shami kabob
bhabi's kitchen - Chicago, IL
the very best indo-pak restaurant in chicago.
Once a humble storefront, Bhabi's Kitchen has been swanked up to become one of the more pleasantly appointed Indo-Pak restaurants around Devon (prices have risen accordingly). Mr. Syed, the owner, is a genial presence; ask him what's good and he'll passionately regale you with a stream of talk for as long as you'll listen. This time around he recommended haleem, beef simmered for many hours with wheat and lentils and sprinkled with fried onions, an intriguing combination of flavors and textures. Butter chicken comes bathed in a mild tomato broth, toned down for less adventurous palates. There are a good number of vegetarian offerings here, among them biryani (also available in fish or meat renditions) and sarsoo ka sang, a puree of broccoli rabe sparkling with explosive ginger chunks. Syed orchestrates meals so that tastes won't blur; for instance, bagarey baigan, an eggplant dish, is cooked in a hummuslike sesame sauce also used in the fish curry, so we were advised not to order both together. Two of Bhabi's signature dishes, naan with onion, garlic, and green pepper or with pistachio and mixed fruit (almost a dessert), could make a meal all by themselves. Bhabi's Kitchen is BYOB, to keep spirits high and the bill down.
Rating: 
Would you eat here again? Yes
