LTHForum.com

I’d like to nominate Uru-Swati for a GNR. I’ll admit to an illicit thrill in nominating possibly the first-ever vegetarian GNR (even though I myself am an omnivore), let alone one that aspires to "healing through food."

I am lucky to live near the wealth of great Indian and Pakistani restaurants on Devon but find myself running a well-worn path between two – Khan and Uru-Swati. Uru-Swati has an extensive menu of vegetarian dishes and executes them excellently. Chana masala and vegetable biryani are favorites. Breads, particularly the aromatic garlic naan are terrific as are the fun-to-eat and tasty dosas. And I almost always risk being too full for entrees after gorging on the crisp and flavorful samosas and pakoras. Service has been solid and friendly and the owners are warm and gracious hosts.


The original thread describing early and recent terrific meals is here:

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=14602&hilit=uru

Uru-Swati has also graciously hosted two LTH dinners, detailed here:

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=15525&hilit=uru

And here:

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=20467&hilit=uru

Uru-Swati
2629 W Devon Ave
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 262-5280

I was very impressed with my food at Uru-Swati as part of the 2nd group dinner mentioned above. I had built it up a good deal in my mind, but was happy to report that the food delivered.

The sheer variety really helped me glimpse the possibilities of Indian meatless dining. As I noted, the bhel was just tummy-achingly good (in that I filled up on it and kept eating). Crunchy, tangy, textured, delicious. If I ate this Indian breakfast everyday, I might not make it out the door.

I also really liked the channa masala, vegetarian biryani and the variety of breads.

I am hesitant to fully endorse a GNR based on one very good, structured group meal. That's my problem, though, and not Uru-Swati's. I will try to dine again and post back. In the meantime, I can say based on my experience, that you will get a unique and wonderful meal if you seek a little vegetarian healing through food.

Great nomination Hellodali and a hearty second from me since I believe Uru-Swati is the best and most consistent vegetarian restaurant in Chicago. Ever since the first LTH dinner at Uru-Swati, I have returned countless times to experience the same heartwarming food and gracious service from the Chhabrias, and they have never missed a beat. The only difference I have noticed over the past year is that many others are discovering just how good Uru-Swati is, and that's fine . . . I'm willing to share.

Although most everything is wonderful, some of my favorites include the garlic naan, samosas, biryani, Mysore Masala Dosa, the khaman dhokla (chickpea cakes) with roasted serranos and the plate of sweets served at the last LTH dinner. Perhaps the best thing I can say is that Uru-Swati is a place where meat eaters can thoroughly enjoy a meal and never even realize that they did not have any meat. Great nomination Hellodali.

HelloDali,

I may be a do you think 30-racks of ribs are enough for 25-people kind of guy, but I've liked Uru-Swati each time I've been, from the first tentative toe-dipping lunch back in July '07 with Steve Z and Mike G, the full-on Fleurdesel organized LTHForum event to the terrific meal Ellen and I recently shared with you and my now married vegan niece and nephew and points in-between.

Breads are, as you say, terrific, pungent flavorful garlic naan, fun to eat paper masala dosa, and lightly griddled paratha, all delicious foils for the aggressively flavored well balanced food. Conscientious, friendly, informed service, comfortable physical space and reasonably priced. A solid GNR nomination, in fact it might be a good day for a "healing through food" lunch.

Paper Masala Dosa



Enjoy,
Gary

Turns out it was a good day for a "healing through food" lunch. Black lentil with rice, garlic naan, pepper pakora and a delicious, and fun to take pictures of, paper masala dosa. Terrific lunch and I feel healthier already.

Paper Masala Dosa



Enjoy,
Gary

I'll agree with Gary. Our lunch yesterday was exceptionally good. I'll happily support Uru-Swati as a GNR.

Someone please caption the above pic. I'm overwhelmed.

-ramon

"Look, someone put potatoes in the diggeredoo."

Very good - but something tells me the caption Ramon had in mind was a little more blue

I'm sure someone will come up with something - perhaps the attendees at Thursday's He-Man-Meat-Eater's lunch?

Trust me, blue thoughts filled my mind. But, I am trying to keep food a blue free zone - at least during this contentious red vs. blue Fall

So I went the impartial Australian route.

I await the He-Man response.

And now, back to your regularly scheduled delicious GNR nomination.

How's this?

"Gary's diggeredoo is stuffed like a dosa."

Wouldn't that make it a diggeredon't?

Here you go:

Paper. Masala. Dosa. Oh. My. God.

Why not? The Masala Dosa is pretty magical in my book.

Gary, was that a Paper Masala Dosa or were you just happy to see Steve?

Hiyo!

=R=

Hi,

I really like Uru-Swati from the Pani-Puri to the deluxe bahl puri to the paper masalas.

I went to an iftar break the fast meal during Ramadan earlier this month. No matter how full I may have felt, I had to stop by Uru-Swati for bhel puri to fill in the cracks.

I certainly endorse this as a GNR.

Regards,

I spoke up once in the original Uru-Swati thread and I figured I'd make my opinion known here as well.

I do not understand the love for this restaurant. I believe I am the lone dissenter.

Vegetarian Indian is one of my favorite cuisines. I crave it often. I've been to Uru-Swati on five separate occasions now, as recently as a few days ago. At best, my meals have been "ok". After our last meal, Cookie said to me on the ride home, "Can we please not go there anymore?" We're not going back. I'm done giving it chances.

The fried items all taste held and re-heated (many are often cold in the center when served). The rice is among the worst I've had on Devon. Across the board, the flavors are muted. On my last two visits, I poured achar over everything, just to bulk up the flavor.

Uru-Swati has a nice variety on the menu. The restaurant is clean and bright and friendly. It's very approachable. But there are far, far better examples of this style of food within a a couple blocks.

Best,
Michael

Michael,

While I disagree on Uru-Swati, I respect your palate and would like to know your suggestions for "better examples of this style" on Devon.

Enjoy,
Gary

Since my first visit in 2005, reported in this thread, I've found the food at Mysore Woodlands to be hearty, flavorful, and comforting. (They also allow BYOB, which Uru-Swati does not).

Mysore Woodlands
2548 W Devon Ave
(773) 338-8160

I have also enjoyed meals at Udupi palace in the past, but I haven't been there in at least two years.

Best,
Michael

Ooooh yes, I second (or quintuple or whatever we're on) this nomination. I love this place. I'm a big fan of their dosas, paneer bhurji and vegetable uttapam. Great vibe. And I don't think I've ever managed to spend more than about $12-15/person for tons of food.

Make that 2 voices in the wilderness, Michael....

PS. I was assuming that comments would be cut off at midnight tonight, but that does not seem to be the case, so let me just add that I agree with Michael's points. Plus, as our dinner at Uru-Swati progressed (this was one of the LTH group dinners), I began to feel like I was eating the same dish over and over and over--everything seemed to be spiced the same and prepared the same.... and a little went a long way....