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Standard India raises the bar Print E-mail
Written by and photos by VINCE GIANDONATO   
Monday, 06 November 2006
I have to admit, Indian Food is a weakness I acquired after being badgered by my lady friend to give it a try. A year later I am hooked and I can’t stop trying new Indian restaurants. One of the best spots to try out in Chicago is Standard India on Belmont, just off the redline stop. This Buffet Style hole in the wall is a prefect example of “ethnic” cuisine that won’t bust the budget or leave you wanting more.

Standard India
917 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, Ill.
(773) 929-1123
Hours: Lunch noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Monday; dinner 5-11 p.m. Wednesday through Monday; closed Tuesday
ATMOSPHERE

Well it’s…I don’t really know what it is to be honest, sort of an early '80s decorum mashed up with traditional Indian paintings and smells. Tables seat two and four, but they will mash a few together to make room for a larger party. It’s actually quite an acquired taste; the staff can come off as a bit moody to newcomers and it can get quite crowded. However, once you’ve realized that you’re there for the food, you’ll relax and they will get to know you by your third or fourth trip, making it seem more inviting.

CROWD

A nice mix of folks from the Lakeview neighborhood, gives this place a kind of hipness that it would have a harder time achieving in a less happening hood. The crowd tends to be a lot of college and grad school types (Filling up their stomachs while staying thrifty and trendy) but ‘Standard’ still manages to stay family friendly as I have always found people to very polite and courteous while dining there.

SPIRITS

It’s BYOB, but make sure to try their Mango Lassi. It’s a traditional beverage that is sort of a mango smoothie. It pairs perfectly with the spicy food.

GRUB

There’s plenty of food placed on their 12 foot buffet table, paired with salad, soup, endless amounts of Naan (flatbread, freshly baked too) There’s everything from Tandoori Chicken, to Chicken Tika Masala, Jasmine Rice, curried vegetables, saag aloo, Lamb Vindaloo, Jasmine Rice, and Indian desserts, just to name a few. It’s all phenomenal, and in endless supply. The best part is that it never tastes as if it’s been sitting out for hours, it’s all made fresh in their kitchen and placed out in smaller quantities.

PRICES

12-13 dollars a person will leave you absolutely stuff to the gills. Go hungry and bring a favorite beer or wine to compliment this fine meal. A big bonus is that you definitely won’t need to take a cab to or from, with transportation just steps away.

WHY IT'S UNIQUE

In the U.S., Good Indian Fare can tend to run on the pricey side, especially as our culture tends to flock towards restaurants that offer international specialties. Standard India brings quality and quantity together with reasonable prices, reminiscent of Brick Lane in London. Standard India will quickly become a standard for you.

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