Sri Ganesh Restuarant

In The News

Sri Ganesh Cuisine
By Chad Schlegelm
Tribune staff reporter
November 23, 2003

Rated : (3 out of 4 forks)

837 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombar
630-620-9175

Hours: Dinner: 5:30-10 p.m. Tues.-Sun., lunch buffet: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tues.-Fri., lunch: 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

Credit cards: A, D, DC, M, V
Noise factor: Conversation friendly

First impressions
This tidy spot is located in a nondescript suburban strip mall. On the night we visited, the front window was hung with lights in celebration of the holiday of Diwali.

On the plate
The expansive all-vegetarian menu features Northern and Southern Indian dishes. Dosai--giant, crispy crepes rolled around a variety of fillings--are a specialty and come in 13 varieties. Fifteen-plus Northern Indian-style curries include everything from chana masala (chickpeas and potatoes in a tomato sauce) and sag paneer (pureed spinach with chunks of unripened, mild white cheese) to the exotic-sounding banana curry. Another specialty is the thali platter, a 12-item dinner that includes breads, rasam (a spicy tomato-based soup with cilantro, tamarind and rice), an appetizer and two curries selected by the chef, and dessert, usually a variation of kheer (rice pudding). Dishes are served with any of five or six chutneys: tamarind-banana, cilantro, coconut, lentil and tomato.

At your service
The team of friendly guys that attended our table urged us to take our time--even though we showed up less than an hour before closing on a Friday night. Servers respectfully warned us when we ordered super-spicy dishes. And when our party of three ordered enough food to feed an army, they tried to talk us out of ordering more.

Second helpings
Popular starters included the rasam, a fiery tomato-based soup with rice and cilantro, and the Ganesh appetizer combination plate: papad (crisp flatbread), breaded and fried slices of eggplant, and fried potato and pea patties. The masala dosai sported a generous amount of its potato and onion filling. Chana masala (chickpeas and potatoes in a tomato sauce) was a top-notch version of the dish. Save room for dessert: The carrot halwa (shredded, sweetened carrots with cashews, peanuts and raisins) and the ras malai (cubes of paneer served in a goblet of cardamom-scented condensed milk) were both worth the extra calories.

Take a pass
The chef went a little overboard with the cardamom in the vegetable briyani rice, making it almost overwhelmingly perfumey. Also, skip the pesarat uthappam, veggie pancakes that looked just like the Western breakfast variety, only vivid green and studded with chopped veggies.

Thirst quenchers
In addition to the usual fountain drinks, you'll find a host of creamy beverages perfect for putting out fires: lassis (the chilled yogurt drink, available in mango, sweet and salty flavors), rose milk, mango shakes, mango juice and sweet coconut water served in the shell with a straw poked through the top. BYOB is allowed.

Price range
Appetizers, $1.95-$6.45; soups, $2.45-$2.95; breads and sides, $1-$4.95; entrees $4.45-$8.95;

lunch buffet, $6.95; desserts, $2.45-$3.45; beverages $1.25-$3.25.

Reviews are based on anonymous visits by Tribune Co. staff members.

The meals are paid for by the Tribune.

Ratings key: 4 forks, don't miss it; 3 forks, one of the best; 2 forks, very good; 1 fork, good

"REVIEW"

May 02, 2004
S W
La Grange , IL

This little storefront is the Indian restaurant you¿ve been looking for! The vegetarian food is extraordinary and affordable. The service is friendly at Sri Ganesh, unlike at many of its rivals in the west suburbs. We will be back again and again! The Web site, by the way, is www.sriganeshcuisine.com.

January 25, 2004
Lena Wegner
Lombard , IL

I can stop going in search for a great Indian restaurant. I found it right here at home! It is wonderful to enjoy such great food and service. I highly recommend it!

November 13, 2003
Joesph Mcelroy
Oakbrook , il

Sri Ganesh is a restaurant like no other. It offers people a chance to experience fine Indian dining right in their own back yard. Their master chefs prepare every meal right from scratch, giving you that "prepared from home" taste that is unrivaled. I highly recommend Sri Ganesh to anyone with a taste for delicious ethnic food. Whether your just stopping there for the appetizing lunch buffet or the superlative variety of authentic Indian cuisine, Sri Ganesh is definitely a place I would dine over and over again.

November 10, 2003
Samir Pandya
Addison, IL

I am a long time customer of this place and love it. The food is great and pretty consistent in delivering the same taste every time. I recommend this place to anyone who enjoys Indian Food.

November 09, 2003
Ravi Singh
Wheaton , IL

This is the best vegatarian indian restaurant in the suburbs. This is the only place that has food that is as good as my mothers cooking. The Samosa's are moist and tasty with homemade never old chutney. The dosa's are excellent , the only thing I don't like here are the paratha's they are not good, but I would eat here 5 days a week if needed.
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