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Experience the Essence of India

By Minna A in Food on Nov 18, 2011 8:00PM

With a nearly completely imported menu and décor, Essence of India in the Lincoln Square truly gives Chicago diners a glimpse into the soul of Northern Indian cuisine.

The restaurant, open since 2004, blends the contemporary with Indian authenticity, offering traditional Indian favorites alongside new dishes they’ve created. Essence of India puts in the extra effort to provide the Indian experience both in their expansive menu that includes Indian beers (like the Maharaja Pilsner and the Taj Mahal beer), as well as in their dining room décor, with everything from the wall art to the tables (and the salt and pepper shakers upon them) coming straight from India.

Indian food staples, like varieties of buttery garlic naan and hearty pea and potato-filled samosas, are great starters to your meal. Choosing an entrée is a bit more difficult, with tons of great options to choose from. Vegetarians are whole-heartedly welcomed here, with at least a third of the menu dedicated to meat-free fare.

Entrée favorites among diners are the savory Butter Chicken and the tandoor dishes, which are cooked in a clay pot within a charcoal oven. Butter Chicken, also called Chicken Makhani, is a somewhat disarmingly bright color, but quickly disappears off the tables. Try the Lamb Palak, a small stew of lamb marinated and cooked in a blend of spinach, ginger, coriander, garlic and garam masala, a blend of North Indian spices like clove, nutmeg, star anise and coriander seeds. Each diner can customize dishes to their spice preference, from mild or medium to spicy and teary-eyed spiciness.

Also worth a peek is their cocktail menu. Essence of India has a full bar, and offers fun cocktails in addition to ones unique to Essence of India, like a warm yogurt and fruit cocktail.

Essence of India is located at 4601 N. Lincoln Ave.