Best Indian '98

Best Indian

Gandhi Cuisine of India
150 W. Ft. Lowell Road

READERS' PICK: If this humble restaurant had been around to tempt the Beautiful Man himself, India might still be singing "Hail to the Queen." Gandhi does vegetarian fare so shockingly well, you don't have to be starving to before you'll gratefully dive in and clean your plate. Dig on the Dal if you have the chance, with the raita serving as a fantastic accompaniment. Also, the garbanzo bean and curry dish (on a bed of basmati rice) is not to be missed; it's probably why the Imperialist armada found it so hard to leave.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: When it comes to Indian food, the race for first is always close. Hard against Campbell in a row of shops just southwest of Glenn Street, India Oven Cuisine Of India (2727 N. Campbell Ave.) is a traditional favorite. What makes it special? The food! The food! The food! And the atmosphere. From the creamy chicken tikamasala to the spicy chicken curry and the savory vegetable kormush, everything is served fresh and hot. To really clean the pipes, ask for your curry hot. India Oven is almost always busy, but there are plenty of tables, so you won't wait long to be seated. The place has a real family atmosphere--like eating at home with your hundred brothers and sisters. And their lunchtime buffet just can't be beat.

CLUE IN: The New Delhi Palace, 6751 E. Broadway Blvd., is so completely authentic in its style, presentation, décor and cuisine, that the moment you walk through the door you'll feel as if you've been transported to the place where the Indian restaurant achieved its fullest expression: London. (Okay, so we haven't been to India, all right?) But New Delhi does it right. The staff's manner is extremely friendly and pleasant, and the food is outstanding: tandoori meats, curries, hot and fresh naan bread, cool and crisp raita, basmati rice and any amount of chutneys. Accompany it with a big and frosty Taj Mahal beer, finish with a light dessert of rice pudding, and you'll feel both satisfied and just a little bit worldly.

1997 Winner: India Oven
1996 Winner: India Oven
1995 Winner: India Oven