Urmomkitchen, in Downers Grove, delivers weekly home-cooked Indian meals — chhole, dal, sabzis — that regulars who've tried many tiffin services call the best of the bunch.
Shaily's Rasoi, in the South Loop, is a small pure-vegetarian counter known for parathas and theplas with a genuinely homely taste, plus Jain food available with advance notice.
Mela - Modern Indian Kitchen, on Franklin Street in the Loop, is known for crispy BBQ chicken, soft momos, and a garlic naan fresh enough to be a dish on its own.
Nepal House, on Division Street near the Gold Coast, is known for a goat biryani and lamb korma alongside steamed vegetable momos, with a chai regulars say is perfectly brewed.
Himalayan Sherpa Kitchen, on Harrison Street near the Loop, is known for a biryani rice with boneless chicken locals specifically recommend, plus a complimentary rice pudding that shows up with takeout orders.
Mild 2 Spicy, on Diversey Parkway, is known for chicken and lamb vindaloo with a customizable heat level from mild to full vindaloo, plus an idli sambhar regulars call genuinely authentic.
Vanam, in Schaumburg, is a fully vegetarian South Indian restaurant known for its mysore masala dosa and a sambar diners specifically call out, popular enough that reservations are worth making for brunch.