Tiffin: The Indian Kitchen. 2536 West Devon Avenue Chicago, IL 773-338-2143 www.tiffinrestaurant.com
“At Tiffin we take pride in providing each guest with a genuine Indian experience."
I admit that I am a lover of different cultures from around the world. One of my all-time favorites, though, is the wide and varied tastes found in cuisine from the Indian Continent. Strolling along Devon avenue, we happened upon a pleasant surprise: Tiffin, The Indian Kitchen. Walking into the restaurant, you are immediately greeted by a staff member who guides you either directly to your table, or to a plush waiting area. The interior décor is subtle yet elegant and the low-key lighting invites you to a calm ambience for a decadent meal underneath a striking ceiling canvas. This, allied to the genuine Indian music playing in the background, provides a truly pleasant atmosphere. The Tiffin is located in the Indian community of North Chicago. Tiffin’s offers an extensive selection of classic North Indian cuisine of chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian dishes. As me and my colleague settled in to our booth we started with a Mango Lassi: a mango pulp, yogurt and milk beverage that is smooth and creamy in texture yet kindly sweet to the palate. Accompanying this, were Pappadums: crispy lentil wafers that were served with cilantro and tamarind sauces. The Pappadums were light and flaky with a kick of cumin. Our appetizer was the serving of a Samosa: a flaky, golden pastry stuffed with slightly spiced potatoes and green peas.
The knowledgeable staff is always close at hand to guide you through the menu and help you decide what best suits your tastes. Our next presentation was of the main meal; a feast of curries, tandoori meat and vegetarian meals bursting with deep flavors, vibrant colors and savoring aromas. I have always favored the velvety and soulful tastes of Indian curries and Tiffin’s did not in any manner disappoint me Chicken Tikka Masala was my first sampler, a boneless piece of chicken marinated in yogurt, grilled and sautéed in a scrumptious creamy tomato coconut sauce. My next tasters were the Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Lamb meals from their Tandoor: a giant, bell-shaped, wood-fired clay oven, into which foods are lowered to cook quickly under intense heat, with results that combine the best of roasting and grilling. Most tandoori foods are marinated in spiced yogurt and so the term now also applies to grilled foods that have been seasoned in the same way. Both foods were seasoned in rich blends of masala (a combination of ginger and cinnamon),other spices and then char-grilled to perfection. The meats were tender and flavorful, mildly spiced and truly satisfying. As though we were not already content, we had two remaining foods to savor.
The Fish Hari-Hari, an exotic dish cooked in a special sauce of fresh cilantro, green chilies, ginger and tomatoes was best described by my colleague as a meal that I am in love with! Along with these indulgent meat dishes were servings of Basmati rice, a buttery gently spiced lentil dish, Naan and Onion Kuicha breads. Our finale was the Orange Malai Kulfi an almond enriched frozen orange pulp blended with custard and then presented in an orange shell. Tiffins management takes a keen personal interest in the restaurant, its diverse customers and can often be seen talking to clients. The prices are extremely reasonable. I recommend this spot for the first-time visitor or an excursion with friends for an amazing taste of India.
Reviewed by Catherine Wanjira
