Is it possible to give an 11 out of 10 rating to a place just based on service and hospitality? I mean, yes, the food at Highland Park’s new Indian restaurant, Indus, is great but have you ever truly felt like part of the family from the second you walked through the door? A door that either of the owners, Sukhu and Ajit Kalra, open for you and warmly welcome you in. A door that represents a threshold in which you pass into their “home” and they make sure every need is met.
The Kalra’s, also owners of Bhoomi Modern Indian Grill, want you to walk out as a member of their ever-expanding family of guests that desire to explore a rich yet dark history through cuisine. The menu is laced with an array of bold, authentic flavors from standard classics to regional specialties. The offerings are for those new to Indian cuisine and those that are spice blend veterans. Here are our favorites:
Ordering a handful of Small Plates + Salads is a good place to start. Are you a fan of baba ghanoush? Try the Indian spin with the Baingan Bhartaa, a smoky, grilled eggplant mouse whipped with a tempered spice blend and served with quintessential naan bread.
For all you okra-haters, take a chance and try the Kurkuri Bhindi, a crispy version of the controversial food. Accompanied by thinly sliced red onion and tomato, even the most hesitant of eaters will enjoy the simplicity of this shareable plate.
On the other spectrum, falafel fanatics will love the Katthal Tikki, crispy jackfruit cakes reminiscent of their chickpea-based cousins. Make sure to swipe each bite through Indus’ delicious San Marzano DOP spicy mirchup for the perfect flavor blast on the palate.
Perfect as a shareable starter and a personal entree, the Navaabi Risotto is a call out to the luxury of old in the palaces of the Indus Valley. A mix of rice and lentils, this incredibly rich bowl of comfort and delicacy is accompanied by four accoutrements: mango pickle, papad, smoked daal + ghee and a roasted garlic yogurt. Rotate amongst the sauces with each bite or enjoy the risotto in its own glory, your palate will thank you!
While paneer is considered a “safe” choice for those less familiar with Indian food, it’s a go-to for vegetarians and carnivores alike because of its rich flavor and versatility when creating a dish. The Paneer Fritters Salad is a refreshing timeout from the other heavier options on the menu. Paddleball-sized fritters nestle atop a bed of arugula, vibrant slices of watermelon radish, and chewy dried figs before being drizzled with a lovely tamarind-balsamic dressing.
Curries and daal are staples in Indian cuisine and are therefore lovingly highlighted on the Indus menu. For a simple yet filling bowl of comfort, try the Daal Indus, black lentils that have been slow cooked and smoked for a whopping twelve hours. It only takes one bite to understand the love and care that goes into even the humblest of recipes.
Another option for the traditionalists is the Chicken Tikka Masala. Our favorite off the menu, Gerber Farms pasture-raised chicken is charred before jumping into a pool of creamy tomato sauce. Spoon a heap onto the accompanying basmati rice, top some garlic naan or eat it as is, you can’t go wrong.
The Lamb Shank Curry is another must-have dish. The incredibly tender lamb falls off the bone and comes smothered in a rich yet delicate curry sauce that pairs perfectly with the basmati rice.
If you want a show-stopping dish to arrive at your table, we recommend the Bone-In Slow Cooked Goat Biryani. Father Time works his magic with this aromatic rice-based dish infused with saffron, sautéed onions, fresh herbs and ghee all served in a dough-sealed pot.
No matter the dish, remember to mop everything up with some naan or roti. And when your sweet tooth finally beckons, cleanse your palate with the Lychee Kulfi, a refreshing and light plate to end your luxurious Indian meal. Ice cream, Indian style, is whipped up with fresh lychee fruit and accompanied by a slice of cardamom spice cake and fresh berries.
If you’d like to continue on the journey of richness, the Rasmalai Creme Brulee should hit your table with a spot of espresso before you go. Reminiscent of tres leches, this aromatic Indian milk dumplings will have you linking the plate clean!
Indus Progressive Indian is located in Highland Park at 617 Central Ave. It is just a few minute walk from the Highland Park Metra stop making it convenient to commute to and from the city. They are open Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 5pm.
Is it possible to give an 11 out of 10 rating to a place just based on service and hospitality? I mean, yes, the food at Highland Park’s new Indian restaurant, Indus, is great but have you ever truly felt like part of the family from the second you walked through the door? A door that either of the owners, Sukhu and Ajit Kalra, open for you and warmly welcome you in. A door that represents a threshold in which you pass into their “home” and they make sure every need is met.
The Kalra’s, also owners of Bhoomi Modern Indian Grill, want you to walk out as a member of their ever-expanding family of guests that desire to explore a rich yet dark history through cuisine. The menu is laced with an array of bold, authentic flavors from standard classics to regional specialties. The offerings are for those new to Indian cuisine and those that are spice blend veterans. Here are our favorites:
Ordering a handful of Small Plates + Salads is a good place to start. Are you a fan of baba ghanoush? Try the Indian spin with the Baingan Bhartaa, a smoky, grilled eggplant mouse whipped with a tempered spice blend and served with quintessential naan bread.
For all you okra-haters, take a chance and try the Kurkuri Bhindi, a crispy version of the controversial food. Accompanied by thinly sliced red onion and tomato, even the most hesitant of eaters will enjoy the simplicity of this shareable plate.
On the other spectrum, falafel fanatics will love the Katthal Tikki, crispy jackfruit cakes reminiscent of their chickpea-based cousins. Make sure to swipe each bite through Indus’ delicious San Marzano DOP spicy mirchup for the perfect flavor blast on the palate.
Perfect as a shareable starter and a personal entree, the Navaabi Risotto is a call out to the luxury of old in the palaces of the Indus Valley. A mix of rice and lentils, this incredibly rich bowl of comfort and delicacy is accompanied by four accoutrements: mango pickle, papad, smoked daal + ghee and a roasted garlic yogurt. Rotate amongst the sauces with each bite or enjoy the risotto in its own glory, your palate will thank you!
While paneer is considered a “safe” choice for those less familiar with Indian food, it’s a go-to for vegetarians and carnivores alike because of its rich flavor and versatility when creating a dish. The Paneer Fritters Salad is a refreshing timeout from the other heavier options on the menu. Paddleball-sized fritters nestle atop a bed of arugula, vibrant slices of watermelon radish, and chewy dried figs before being drizzled with a lovely tamarind-balsamic dressing.
Curries and daal are staples in Indian cuisine and are therefore lovingly highlighted on the Indus menu. For a simple yet filling bowl of comfort, try the Daal Indus, black lentils that have been slow cooked and smoked for a whopping twelve hours. It only takes one bite to understand the love and care that goes into even the humblest of recipes.
Another option for the traditionalists is the Chicken Tikka Masala. Our favorite off the menu, Gerber Farms pasture-raised chicken is charred before jumping into a pool of creamy tomato sauce. Spoon a heap onto the accompanying basmati rice, top some garlic naan or eat it as is, you can’t go wrong.
The Lamb Shank Curry is another must-have dish. The incredibly tender lamb falls off the bone and comes smothered in a rich yet delicate curry sauce that pairs perfectly with the basmati rice.
If you want a show-stopping dish to arrive at your table, we recommend the Bone-In Slow Cooked Goat Biryani. Father Time works his magic with this aromatic rice-based dish infused with saffron, sautéed onions, fresh herbs and ghee all served in a dough-sealed pot.
No matter the dish, remember to mop everything up with some naan or roti. And when your sweet tooth finally beckons, cleanse your palate with the Lychee Kulfi, a refreshing and light plate to end your luxurious Indian meal. Ice cream, Indian style, is whipped up with fresh lychee fruit and accompanied by a slice of cardamom spice cake and fresh berries.
If you’d like to continue on the journey of richness, the Rasmalai Creme Brulee should hit your table with a spot of espresso before you go. Reminiscent of tres leches, this aromatic Indian milk dumplings will have you linking the plate clean!
Indus Progressive Indian is located in Highland Park at 617 Central Ave. It is just a few minute walk from the Highland Park Metra stop making it convenient to commute to and from the city. They are open Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 5pm.
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