come. Last week my husband and I went to the new location on Devon. Normally we go to the one in Lincoln park, but decided to try the one on Devon out in hopes that they finally got an oven that can make nan. They did and it was the most spectacular nan we've ever had.Read More
My favorite dishes there are the tikka masala and the murg makhani. My husband likes basically any lamb dish.
Service here isn't the greatest, but I'm still giving Hema's 5 stars nonetheless. Though you may have to wait a couple minutes to get your order taken or your check, your water is always filled.
The new location is also a lot better. It is a larger space, tons of tables. The decor is pretty much still the same, bright orange walls and random indian artwork. It is simple and functional.
Overall, this is the best Indian food you can get in Chicago. We don't go anywhere else when we have a craving for Indian.


Matt B.
Rating : ****
Date : 7/21/2008
There are an incredible number of Indian businesses and restaurants along Devon Avenue on the far north side. The plates at Hema's Kitchen stand out from the rest though because they will very likely have the most food on them.
Read More
Large front windows allow a good amount of light into the small but comfortable space. The pink walls are just as casual and friendly as the staff, which often includes Hema and her daughter. Appetizers like vegetable samosas (flaky homemade pastry shells stuffed with potatoes, peas, and coriander leaves) and shami khebob (minced lamb and ground lentils) make for a great start. Signature dishes here include the buna gosht (lamb saut?d with fresh peppers, onion, curry leaves, and black pepper) and the shahi murg, a.k.a. "Royal Chicken" (boneless chicken in a rich onion and tomato gravy with almond paste and fresh cream). There are a couple dozen vegetarian options, including the dal palek (roasted lentils cooked with spinach and garlic). I made sure to order a side of paratha (homemade wheat bread grilled with butter) to help soak up some of the plentiful spices.
Given the size of the helpings, it's not likely you'll have room left for dessert. But you can always carry them out the door with you so you can enjoy them later. Try the rice pudding or the kulfi--a frozen dessert made from milk, sugar, cardamom, ground cashews, and your choice of either pistachios or mangos.
And remember, if you can't stand the heat (of the curry and spices), stay out of Hema's Kitchen


Beth M.
Chicago, IL
**** 4.5 stars Rating
Date 5/4/2008
I feel an Indian food obsession coming on.I have been wanting to go to Hema's for a while now and finally made the trip up north. I'm not down (urban dictionary translation: To be 'With It or in 'the know how', knowledgeable about something) with Indian food but I knew I would love it.
Read More
Love the BYOB. Veggie samosa to start was as good as everyone said it was. I ordered the lamb curry dish with eggplant and it was delicious-- big cubes of lamb and seasoned perfectly. Husband ordered a chicken dish and he was not as impressed. It had pretty good flavor but there was not a lot of chicken. We had some paratha on the side too. Couldn't finish it all and our server seemed a little offended by this.? Service was a little slow too hence the -1/2 star.
*Cool music!


Robyn T.
Rating : ****
Date : 8/18/2008
Come hungry. I ate entirely too much on my recent visit to Hema's...the food was just too good I had to keep eating it. Of course my stomach was killing me after my fabulous meal, but that is a price I had to pay - I couldn't eat enough.
Read More
Mango lassi is a delicious way to start your eating extravaganza. Also loved sharing the samosas (2 per order) and pakoras. My friend and I split an order of jasmine rice which was enough for both our dishes. Highly recommend the chicken tikka masala which is my favorite standby at Indian restaurants.
The space is smaller than I'd anticipated but the staff was all very friendly. I was pleasantly surprised to see the 'Yelp' sticker on the window - I'd heard about Hema's in Zagat's and "Check Please" so its a big success with everyone!


Lorraine L.
Los Angeles, CA.
Rating: ****
Date : 4/11/2008
I made my mom cry here. No seriously, I did. See, my mom is an old school Mexican mom, she's never really experimented with cuisines of different countries. She's what you call a steak-and-tortilla kind of girl. So one afternoon, I had nothing to do...I said, "hey ma, want to take the bus up to Devon and try some Indian food?" Mom: "Ok mija."
Read More
So after a 45 minute bus ride up Western to Devon, we arrive at Hema's. It wasn't very crowded and the waiter took care of us right away. I order some saag paneer and I think lamb vindaloo (make it spicy, we're Mexican, we can handle it.) My mom liked the saag, then she tried the lamb. Slowly, tears started rolling down her cheeks and she started sniffling. "Mom, you ok?"  She wouldn't stop eating though, she loved it! The waiter finally took pity on her and brought over some yogurt without me having to ask.
I love Hema's Kitchen, for the tasty food and for making my mami cry.


Will
Rating :*****
Date : Mar 5, 2009
I was there this evening, and I had a wonderful meal. The service was great and consistent throughout the meal. My water glass was never empty. The recently remodeled dining room is well lit and clean. The food was delicious and very filling. The portions were huge. I will definitely be back to Hema's soon.

Chan K.
Rating : ****
Date : 10/29/2008
Great service and food. I ordered the shrimp vindaloo and okra dishes. Both were delicious and very spicy, and we requested merely medium heat. The vindaloo had more tomato than I have typically seen, giving the sauce a thicker consistency. The interior was minimalist, dim and the Indian music was upbeat yet relaxing. I felt like the walls needed more decor (there was some artwork). Overall, Hema's is a good place for a date. Don't forget to bring a a dry white wine to balance out the spice.

Teresa
Rating: *****
Date : 01/18/2008
Always delicious - my favorite Indian food on Devon Ave., which is saying a great deal!

Nicholas
Rating : *****
Date : 03/12/2009
Ordered from here the other day and the food was a little spicy, but I like that. The woman who answered the phone was very nice and was even concerned that I had too much Nan and no curry sauce. She told me delivery would be about 35 minutes and it was. I definitely recommend. Delicious.

Mike D.
Rating : ****
Date : 9/18/2008
For Hema's I pine
The vindaloo, mighty fine
Back for more I'll go

Misty H.
Rating : *****
Date : 10/6/2008
Service = great. Food = awesome. Prices = reasonable. Atmosphere = enchanting. Music = beautiful. The Lamb Vindaloo is my favorite and my recommendation. I grew up eating tons of authentic Indian food with Indian families both in America and India so I am pretty picky. For a restaurant, the food here is pretty good.

Stephanie H.
Rating : ****
Date :7/15/2008
Oh, how I love thee, Hema's Kitchen. My favorite Indian food so far in the city. I have yet to find better. Yum. Yum. Yum.

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