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Arya Bhavan
Categories: Restaurants Vegetarian Restaurants Indian Restaurants Pakistani Vegetarian, Indian, Pakistani [Edit]
2508 W Devon Ave(between Campbell Ave & Maplewood Ave)
Chicago, IL 60659
Neighborhood: West Rogers Park
(773) 274-5800
- Hours:
Mon 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Tue-Fri 12 pm - 3 pm
Tue-Fri 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat-Sun 12 pm - 9:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Classy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Chirag G. said: "What a turn around this restaurant has had.. It was Ebony Lounge which was okay, then it became Peacock which was better than Ebony and now with the new owner comes a new name... ' Tamarind Court'.. By far the best food I've had here…" read more »
74 reviews for Arya Bhavan
Review Highlights
- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
74 reviews in English
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Review from Alexis M.
Chicago, IL
2/1/2012
I LOVE this place. You won't find a vegetarian all-you-can-eat buffet this good anywhere else in the city, not to mention as cheap! I love that she brings fresh naan to the table, and the make-your-own salad with the peanuts and crispy noodles is unique, refreshing, and tasty. I always feel very welcome, too.
It is probably not the best Indian food I've ever tasted, but I think it is really good, and you can't beat the price. It's also usually fairly empty, so I like to bring big groups. -
Review from Alessandro G.
Chicago, IL
4/27/2012
I came here with my girlfriend because I wanted indian food and I've read online that Arya Bhavan was vegan friendly. Knowing what "vegan friendly" usually means in Chicago I was really surprised when the owner/chef came up to our table, greeted us and asked if we were vegans. The way she prepares the food comes from a genuine knowledge of the healing power of food. She understands it and uses it masterfully. The result were deliciously baked samosa, amazing bengan bartha and creamy tadka dal. All accompanied by brown rice and fluffy naan. Everything was light, tasty and made with organic ingredients. At the end of the meal she offered us a sample of a raw dessert she made (sort of a lemon cheesecake): amazing! Once I left the restaurant I felt good: I ate great food, for a very reasonable price and my body was still loving me. I will definitely come back to try the buffet.
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Review from Cezary J.
Schiller Park, IL
5/13/2012
Excellent Indian food. Very friendly and accommodating business owner. NEW and LOVELY decor. and it is much more affordable with a meal plan: i pay about $8 per meal, at 10 meals a month. Ask Kirti, owner.
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Review from Nicole T.
Chicago, IL
4/17/2012
This is a great vegan friendly restaurant. Every time we come here we are taken care of with the greatest respect. The food is always hot and has a healthy/ fresh taste. The buffet is only 10.99 for all you can eat! Ive only got delivery a couple times but they're always on time, and very polite. The best part is my food isn't delivered warm, Its hot, healthy, and authentic.
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Review from Matthew M.
Morris, IL
4/19/2012
Great gluten-free, dairy-free, and raw offerings! The first time I ate at Arya Bhavan was late evening; not much else was open. The owner, Kirti, prepared me food that was safe for my gluten-free/casein-free diet--and it was FANTASTIC! It tasted like the home-cooked Indian fare I remember enjoying at my Indian friends' homes growing up. I've been back three more times since. I've never actually looked at the menu: I just keep asking Kirti to fix me a variety of things that are gluten-free and dairy-free. About twenty minutes later, I have a wonderful selection of raw, vegetarian, wheat-free, and dairy-free food that fills me up--and doesn't leave me suffering an allergic reaction later. If you're looking for run-of-the-mill, Americanized Indian food, there are plenty of other restaurants on Devon Ave. If you're looking for fantastic Indian fare with a home-cooked, nicely presented flare, give Arya Bhavan a try. You'll be back... again and again!
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Review from Liz D.
Chicago, IL
3/2/2012
Our experience has been kind of mixed bag. My husband and I have been ordering from Arya Bhavan for quite a while now and always enjoyed it. The delivery is always quick and the food arrives hot. Pretty much what you'd expect.
The flavors are great! Nice and spicy with generous portions. Neither of us are vegetarians, but I tend to prefer my Indian food veggie and they've got more options than most. It's probably not the best Indian food I've ever had (but then I've been to India) or even the best on Devon but for the portions, options and price, it's a good deal.
Going into the restaurant can be a bit awkward. It doesn't really have what you might call "ambiance" but then it's not really that kind of restaurant. Still, the totally wilted dried out flowers in the vase on the table kind of crossed some unspoken line for me. The staff is friendly, but not overly helpful. We were confused over the buffet and had to ask for hot tea three times, only to have it arrive cold. The friendliness kind of balances out the lack of atteniveness but still. When we went it was also pretty empty and very, very quiet...the kind of quiet that makes you feel like you shouldn't talk or you'll disturb everyone around you.
The buffet itself is excellent though. Again, it has lots of good options and they kept all the food well stocked and hot. No worries about how long it's been sitting out here. And it is vegan/vegitarian so it's a great option if that's your thing.
But the thing that disappointed me most happened today. My husband ordered the Paneer Makhani and I got the Saag Paneer. Now to understand this story, you have to understand how much I LOVE paneer. No really. It might be the second best food in the world after bacon. We've ordered it before and always enjoyed it. So imagine my disappointment when I realized what we had gotten was not paneer but in fact tofu. What the what?! I would have thought this was a mistake, but I double checked the order and nope...totally said paneer. And it was in both dishes! As you can probably guess, tofu has a similar texture to paneer but the taste is no where near the same.
I had heard that Arya Bhavan has recently gone totally vegan, but couldn't find anything to confirm that. If you're vegan, this might be great. But for me? Not so much. I actually enjoy some vegan food, but not when it isn't what I ordered. If I had known this is what I was going to get, I would have ordered something else or gone elsewhere.
So over all, it's okay. Maybe it's great if your a vegan but I think next time, we'll be ordering our Paneer Makhani from somewhere else. -
Review from Michelle J M.
Skokie, IL
12/13/2011
Went to a raw vegan holiday event and we packed this place. The Chef Kurti is very kind and gave a short group presentation about the raw vegan buffet (every Monday). I rarely do buffets, but I plan to check this one out more often. Everything I tried was delicious. I was especially excited because most of the dishes hafe a nice spicy kick! I love Indian food and to know there are great raw options is wonderful. She also made a great cooked vegan dish (excited about that) and it is now one of my new favs next to Gobi Aloo. Plus there is a great and low-cost monthly meal plan here that I plan to sign-up for.
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Review from Kristen T.
Chicago, IL
11/5/2011
My husband and I live right off of Devon and this is our favorite Indian restaurant on the strip!
We are both vegan and enjoy the generous accommodations we are given every time we dine in or carry-out.
Depending on the day, they provide raw vegan food too- that's cool!
The samosas are to die for! (I could probably eat about 5.. I think they taste like pizza!) One of my favorite food is the cauliflower dish... It is called 'aloo gobi' and it is mixed with potatoes and spices!
So obviously we really love Arya Bhavan's food but we also appreciate the owner who has come across as super dedicated and down-to-earth every time our paths have crossed. :)
HINT: Go to the buffet when it is available- not only will you be able to try more of a variety of foods but you will also get more bang for your buck. -
Review from Stephen S.
Evanston, IL
2/12/2012
If you like a good solid vegetarian/vegan Indian buffet, Arya Bhavan is one of the better options on Devon Avenue. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable and we sat socializing for a good time post-dinner without feeling pressured to vacate. The buffet has a large variety to choose from and the owner said there were only two items there that were not vegan! If you are hungry (as I was!) and want a good healthy eating experience without any attitude, this is a good bet. The prices can't be beat!
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Review from Allison M.
Palo Alto, CA
7/10/2011
Went here seeking some more of the best samosas I've ever experienced, based on the tastes I got for some tix at the Taste this year. My boyfriend and I went in on a Wednesday night around 7:45 pm, and the place was mostly empty, with two other occupied tables.
The menu is overwhelming if you're not familiar with authentic North Indian and South Indian fare; it's four pages of ambiguous and non-descriptive translations that left my boyfriend and myself at a loss for what to order. We decided we would get a recommendation from our waiter...
who never came.
There was an old man busboy who wandered between the three tables, continually refilling the water carafes. This went on for probably close to a half hour before the owner-chef-manager-waitress came over and asked if we were ready. We asked her what she'd recommend, and she told us that everyone does and should order the appetizer sampler basket, which came with some of the samosas we were really after. Beyond that, she started listing the different headings on the menu, but without telling us what they were, or which ones were best. We settled on the Rava Masala Dosa.
Our appetizers came out, and the samosas, as we remembered, were wonderful. The rest of the appetizer basket was just different kind of mashed veggie combos, with different batters, fried. It came with a couple of chutneys, one which was spicy and one which was sweeter, we enjoyed the sweet one quite a bit but there's really only so much deep-fried veggie mash you can eat. Trust me, we went to that point and back.
Then the Rava Masala Dosa came out-- it was a GIANT crispy "crepe" almost like shredded hashbrowns in texture, with a tiny amount of spiced potatoes in the middle, and a cup of stewed sauce and vegetables, with some chutneys. Mostly, it was just crepe. Pretty disappointing. My boyfriend even accidentally took all of the potatoey filling when we were trying to split the dish.
Maybe we would have been better off ordering something we knew we liked at other Indian restaurants, like Aloo Gobi or Chana Masala... But it seemed like we had so many unusual choices available to us, and we should take advantage. And nothing excuses the plates we asked for that were never delivered, or the fact that we actually did run out of water despite it being the "busboy"'s only duty, or the fact that we didn't finish our meal until after closing! -
Review from Christina B.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2011
I have experienced Arya Bhavan both as delivery and in the restaurant. I enjoyed myself greatly both times!
Today [Sunday] we walked in at about 4 pm, so they were still doing their lunch buffet (not really interested). Happily, they were serving off their regular menu, so we took advantage of that. I ordered the South Indian Thali - a huge platter containing vada, idli, sambar, chutney, and a few different palyas (spicy cauliflower, well-seasoned chickpea, etc). It was delicious and quite filling - the only complaint I have is that it wasn't nearly as heavily seasoned and/or spicy as I would expect of authentic South Indian cuisine. The idlis were also a bit tough (but my partner ordered a butter masala dosa, and it was a delightful crispy soft texture).
The auntie who seems to own the place is exceedingly kind. She checked up on us multiple times (Indian male, white female here) and seemed very genuine. The other guy who's there (her husband?) is also really invested in helping people. The only problem I saw was the cleanliness of the place; like many restaurants along Devon, the tabletops can be filmy, the seats crumby, the water glasses suspect, etc. But it's all right, I'm eating upinkai spicy enough to cancel that out... right? (When I did delivery, there was actually gooseberry/amla pickle! I've never had a restaurant serve that. Awesome.)
They also have a large variety of vegan and raw options for those "people" who are into that. Ugh. -
Review from Elizabeth V.
Chicago, IL
7/21/2011
A friend and I had the loveliest dinner at this vegetarian Indian restaurant in our beloved Rogers Park tonight. The owner chose an array of delectable savory offerings with rice and incredible Naan, which she followed up with some sort of delicious pudding-like dessert, the caloric content of which we chose not to investigate.
On Mondays, she has a vegan raw buffet, which I fully intend to check out soon.
Friendly, homey and delicious. -
Review from DUG H.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2010
I'll admit I am no expert in Indian food. I mean I like the stuff, I enjoy the fuck out of eating it but I never really choose it and know my favorite dishes by color, texture and level of spice as in, 'You know the green lumpy stuff that's really spicy?'
Because of this I would usually refrain from making judgment but this joint failed on the one level NO restaurant should:
THE FOOD WAS NOT HOT!!
I shit you not most of the dishes in the buffet could have been described, at best, as 'luke warm.' I do not even think the steam table was on and they were just leaving the food out there from the kitchen because it seemed like the fresher dishes were the warmer ones but even they were not what I would consider 'pipping hot.' Now, I'm not a picky guy but there are certain things that just don't taste right to me anything other then hot and fresh and Indian food is one of them.
As if the cold food was not enough the service was questionable, I would describe it as unenthusiastic at best.
I am having some trouble imagining how this place can have any five star reviews when they can't even get food to my plate hot. -
Review from Rachel H.
8/21/2010
Some friends of ours recently moved to this hood and were dying to get their Indian buffet on. The lady that owns Arya Bhavan lives a couple houses down from them, so they had the inside tip on this place apparently.
This place is all vegetarian and mostly vegan on the buffet which was nice for our vegan friends and my vegetarian buffet lover. The lady even brought out some vegan naan for our pals, and pointed out all the non-vegan landmines to them. No dairy related, minesweeper like frowny faces here. She also brought out a fresh dosa and showed us what to do with it.
Food was good, though we non vegans had hoped for some paneer dishes on the buffet (there are some on the non-buffet menu).
The food itself is probably a 3 star rating, but the great service and the giant plate of beets on the buffet moves it up a notch. I ate so many beets, I thought there was something wrong with me this morning. TMI alert. Ha. -
Review from Katie T.
9/11/2010
This Indian restaurant is sandwiched between countless other Indian restaurants on Devon and probably easy to pass by.
Overall this was a very good meal - very yummy, typical Indian buffet (although slightly not typical as it is 100% vegetarian and some vegan). It is not the best Indian I have had on Devon but it is definitely not the worst, it is not even just mediocre. It is very good, just not the best.
Their Palak Paneer and especially their Mutter Paneer were wonderful and my favorites that we sampled. Otherwise your typical buffet spread minus the meat. They make great samosas and a mean mango lassi as well.
The service was a little slow but we chatted quite a bit with the owner and she was quite friendly. Would go back again! -
Review from Gary C.
Chicago, IL
4/28/2011
I love this place. I bring someone new here every week. I even gave a lecture here a while back.
This is the ONLY place on Devon that will actually eat. I might even give you a business card. Gary J. Clyman, "The Chi Kung Guy"
Come by and say hello! -
Review from Christophe A.
Chicago, IL
9/25/2011
We had a great meal this past summer at Arya Bhavan. While the new waitress seemed a little clueless about what gluten-free means and less than eager to find out, the chef/owner came to our table and went over the entire menu letting me know what items are gluten-free and dairy-free. We basically let her pick out what to send to our table and ended up with a delicious assortment, including multiple types of freshly made gluten-free breads! Everything we ate was good. The owner also assured me that she was working on training the new staff. By the end of the meal, our waitress was much more engaged and helpful. After thanking the owner, who was busy doing all of the cooking and personally making sure we were happy with our meal, we left very satisfied. I will definitely return to or order delivery from Arya Bhavan again.
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Review from Lakshmi R.
Chicago, IL
6/26/2011
Overlooked gem in Devon. Very light North Indian fare, which is - for this South Indian at least - very hard to find. Super sweet staff. The Mutter Paneer was delicious, as was the Channa Masala. Perfect, perfect gulab jamun. My only criticism was that the paneer itself was a bit dry. But seriously, not a big deal. The restaurant is really down-to-earth, the staff are very attentive, and the food is cheap and fantastic. I'm planning on returning.
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Review from Jerry M.
Chicago, IL
1/4/2009 ROTD 8/20/2009
I admit it, I've been known to judge a book by it's cover.
Sometimes.
But not always.
Okay, always. You know, make those snap judgments where I realize later that I was totally wrong. How I felt about my college best friend when I first met her is a perfect example. Couldn't stand the girl when I first met her, but the last 16 years would have been empty without her.
And I have a feeling that Arya Bahvan is another one of those people, places and things that I'm like "ew" initially, but then we're friends for life once you realize how cool they are and you just jibe well together.
Walking into this joint a few things went through my mind. Like "gee, it's pretty empty. At noon." And "Uhhmmmm I don't recognize anything in the buffet and nothing is labeled." And last but not least, it's sparse.
My friends and I all looked each other thinking, "can we make the run for the door now? Oh, crap, they already saw us and we have to sit down."
So we did.
And I have to say that I'm glad I did - the buffet while having no labels on the food, is absolutely deeEEeeeeeeeeEelish despite not knowing what I was eating. And as a vegetarian, it was a great relief that there would be no mystery meat surprise lurking in the savory sauces. And some were spicy as well. YUM!
And the customer service is king - the waiter happy to make some special cold dish with yummy stuff at the beginning of the buffet (yes, I'm aware that's absolutely no help for you, my dear reader, but he'll help you with that too!).
I can't wait to go back. Nom nom NOM! Oh, and I'll need to buy a bigger belt (and pants) to accommodate all the food I shoved down my mouth. It's that good.Listed in: Veggie-matic!
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Review from Jess L.
8/21/2010
** 1,100th review **
Arya Bhavan is one of those places I miss most about Devon in Chicago. The veggie options are vast, and the service is solid. I would travel all the way from Hyde Park just for this place... -
Review from Jose G.
Brooklyn, NY
12/18/2007
Another one of my favorites in Chicago, this place is all you can eat vegetarian. It isn't the best Indian on Devon, but it makes up for that with a great selection (bigger than the buffets in Lakeview), some unexpected treasures, wonderful drinks, and kind service. I've been here many times, and will keep going back.
...until the day I find some meat in my masala. -
Review from Jessica D.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 11/15/2010
I'm way past due for an update here. I've tried ordering delivery from Arya Bhavan a couple of times and it's just tragic. First of all, I understanding that I'm at the edge of their delivery area, and I respect that. But when I call a restaurant over an hour after placing my order to check on my already late delivery and am told that it's just about to leave, something is wrong. Food shouldn't take over an hour to prepare because, well, you simply can't run a business that way. If I came into the place, would you let me sit for an hour and a half without serving me?
But on top of that, both times I've ordered, something has been wrong. One time, they were out of the dessert we ordered and made a substitution without asking what I'd like, and another time, the wrong entree came and we just ate it rather than deal with a two hour turn around time to get the correct dish.
This might be okay enough to eat in, but don't try delivery from this place.Listed in: DO Let The Door Hit You In The…, What Do You Want For Dinner?…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/5/2010
This place has a completely vegetarian Indian buffet on weekend evenings. I've only been in for… Read more »
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Review from Drennen M.
Chicago, IL
1/13/2007
Come here HUNGRY if you're coming on the weekends.
It's always a relief for a vegetarian to know that I'm not going to have to worry about picking through my food for stray meat, and it's especially fantastic when it's an Indian restaurant. We had the weekend buffet; the owner was kind enough to come over and tell us what was in all the dishes and then because it was early and not yet busy, she stayed and talked to my visiting friend about how to cook them all.
I thought the food had plenty of flavor, but then it had been sitting in those vats and was able to stew for a while, I imagine.
Oh, and if you like garlic, get the garlic naan. But only do so if the entire table is going to be eating it as well and you're not going to be in close company with anyone for the next 12 hours, because it's STRONG. But delicously garlicky.Listed in: Mmm yummy Asian food, Respectable Eats
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Review from AH J.
Chicago, IL
6/28/2007
I've been to this place twice. Both times I had the buffet and both times I felt underwhelmed.
The first time I went was before the Check Please episode aired. The second time was more recently. While I am not a vegetarian, I do recognize the value in a place that has only veggie options.
However.
The most recent time I was there the scent of the incense was stinging my olfactory so much that I didn't really taste the food, which is very good I am told. Half-way through the meal two teenage boys walked in with some kind of box, walked over to us and started talking about the Unification Church. I was uncomfortable to say the least. I didn't go there to join a cult, I just wanted to have a nice lunch with a friend.
I won't be going back there. -
Review from Yumm y.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 8/2/2009
Hands down most vegan friendly Indian joint in the city of Chicago.
A few of the the dishes use dairy but most do not. The restaurant is 100% egg free. The owner, Kirti, is incredibly kind, takes pride in being a vegan friendly business and is always available for questions. Try it!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/16/2008
This place is pretty darn good! Great buffet with multiple selections- I believe only two out of… Read more »
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Review from Christine M.
Chicago, IL
8/25/2009
I came here on a Saturday night and had the choice of buffet or to order off the menu. I chose the buffet because as soon as I walked in I was immediately greeted by Kirti, an amazingly pleasant employee of this establishment, who asked if I was Vegetarian or Vegan right off of the bat. She went through the entire buffet telling me what I (as a Vegan) was able to eat. To my surprise a majority of the things were Vegan. She even told me she'd bring Vegan naan to the table as well as Vegan Indian pancakes. Overall I found the food to be very good. I've been to several Indian buffets in my lifetime and I will say this one at least made their buffet items spicy; although she did say they make the dishes off of the menu even spicier.
I still can't get over how nice everyone was here and how knowledgeable Kirti was regarding the Vegan diet.Listed in: Vegan Friendly Chicago
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Review from Regina C.
Chicago, IL
6/1/2011
They have a wonderful buffet ($14!) and they are very helpful in pointing out what items are vegan - although the majority of items are vegan which is amazing. The flavors were great, I loved it all!
Listed in: Vegan Eats
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Review from amy g.
Chicago, IL
12/10/2008
What a nice vegetarian dining experience. We strolled in from the blizzard last night to an empty restaurant. The owner was attentive from the start, turning the heat up for our arrival.
We had a platter of appetizers including samosas, vegetable cutlets, and other pasty treats- all vegan. The naan was superb.
We shared five different North Indian dishes with chickpeas, eggplant, spinach, potatoes and cheese. They have shakes (vanilla, mango and more) that balance the spicy entres perfectly (though the owner claims nothing is truly spicy as he tones it down for his American customers.)
I would definitely come back for their lunch buffet so I could try the dosa and basically, everything else.
The ambiance is pretty naan-existent. Certainly, the food makes a better impression! -
Review from Tom H.
Chicago, IL
3/14/2007
Satisying vegetarian Indian fare.
Some of the other Indian places along Devon tend to ignore the needs of vegetarians, and this place caters to those of us who want our food meatless. I especially enjoy their mattar paneer.
The buffet is a really good value, but they lose points for small portions when ordering off the menu.
The owner is very friendly and helpful, and likes to come chat if she has time. The staff is very good at explaining what is in each dish, which is a huge help for those who are new to Indian food. -
Review from Shradha A.
Chicago, IL
7/6/2009
We tried Arya Bhavan at Taste last year, in 2008, and thought the food was decent.
Over the course of the year, we tried visiting a couple of times and each time the place was dead, with lights off, nothing in the buffet and no customers at all. We did walk in and confirm they were open, yet no business.
Last week, tried it again at Taste and while the bhel puri was good, the pav bhaji was too sour, as if sitting there forever. We also then found something in the food, which we then ended up throwing out completely. I know Taste isn't the most hygienic place to start with, but to find this kinda stuff mixed into the bhaji -- ewwww gross!!! -
Review from Nessie V.
9/1/2009
One of the better buffets. Definitely like the slant towards vegan stuff. Had a few things you don't typically see on buffets, as well as standards.
There's some sort of shop for clothes and bangles in the back, not sure what's going on there. -
Review from johanna c.
Chicago, IL
3/25/2006
I have been recommended by quite a few people to go to Arya Bhavan. I've found a lot of the selections to be very bland and not to my liking unfortunately. This is disappointing because the staff is very friendly and you can tell really put effort into their buffets and atmosphere.
If you like Mysore Woodlands, you'll probably like Arya Bhavan. -
Review from Tiff H.
Chicago, IL
2/28/2010
This was the only Indian place that delivered to me according to grub hub. And the ex was hellbent on Indian food.
$35 minimum for delivery. Big minus. However, I got enough food for an army. We ended up paying $50 with a tip. Delivery took 1.5 hours. Another minus.
1) Samosas - Pretty good.
2) Aloo Tikki - I didn't have any but my companion said they were delicious.
3) Aloo Gobi - They didn't take this off our order when I didn't want it. It was ok, but it was a bit greasy. Came with rice that I sent off with my companion.
4) South Indian Thali - Pretty decent...tho the dhal or whatever it was that came with it was not tasty at all and a bit too watery for my taste. 3 dishes though that came with rice, I think.
5) Coconut Rice - Wow, huge amounts. Actually was very tasty. I was pleased.
6) Naan (order of regular and garlic) - huge huge huge. Pretty good. I'm more of a rice person than a naan person tho. It's in my genes.
7) They threw in some type of dessert...not quite sure what it was...a donut with a semi-sweet rice pudding? I didn't eat it...I packed it for the lady.
Yes, she came over to make me feel better. Did it work? Not really...but at least I now know there is a vegetarian Indian place that will deliver to me...tho I really really love chicken tikka masala.
Lots of leftovers (my half gave me 3 meals extra)...actually, I'm going to heat some up right now. -
Review from Carl H.
Saint Louis, MO
2/8/2009
You know the type of meal that just leaves you happy? The one where the conversation is dominated by how great the food is? Where when you're finally done all you can do is sigh happily? That was Arya Bhavan.
I have to say good things about the service, which is usually not something you spend much time on when you order a buffet. However, our waters were always full, our Kingfishers came out quick, and when we asked for menus because, as Indian food amateurs, my friend and I had no idea what to get, we were helped promptly.
Now, the food. Well, the only major problem is that the buffet isn't the best labeled thing, so since we are, as mentioned, not the most familiar with Indian food my friend and I just started eating things and tried to use the online menu later to figure out what we had. The highlights of my meal: the chana masala, a chickpea, was delicious and is sopped up excellently with naan. Vada were crispy and delicious, and, as a spinach fan, I was very happy with the palak paneer. I also loved a dish that, though I cannot identify it, was similar to couscous or perhaps shredded wheat.
Finally, desert was ex-ce-lent. Other than carrot cake, I don't think of carrots as desert food, but the carrot halwa rocked my tastebuds, as did the ras malai dumplings. I wish I had brought a bigger stomach. -
Review from Lisa F.
Chicago, IL
1/19/2009
I enjoyed the food very much, but the atmosphere and service were so disappointing that I'm going with three stars. We came in for Sunday night buffet and although there was only one other table, it took several minutes for the naan to arrive, and water and naan refills throughout the meal had to be requested. The owner was very friendly, as everyone has mentioned, but her waiter was just not on the ball. (She also mentioned having just got back from India the day before, so maybe she was too jetlagged to keep at him.) And then the atmosphere was forbidding--there was no music playing and like I said, just one other table of people, so it was like we were having a buffet meal at the library.
Still, tasty food and some of my favorite dishes, and my vegetarian friends appreciated being able to eat everything offered. I'd probably come back for a weekend lunch buffet. -
Review from Ahzea M.
Evanston, IL
10/22/2011
Thank you for being raw/vegan friendly and hosting meet-ups!!
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Review from Sarah D.
Chicago, IL
2/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Absolutely delicious! I went with a veg meetup. They allowed us to have the entire restaurant and set up a vegan/raw buffet for us. The owner is super nice and so is the rest of the staff. They really truly care about their customers and the quality of the food. All the food on the buffet was absolutely delicious. The price was also right. Definitely a great value. I would definitely recommend this place and go here again!
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Review from yazzmatazz d.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2011
Good vegetarian food on Devon. Many of my meatosaurus friends prefer North Indian cuisine, but taking them here for a thali (sampler) would be a great way to introduce them to other dishes besides butter chicken. ;) Beware in winter the dining room is FREEZING. The owner is very kind and friendly and also owns Harrison Grill.
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Review from Joy C.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2011
I'd heard so many good things about this place, so my expectations were high. I love Indian food, and have eaten it most of my adult life; as a vegetarian, I appreciate that it offers delicious options for me. This restaurant caters to vegetarians and vegans, and offers a buffet on weekends beginning Friday evening.
My friends and I got the buffet, and while there were many dishes to choose from, and while the dishes that were offered were well prepared (the matar paneer especially), I thought the selection was heavy on the saucy stew-type dal dishes and starch. The service, while polite, was very slow, which was odd considering we were the only ones there for awhile.
Perhaps if I'd ordered a la carte from the menu instead, I would have had a different experience, but given the many Indian restaurants along Devon, all of which offer vegetarian fare as at least an option, I probably would go elsewhere next time. -
Review from Eric P.
Chicago, IL
12/6/2010
Living Raw Food Buffet at Arya Bhavan is a vegan, gourmet, Indian-style buffet on Monday evenings. It is a fresh, unique, tastey, and inexpensive alternative to other mainstay Chicago raw cuisine (e.g., Karyn's & Counsin's).
