Food Pr0n: Masala Indian & Mediterranean Cuisine

By Staff in Food on Oct 1, 2014 9:00PM

Papadum (lentil crisps) with tamarind and cilantro chutneys.

The samosa was very reminiscent of those served in India proper. Filled with potatoes, peas, and cumin, inside a flaky pastry, the accompanying sauces of tamarind and cilantro made for an addictive appetizer.

Mango Lassi

The chicken makhani was outstanding in a rich, creamy, and spicy gravy.

The palak paneer was more like paneer bhurji with spinach rather than like saag paneer, which made that entrée that more indulgent.

Topped with crushed pistachios, the kheer is a light yet tasty rice pudding that balances out the spices of any previous spicy dishes.

The chai is so good that coffee drinkers may consider switching to the this hot beverage that most people take after a filling Indian meal.

When people think of Argyle Street in Chicago’s Uptown, the long list of authentic Vietnamese restaurants come to mind. Surprisingly Uptown is becoming more diversified and restaurants representative of other cultures are opening their doors. One such restaurant that recently opened on the eastern end of Argyle Street is Masala Indian & Mediterranean Cuisine.

Owned and operated by a husband and wife team — a Pakistani husband and an Iranian wife — diners get not only a choice of a few menu items, but they also get a choice between two very popular cuisines in Chicago. On my first visit I sampled from the Indian menu, but I will definitely come back here to sample the authenticity of the Mediterranean fare.

Great service, wonderful atmosphere, reasonable prices, and outstanding food are all the reasons why Masala Indian & Mediterranean Cuisine is one of Uptown’s newest and favorite restaurants.

Masala Indian & Mediterranean Cuisine is located at 1002 W. Argyle St.

By Gino Williams