Tucked away in Niles, on the outskirts of Chicago, is Himalayan Bar and Grill, a delicious and authentic Indian and Nepali restaurant that serves up excellent hospitality in addition to delicious, fresh food. As soon as you step into the warm inviting restaurant owner Kiran Byanjankar and his attentive staff make you feel as though you are eating in their own home.
With a customer base that is 80% vegetarian, the Himalayan is very experienced with creating quality vegetarian cuisine. Choose from authentic Indian, Nepali, and Indo-Chinese vegetarian dishes. (Many dishes are also vegan upon request and the restaurant intends to expand their menu more in the future to include some Southern Indian cuisine as well as more vegan dishes.) The friendly staff at the Himalayan is more than happy to take the time to explain the difference between the regional cuisines as well as provide recommendations for vegetarians who are in search of something different.
Spice up your vegetarian lifestyle by enjoying over 30 meat free selections including appetizers, entrees, bread, rice, and Tandoori. The use of spices varies between regions and the five main spices used in Indian cooking are: cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic and ginger. In Nepal, the cooking includes less oil and spices, no dairy, and utilizes more ginger.
Dinner at the Himalayan starts off with lentil crackers and homemade sauces that vary in degrees of heat. Try some Mist of Sahyadri wine from India or fresh mango juice (a full bar is also available) to keep your mouth from overheating. Vegetarian Momo makes an outstanding appetizer that is meant to be shared. Much like pot stickers, the deliciously spiced blend of potato and cabbage comes in steamed flour wraps and are fun to dip in the spicy or mild chili sauce. Ask the staff to help you choose between Indian and Nepali cuisine when ordering your food. I recommend the perfectly spiced Daal Makhani (black lentils simmered with spices), Farsi Bhaji (green beans cooked in fresh coconut sauce), and the Aloo Gobi (fresh cauliflower and potatoes sautéed in an herbed tomato sauce). Order some garlic Naan (bread), and peas Pulav (rice cooked with peas and saffron), to mix with your entrée for a flavorful and healthy meal.
Be sure to save a little room after your feast for dessert. Try traditional Indian specialties Gulab Jamun (fried golden balls made from homemade cottage cheese and served warm in rose syrup), or be adventurous and try the Falooda, which is the equivalent of a North American milkshake served with jelly, ice cream, and flavored with rose syrup.
If you are fan of Indian cuisine be sure to stop into Himalayan Restaurant and Bar where you will certainly be delighted by the fresh flavor of the different dishes. If you do not have experience with Indian or Nepali food, don’t feel intimidated by the spices or difficult-to-pronounce dishes, as the staff will ensure that you will be an expert in no time. Share your own opinions with them too if you can’t find a dish you love or if you have special dietary needs.
The Himalayan Restaurant and Bar
8265 Golf Road
Niles, IL 60714
P: (847) 324-4150
Or…
398 W. Armytrail Rd. #116
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
P: (630) 523-5100
Lunch Hours
Mon - Fri: 11.30pm - 2.30pm
Sat - Sun: 12.00pm - 3.00pm
Dinner Hours
Mon - Fri: 5.00pm - 10.00pm
Sat - Sun: 5.00pm - 10.00pm
Website: http://www.himalayanrestaurant.com/default.aspx
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-Online ordering and catering services available as well as gift certificates
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