Baba’s Village
310A S Canal St, Chicago, IL, 60606
Baba’s Village Menu
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Address :
310A S Canal St
Chicago, IL, 60606 - Phone (312) 880-0010
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 9:00pm
- Mon : 10:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Garage
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
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Egan V.
A veg/nonveg Indian place with a prominent vegan menu. They have stuff with pretend meats which tasted vaguely like Gardein to me. The flavors of the sauces was spicy and authentic. However many of the dishes are the protein with a thick sauce, and no other vegetables. I don't need it to be a hot salad, but I'd like a little something else than just the star of the meal. But like I said, it tasted great anyways. Also note that some of the dishes on the vegan menu have no equivalent on the nonveg menu. For example, there is a vegan methi 'chicken,' but there is not a methi chicken with the bird in it.. So if you order a vegan entrée and the receipt doesn't say "VEGAN CHICKEN" on it, it's probably okay. It's a small place, and gets busy during lunch rush. You will share a table with strangers if you sit at a large table. Also you need a code for the bathroom. There are no changing tables, but they do have high chairs if you can maneuver them. Parking is tight here, but possible on the street or in the adjacent public garage. All in all, worth a trip here, and if you work nearby you really need to get off your duff and try Baba's Village.
(4)Shambavi K.
6 coworkers went out for lunch this sunny day and all 6 of us were quite happy to come back again. We sat outside. We all got something different and we tried a few bites of one another's dishes. The chicken tikka masala is very tomato based and not spicy at all. If you do want spicy, the chili chicken has a good kick. I definitely ate some jalapeños in the dish. The onion naan looked amazing but I didn't try it. They even have chicken biryani (essentially Indian paella) which was not bad either :) . It's decent for what it is. Quick service Indian food with a good variety of items in the Loop. Sure come red curries are very red but it's still decent place to grab a meal. Even those who don't eat spicy foods found something on the menu....The restaurant obviously cooks to cater to Americans so dishes are generally prepared mild. The service was nice too.
(3)Patrick D.
This is a nifty little restaurant. It doesn't have the best ambiance but I live in the neighborhood and I've never had a bad meal here. Service can be a bit slow at times but hey, it's a small restaurant with a small staff. Cut 'em some slack. ;-) My usual is chicken vindaloo extra spicey with some naan. Pretty good stuff. Again if you're expecting the whole formal dining experience with subtle seasonings on everything this isn't your place. But if you're looking for some good, fresh, hot food served up in a reasonable amount of time, this is your place.
(4)Mike N.
Came during weekday lunch rush. Food takes a considerable amount of time to get out. My saag paneer tasted healthy... Not sure if that's a good thing. There was a lot of water instead of dense spinach. At least the basmati rice was good. Annoying that the price was 9.99 then with tax came to be 11.01 . Please make it 9.98 so I can pay an even eleven!
(3)Bheem A.
One of the best Chana Masala and Chapati combo I have had. Also, I was very hungry, so it may have accentuated the experience... frankly though, the quality is top and the price is right. Getting basics right is all this business is about. Go Baba!
(5)Mik S.
If you know good Indian, you'll be surprisingly disappointed.
(2)christine p.
We just got delivery from here and it's not edible I've never seen mahtar paneer look like this! Or taste like this ewww. I posted a pic. The chicken tikka masala is neon red must be food coloring . And the "shrimp" vindaloo had FOUR shrimp, should be called potato vindaloo. Definitely don't order from here. Indian garden or Jaipur are a thousand times better.
(1)Anon P.
For a late night delivery place in this part of town, I wasn't expecting much from an indian restaurant but this was a really pleasant surprise. Not only was the food hot and fresh, it was extremely flavorful and similar to food cooked at home dressed up a bit. The samosas were my favorite part, I'm pretty picky about samosas. A good combination of appropriately proportioned/spiced filling + a well made crust is a pretty rare find. This place has it down. Hands down the best samosas I've had in chicago thus far and I've tried all the infamous devon street places as well as the cabbie joints on clybourn. Very happy and will be ordering again!
(5)Umair N.
I really like this place for a quick bite to eat usually when I'm waiting for the Mega Bus or don't want anything in Union Station, I always enjoy what I get!
(5)Syeda B.
The chapli kabob is great, but the chili chicken is an easy pass. Those are the only items I have tried so far. Decent halal option if you are in the area. Portion size is generous.
(3)Hend S.
The 2 stars is for the masala sauce it was delicious even though I didn't like the chicken it was Undercooked and hard to chew I have ordered online and waited 1 hour and half and finally we discovered the phone number was wrong thats why the driver went back and when i called them they said you have to wait extra 60 minutes and repay the driver extra 3 dollars because he has been waiting for 30 minutes (i have been waiting for 2 hours ) :( so I decided to go and pick up my order which was cold chicken biryani with undercooked chicken breasts . Lastly I got diarrhea from the left over Looking food that i was waiting for it for 3 hours
(1)Mike B.
Excellent Southern Asian food from a place in a parking garage! Who would of thunk it. Just steps from Union station, this place is always packed for lunch and that is a very good sign of the kind of food they have to offer. The grilled chicken and chili chicken are great. The meat samosas are as well. I have also tried a few different naan's and each was delicious. Definitely worth trying if you're looking for a loop lunch spot.
(5)Adi K.
I did not even get a chance to have food here because we were totally ignored when we walked in. So we walk-in post the regular lunch hours and there was this guy behind the front desk with a phone to his ear (not even talking actually) who neither made eye contact nor acknowledged us (not even a smile?). For about 2 or 3 minutes we stood behind the front desk with that guy ignoring us and then decided to walk out. As we walked out we helped this senior lady who was trying to open the door with a large strolling bag of luggage. We moved her luggage out the 2nd door, this guy just watched us help the lady and walk out without any expression or response. We had our lunch at the well maintained corner cafe down the road. Good luck with your business you ****** !!
(2)K S.
I just discovered this place, and I love it! Extensive menu with many delicious vegan options. Tastes very authentic. Will be ordering from here frequently from now on!
(5)Jennie B.
Went to this place for some lunch during a training nearby. I ordered number 3 - chicken boti. After 10 minutes he finally calls my number and I get up there, and it's a 6 - chicken tenders. I'm like, "that's not what I ordered," so he huffs and goes back to the kitchen then comes out and says, "they ran out of chicken boti so they gave you chicken tenders. It's the same." It's not the same. Chicken boti is skewers with chicken and vegetables. Chicken tenders is dried out tandoori chicken strips. The rice was bland and the lettuce limp. On top of this, my samosa was cold - just off a plate sitting on the counter by an open door. I had to ask him to heat it up. This place is not worth $9 per plate.
(2)tim l.
I have just eaten some Chicken tikki masala from Baba's Village....some of the tastiest Indian food I have ever had!
(4)Smitha N.
I ordered chicken biryani, Rogan Gosht and bread. The food was really bad and definitely not Indian. The biryani was like rice mixed with powdered dry Indian spices and the meat was definitely not fresh. I can cook better
(1)Sai P.
I had Chicked biryani once and Chicken tikka the other time. Chicken Biryani was very good and chicken till was ok. They quantity that they serve is huge.
(4)Hasnat A.
I haven't tried many items here perhaps because I am satisfied with what I order every time I do go here; chapli kabobs. Mm Mmm they are so bangin'!
(4)Dean S.
Mmmmmmmmm chili chicken!
(4)Gino W.
When you have gone to India, the standard for preparation of Indian food is pretty much ingrained. And when you hear people say that cab drivers frequent a certain Indian eatery, you think authenticity. Hmm. While the food has a spicy kick to it, the authenticity is a bit Americanized. That's okay, but the palate may not be equally pleased with mere okay. I have had the chilli chicken that was spicy and tasteless: a bit of a conundrum considering you would think that two divergent tastes are impossible. The chana batura was a concoction of chickpeas in a hearty gravy, stew style, with batura that was done correctly. Baba's Village may be for a quick pick-up or for the late night crowd that wants something to stop the belly from growling. I am more of a fan of the hole-in-the-wall concept that I am fine dining. I thought Baba's Village was going to be a pleasant surprise. An Americanized or a light palate will perhaps appreciate the food better.
(3)Jeffrey P.
I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, the food is mostly bland has a generic taste. I normally play it safe and stick with the chicken tikka masala and naan-- you will definitely be full. The price here is reasonable and the staff is friendly.
(3)Matt D.
Manageable prices and meals that fill the stomach! This is a place I'll visit every other week :) My favorites on the non-veggie side are: 1,2,3,4,6,10 Be prepared for a bit of a wait if you go right at noon. If you go earlier or after 12:30pm, you should be alright!
(4)Aika C.
I love their food so much. First time I ordered food for delivery to my work. As I'm pregnant I wanted something special cooked and halal, not like fast food. Food was yammy!!! Chicken tikka masala with rice, naan and mango lassi. I have never tried before such yammy sauce! And the delivery guy, Hameed, was friendly too. Being honestly mango lassi was not as I expected. But still I liked the food
(5)Nahila A.
During a short visit to Chicago, I decided I had to go a Pakistani restaurant since I hadn't really been to one in a long time. I didn't have time to go to Devon Street, so I decided to check out this place by my hostel. I had a really satisfying meal and wish I had gone back! I got the Number 5, which was the Chapli Kabab plate, which included two huge patties of kabab, lots of white basmati rice, and salad. Chapli Kabab is a traditional northern Pakistani food and was one of my favorites growing up. The kabab was juicy and spicy and very meaty. I was in chapli kabab heaven. My friend who ate with me also loved the kabab. I also got some lassi and samosas. I wasn't paying attention and realized after trying the lassi that it was sweetened. I like my lassi plain unless it's mango lassi. The samosas were decent and would have been better if they were hot and fresh. The samosas were a little over a dollar, so I wasn't too upset. My friend got the malai kofta plate along with some naan. The kofta was out of this world: very smooth, creamy and flavorful. The naan was huge and soft and perfect for scooping up the gravy of the kofta. The place is clean and quiet and service was somewhat fast. The place is casual, and you give your order to someone at the cashier. Great prices and good food! Can't wait to try more dishes if I am ever back in the area.
(4)Anemone T.
vegan menu, soy shakes, late hours downtown.
(4)Tyler B.
I'm not an expert on Indian food. But I have been to my fair share of Indian restaurants. This place is right up there at the top. I always go with the grilled chicken. It's a huuge portion as well. This I one of my top loop lunch spots.
(4)Christine H.
Two things before I get into my review. Firstly, I have only ordered delivery from Baba's Village, so I can only speak on that. Secondly, even though it's just barely on the "south side" of Chicago, I will be adding it to my Sox-side Vegan list because they deliver to the south side. I have five criteria (well, now I do...) that I use when rating restaurants on their vegan-friendliness. Baba's Village does well in all areas though it is not a 100% vegan restaurant. However, 4/5 stars from me, is pretty darn good for a place that isn't 100% vegan. I really would give it 4.5 stars if yelp offered half stars. Anyway, here's what's great about Baba's Village. There is more than one choice for vegans in every course they offer, including dessert! They have soy milk shakes in different flavors! I usually get blueberry. The shake is not as thick as I like. They are more along the lines of a smoothie than a shake, but not overly sweet (like the Diner's can be). In fact, there's a section of the menu labeled "Vegan Delight." Yay! Also, when you include the delivery charge (it's a $10 minimum order for delivery through Grub Hub, btw), you get a good amount of food. I guess two starving people could finish an entree in one sitting, but it was enough to last me three meals. I tried the Baba's Special and the Murag Cholay. I don't remember what faux meat was in the Special, but the Murag Cholay included chickpeas and soy chicken. It's on the mild side. If your heat tolerance is masala, Murag Cholay works. The spices remind me of masala. Also, if you like gardein's faux meat, you'll like the analogues that they serve at Baba's Village. I don't know what brand it is, but it's similar in texture to gardein. Baba's Village lost a star from me because of Arya Bhavan. You see, Arya Bhavan is my fav Indo-Pak restaurant ever, so I (unfairly?) judge every other Indo-Pak restaurant based on them. Baba's Village is not quite as flavorful as Arya Bhavan's. And like I said earlier, I prefer a thicker shake. But again, comparing Baba's to a restaurant on Devon Avenue might be unfair. I still HIGHLY recommend it as a delivery option for vegans on the south side! Also, Grub Hub overestimated the delivery time. Baba's Village took less than 30 minutes to deliver to me in Pilsen. Super fast service!
(4)Kyle D.
Average is the best word to describe this place. The food is average, the atmosphere is plain, the service is minimal and wasn't crazy fast. Definitely a lunch spot and nothing else. The place is kind of a dive but at least it's clean. The food itself was decent, and the prices aren't terrible, but I was expecting a much spicier meal and the "side salad" was pretty lacking. The food took awhile to get out, thought I would have a 30 minute lunch and it took the full hour. Again, just average. Food: 6/10 Atmosphere: 4/10 Service: N/A
(2)Belle L.
Value for $. Compared to its sister restaurant, Baba's Palace on Chicago Avenue, Baba's Village is refine when it comes to granite tables, dishes with shrimps, similarly priced but slightly less food portion. Venue -- lots of seating on granite tables. Generally clean. Service -- minimalistic but always pleasant. Quick turn around of take out food.
(5)Alexis M.
I was super excited about all of the vegan options. Unfortunately, with the exception of the gobi paratha, I found everything underwhelming. It is very casual considering the prices, and they seemed unwilling to customize anything. I found my dish very sour, without too much depth of flavor. I did think my brother's soy-chicken jalafrazi was good. The samosas were fair. It wasn't horrible, and I would definitely go back if I were at Union Station and in a hurry, but I'd rather go a bit further to the Curry House if I want vegan south Asian food in the future.
(3)Prashant S.
I had the Chicken Makhani and Naan and it was really as good as it gets...and coming from an Indian..thats a high complement!! Portion size was huge, I could not finish it all. My friends tried the Chilli Chicken and really liked it as well.
(5)John L.
Good portions and good food. Went here for lunch and was very pleased with the selection. There is a very expansive list of Indian and Pakistani food. Price) Pretty reasonable. I got Chicken Makhani, Garlic Naan, rice and a Mango Lassi for around $10 Quality) Very good. Very tasty stuff. Quantity) You get a plate of rice and a big plate of what your entree. Atmosphere) Pretty bare, but more of the effort is spent on the food Staff) Busy running around, but very kind and cleans up the table for you If you're in the area, check it out.
(4)Ricardo V.
This review was based on our delivery, not dine in / carry out. After reading some of the other reviews my wife and I were a bit skeptical about ordering but we decided to give it a shot as we were craving Indian food. I am so glad that we did, we were delightfully surprised by the food. Our order came very quickly and everything was very hot and tasted fresh. We have had bad experiences in the past with food arriving luke warm or even cold but that was not the case with Babas. Everything we ordered was packed with flavor and the portions were awesome, especially for the price. We ended paying $25 for the food, delivery, and tip and still had leftovers. We will be ordering again. For more great food reviews from all over the world visit: 2views1life.com
(4)Joe B.
I had lunch here recently and found the food...uneventful. Indian food is mostly foreign to me, so I wanted to sample a few different items to get my culinary bearings. After waiting to place my order, then waiting longer to get my food, I was treated to bland offerings. There are enough lunch options in the area that you needn't subject yourself to such flavorless fare.
(2)Rinky N.
We ate here by default. We were in this part of town GPS'd vegetarian. f got the channa masala and a 2nd dish that was so bland and forgettable I don't remember what it was. Sad to say the flood was pretty tasteless except for the onion naan which was fresh and flavorful. We ordered at the counter struggling to read the menu on the wall. It wold have been helpful if the counter guy handed us one of the printed menus on the counter which we noticed midway through our meal Although we were the only ones in the restaurant counter guy just yelled at us it across the room when our food was ready. Would it have killed the guy to have brought it to our table? PLUSES Free validated parking during certain hours Clean bathrooms Reasonable prices Maybe the other dishes are better but we've been to dozens of Indian restaurants and this one we rank near the bottom
(2)Nancy H.
The first time I ate here, I returned the same week and ordered the same dish. I absolutely love the saag chicken! Most entrees come with white rice or plain naan for $7-8. The naan is a little different because it's fluffier with a crispy outer, but it does the job. I tried the garlic naan, onion naan, and the samosas too and enjoyed them all, although the plain naan seems to be more bread-y than the flavored naans, which are flat. Their vegetarian menu is as extensive as their non-vegetarian menu. Lots of options here, and I am looking forward to my next return to try something new, although I really love that saag chicken! Arrive early for lunch (before 11:45 AM) because it will take nearly 10 minutes to get your food. I suggest eating on their large outdoor patio if you have to go back to work because the aroma of the restaurant will stick to your clothes.
(5)Hina Q.
Amazing food. I really think that I have found one of the best places for Indian/Pakistani food. My wife and I walked in for lunch one fine day and we ordered whatever looked good to us. She ordered a dish and I ordered a dish. The price was so reasonable that I was totally surprised. The amount of food that they give is quite good. The next day we got take-out and the food was still great tasting. We tried different dishes and it tasted so home-made and good that I was left licking my fingers. The service is friendly and fast. They cook the food fresh so that's why it may take more than 5 minutes to come out, but at least you know it's fresh. Chicken Makhani (Butter Chicken) Frontier Chicken Malai Kofta Seekh Kabob (Chicken) Keema Naan (Ground beef Nan) Regular Naan Beef and Chicken Samosas All these dishes that we tried were delicious. Even the plain rice that come with the main dishes are cooked perfectly and are delicious basmati rice. A DEFINITE MUST EAT!!
(4)Evan S.
Ordered from here off of GrubHub. Took over an hour and a half to get my food (live 2 miles away) and my food was room temp by the time I got it. I called after an hour to check after about 45mins to get an estimate on the time, I was told to expect 5-10mins. I called a half hour later and they simply stopped picking up the phone. The food was not warm, very mediocre, and relatively overpriced. I can't say anything really good about my experience, except that it wasn't the worst tasting take-out I've ever had.
(1)Annem K.
Great service! So many authentic choices, and if you ask to make the food "Pakistani spicy" they will do it for you! Such an awesome joint for lunchtime in the loop :) try the chicken makhani !
(4)Cymen V.
I've had both good dishes (saag chicken) and not so good dishes (mutter paneer) here. The the mutter paneer was thin/watery without a strong fresh herb profile but missing in complexity and richness. I've had more good than bad but I'm not sure how often I want to chance new dishes. Sides of nan are nice and hot although their nan is really thick and not very airy. It gets really busy at peak lunch time and it can take 10-15 minutes to get your dish so order ahead or go off peak if you're in a rush.
(4)Kedar D.
Baba's Village is one of only five or six Indian restaurants nation-wide to offer vegan mockmeats. Thanks to Mercy For Animals for making this restaurant so vegan-friendly and unusual. I had a vegan chicken jalfrezi ($9.70 with tax). There were six other specifically vegan dishes in a separate section on the menu (Baba's also has a traditional Indian vegetarian section on the menu). It was basically a standard North Indian curry with mixed vegetables. Baba's doesn't offer brown rice so I settled for white. The food tasted okay and was more than edible, but didn't really stand out. Also, I'm not sure what type of vegan chicken they're using, but it wasn't that great---it was weirdly fluffy and chewy. It definitely wasn't Gardein or Morningstar, which have great textures. I would have preferred fried tofu over this "chicken." Next time I'll try their vegan beef option to see if that's better. The portion size of the food is really small considering the price. This meal won't be enough for left-overs and is only a single-serving. This restaurant caters to office workers, so it's more of a take-out joint or a quick-service place. It's not exactly atmospheric and I wouldn't come here with a date. At least the food is presented well, though. While they give you your order on a plastic cafeteria tray, the food is at least on proper ceramic plates, as opposed to styrofoam. This is a nice touch. All in all, Baba's Village is an above-average vegan-friendly option for downtown Chicago. That said, I think there's better Indian food to be had elsewhere in Chicago (Hema's Kitchen comes to mind).
(3)Ann Marie Z.
I live close by, so went ahead and tried this place after reading some very 'meh' reviews. I wanted some Indian food and live in the west loop. Jaipur is too expensive for what you get, and Mughal is just not that good. So, I went for Baba's. And honestly I probably won't eat here again. I got an order for pick up 7PM on a Monday. Chana Masala, a Saag Chicken dish, garlic naan, a veg paratha, and a samosa. Everything was a solid 'eh.' Chana Masala: The most flavorless chana masala i've ever had. It just tasted like plain, grainy chickpeas. I like chickpeas, so it wasn't NASTY nasty, just not very enjoyable. Saag Chicken: this was OK. Had a little more flavor than the chana masala, but nothing to write home about. Garlic naan: warm, but a bit hard. Gobi paratha: although the description says it was "stuffed" with cauliflower and spices, it was more like a few flakes of vegetable matter just happened to get stuck between the bread. It was soft and warm, though. They said it would be ten minutes until it was ready. By the time i got there about ten minutes later, they were finishing putting it together. So, points for accuracy there. The prices are good, but the food is really sub-par. Maybe I just ordered the wrong stuff.
(2)Christina M.
Baba's Village is located in the south west part of the loop and surprisingly offers a decent separate vegan menu. I can't remember the full name of the dish I got, but it was the Gobi dish with vegan 'beef'. Overall I thought it was decent, it wasn't mind blowing, but it's a place I can see myself eating during my lunch break. I'm interested in trying one of the vegan chicken dishes, I heard they were better. Overall, it's a good place for lunch.
(3)Shilpa S.
Great value for money and very convenient for lunch if you work in the loop! The service was good. The food is not as oily as many other Indian restaurants either!
(4)Rich W.
Baba's Village is next to Union Station and close to my work. So I was hoping it would be good. But alas it was not the case. I went with two coworkers (one Indian and one Pakistani - so I have reliable witnesses of what I'm about to describe). We got three dishes: chicken makhani, frontier chicken, and kerahi goshat. Chicken makhani had the standard creamy taste - best of the three but nothing to write home about. The other two dishes were completely underwhelming. Both were quite watered-down, leading to a very bland and nondescript flavor-profile. When you use the word "bland" to describe Desi food, you know something is wrong. Nan was fine, but rice was not. Lamb was cooked right, but the chicken was overcooked. Admittedly, the price point was quite low. And so the non-existent service and the hole-in-a-wall dining environment didn't bother me. But I couldn't get over the bad food. The food here was so watered-down it made Chutney Joe's seem authentic! Perhaps we hit it on a bad day, or maybe other dishes on the menu were more flavorful. But based on this experience, it is doubtful that I will ever return to find out.
(2)Candyce P.
Freshly made, authentic Indian/Pakistani food. This place is legit, and while the setup is quite casual (order at the counter, wait for your order, find a seat), the food is absolutely what you'd find cooking in traditional Indian kitchens. There are so many things I want to try from this place, but so far I've had the Aloo Paratha (light lunch), which turns out to be a huge paratha stuffed with a spicy potato mixture. Served with two sauces (mint yogurt and spicy "salsa"). I also had a Mango Lassi, which was good. It wasn't as creamy as I like it, but it was properly made with yogurt. Very filling. I will definitely go back!
(5)Andrew T.
I have heard tell of a quick Indian restaurant near the loop, and I guess I found it. I've had the chicken makhani, which is decent. It's more tomato-y than most I get (less cream, so a much tangier sauce) and comes with either basmahti or naan. The rice is plentiful and normal, and the naan is hot and fresh, but with quite a bit of oil (maybe ghee brushed on right before being served?) that's probably not necessary, since I'm just going to sop up the sauce with it. This definitely isn't the best Indian food I've ever had, but I don't know of a similar option in the loop (Roti doesn't count) so this will get return visits. The food is fine, and it's good for cold days in the winter. Unfortunately, it is a bit pricey (more than my unofficial $8 loop lunch limit), so it won't be a super frequent option.
(3)Audrey T.
Ever walk by a McDonald's and go "why can't other foods be fast?" They can. It's here. This place is perfect to swing into and out of within your slotted lunch time, while actually being able to have a seat, use real silverware, and eat off a real plate. My meal was indeed fast, but it could have been hotter temperature-wise as opposed to luke-warmish as it was. The naan is terrific though! I like things spicy and HOT, oh yes SO HOT you sniffle and have to wipe your brow, so next time I'm going to ask for the "spicy" version and see if that will make me see through time. Tip - go early or go late. Skip the lunch mob rule.
(4)Wayne B.
For a a cheap downtown Indian/Pakistani place, it's THE place... while I wish they used some better quality and healthier ingredients, you still get what you pay for and it's delicious...
(4)Michael G.
Allergy season is back in Chicago and I'm sort of about natural remedies (though not to the point where I don't use drugs, kids). One of the best remedies I've found for clogged sinuses is Indian food (spinach mixed with spices is brilliant). If I worked near Devon, I think I'd be a picture of health. But, I don't. Thankfully someone had the brilliant idea of opening an Indian fast food place next to Union Station - Baba's Village. So sometimes I can actually feel sinus better. Though less than I used to as they raised the prices. Sudafed is a cheaper remedy now. The idea of being able to go from entrance to exit with Indian food in under 10 minutes (except when there's a line out the door as there is every day between about 11:30 and 1:30) used to actually be more appealing than it is now. The quality of the food here has definitely decreased since it opened a few years ago. My favorite saag paneer now feels like goop served in a high school lunch line and the naan is often burned and dry (instead of soft and buttery like it used to be). Now I don't expect a fine dining experience (though as the prices are approaching double digits, it might be a little nicer), but somehow I feel like fast food Indian still shouldn't be in taste and texture something glopped out of giant vats either. The rice pudding they offer for desert is still heavenly though. There are actually around a dozen vegetarian choices (though the meat dishes look a little better put together with some TLC) which is a plus. Though, just a tip, the service kind of sucks and will not remind you that you have to take your own plasticware from the table near the back of the restaurant if you choose to do carry out (or even if you eat in, that's where the silverware lives). It's by no means unsatisfying (once the south Asians stop coming here, then there's a reason to worry), just not the go-to destination it used to be. And it will do the trick of clearing the sinuses every time!
(3)Sam Y.
Food is terrific. Probably not very convenient for most people but for where I was working.. it was perfect. Usually gets pretty crowded during lunch hour but otherwise it's really in and out. You can't get that sort of service at an Indian Restaurant anywhere. Chicken Makhani melts in your mouth. Naan is also very good. Outdoor patio is very relaxing in the summer time.... even it it's in front of a very stale and busy street, the tables are far away enough from the cars to not bother you when you're eating. I enjoy going here often, unfortunately, I do not work near there any longer. ;(
(4)Kelsey K.
I got the fish platter. It was talapia and boring talapia at that. The guy who sits next to me in the office raves about this place and "meh" pretty much describes it. It's fine for a lunch, but it's kinda pricey so take from that what you want... I'll probably go back because it's so close to work and my opinion might change with different food.
(2)Michael F.
Baba's Village may be the best spot for lunch in the Loop area. As mentioned by another review, the saag paneer is outstanding; the oddly named frontier chicken is also very good. I would recommend going with the naan instead of the rice. The food is very well spiced but not spicy and is perfectly balanced. There is also a good selection of vegetarian items. Though it can get crowded around noon, I don't think I waited more than five minutes and we found a table right away. The portions are generous and you should expect to pay around $8. The interior is nothing fancy but when the food is this good, that can easily be overlooked.
(5)Valerie S.
Baba's Village was a bit of a lucky find for me. Back in February, I was travelling via Megabus from Indianapolis to Des Moines, and ended up with a 6 hour 'layover' in Chicago. I tucked into Baba's Village for food and warmth, and was most pleasantly surprised. Since then, it has become a staple to every Megabus trip I take to/through Chicago. The employees of Baba's are always friendly and welcoming, and quick to serve. The menu is reasonable priced. But really, the food takes the cake. I absolutely love the Chicken curry, and it is by far the most flavorful and interesting Indian food I've had in America. For being such a small stop-in place, they do an amazing job of having a wide variety of foods, flavors and options. Previous reviews have complained about the naan, but I love it. Together with the saucey foods they serve, it is perfect. I would like more of it though, as one piece only usually lasts through about half the dish. I usually grab a dish take-away, and it all keeps well and flavorful through travel to where I'm headed. I'd highly recommend Baba's, and will continue to eat there. It is my favorite Indian food, and I feel like all together, that's definitely worth the stars.
(5)Lisa L.
Great little early lunch spot (or dinner, for that matter). Don't be put off by the fact that this place is housed in a parking garage, it's spotlessly clean, and the food is delicious. In addition to good eats, the different drinks that they have to offer are even more yummy. Everyone knows about the mango lassie, but there are also other tasty options - one in particular that has almonds, fennel and some other goodness that I can't remember the name of. Prices are really reasonable, and the portions are ample. Some days the line for this spot can be out the door, so make sure you go either before or after the peak of lunch traffic.
(3)Bens M.
Great food for a great price! Love the friendly service too! By far the best chilli chicken in the Loop! Must eat!
(5)Ellen B.
I really like this place. Don't be put off by the location. The food is solid, fast and affordable. The staff on the phone and at the counter is very friendly and helpful with suggestions. On my way home from work, it's easy to swing by and get great take-out.
(4)Melissa K.
Indian food is my favorite and this place does not cut it. I ordered the saag paneer and it was extremely salty. I couldn't hardly eat my dinner because of the salt, which was the only flavor coming through. Indian food is amazing because of the great seasoning and spice, not salt!!! My boyfriend ordered the chicken tikka masala, which is a pretty standard dish, but it was also bad. No spice or indian flavor - tasted just like chicken in tomato sauce. It's cheap, but not edible! Really disappointing.
(1)Roshni P.
This place is like Indian fast food. Not that great but not that bad either. The people that work there are pretty nice.
(3)Wesley T.
baba's village is rad - you order at the counter and get your food on a tray and I've never seen anyone that looks indian or pakistani working there but the food is great so I assume there's someone behind the scenes making it awesome - be wary of some of the upgrades - naan is like 1 dollar or something, but if you get garlic naan is like 4 dollars - that's where they get you! I believe this is more like north indian food (I'm not as much of an expert on the differences between north and south as I'd like to be) so it's usually rice with some sort of thick meat/vegetable gravy - think vindaloo, mutter paneer, etc. as opposed to thallies and dosai - each dish is more than enough food for 2 people and for 7-10 a plate, you can't go wrong
(4)Robyn T.
Yes, this Indian/Pakistani restaurant has been here for 3 years but somehow I'd never discovered it tucked away in a shopping complex on Canal. My friend had just asked if there were any good Indian places in the area too so it was a sign that we had to check it out. The prices were good; all entrees are under $9 and include naan or plain rice. There were even special platters that also include a salad. The woman at the checkout (not Indian) was not particularly helpful nor friendly and I definitely felt like I was keeping her away from doing something better with her time . The entrees looked like they'd be good (Mixed vegetables and chana masala) but gave me the "I've definitely tasted much better" feeling. Disappointing. My mango lassi though was decently good. I probably won't come back but it was fun to "discover" an Indian restaurant in a neighborhood I didn't think had any.
(2)Michael J.
Food is good. I got the Chicken Biryani. However, they lost points because the cashier was extremely rude. She didn't make eye contact once, she was reading a text or email on her tablet the whole time while taking my order. Considering they aren't the least expensive option for lunch downtown, this is enough for me to not go back.
(2)Leanne M.
Well, let me first say I can't stand spice. Not like can't stand- ew- but like can't stand it because my tummy no likey. That said- my food was not mild, so my review-ability is limited for this reason alone. But yes! 1. great hours for a loop spot! open till 9pm M-Th, and 10pm Friday! 2. FREE parking next door in the Union Station lot *up to an hour* 3. and a whole new VEGAN menu including vegan meat, bread, rice, and smoothies. The strawberry shake is my favorite. TIP: If you find the salon at their address, it's okay, keep walking (away from Dunkin Donuts) and pass the parking garage, it's on the other side. Welcome. Regular entrees are $6-7 each, vegan $8-9 each. smoothies $4.
(4)Michael S.
Do Pakis cook with MSG? I got the worst damn headache after I ate here. I felt just like I have sometimes after eating shitty Chinese food - the deadMSGgiveaway: pulsing temples. My lamb/chickpea/rice thing didn't taste like shitty Chinese food, but I felt like shit soon after. Oh, and if the menu hadn't said it was lamb, I couldn't have idenitified what I was eating to save my life. It could have been chuncks of any red meat under the sun. There was no way in hell to tell. It looked and tasted like generic beef, with spices and was stringy like I don't know what. Blech.
(2)Jas R.
Baba's is a place for a variety of Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Looking at the menu I would label the "variety" as limited. However I go there often more because its a 5 minute walk from where I stay. Chicken and lamb dishes are prepared mostly in thick gravy and these curries carry a strong sub-continental flavor. I prefer the mixing my order with the roasted kebabs or tandoori chicken. The best part about the food is the "bread". These folks serve the best of naans (breads), fluffy soft and large. Very Pakistani (different from what they have in India). Long with the breads, its the chilly sauces (white and red) that they offer with the food. The white one's my favorite because it has a creamy touch to it along with it being spicy. Beware before touching any of these. If you cannot stand chillies at all then this might end up freezing your pallet. My final verdict is that Baba's Village meets my expectation of a meal that I might want to have one in 2-3 months.
(3)Jessica C.
Although not completely the best Indian food I've ever encountered, I would definitely return to this restaurant for lunch or quick dinner. It's more or less what other Yelpers have said - Indian Fast Food. I had the Lamb Vindaloo with rice and I also ordered a samosa. Not exactly the spiciest vindaloo but my department intern had the Chicken Curry and it was pretty damn good (I naturally ate off her plate without asking). I would suggest getting a platter meal - comes with rice or naan. Pretty decent size portions as I was definitely full when I left and the rest of the afternoon. Check it out!
(3)Josh L.
This place is amazing. Vegan ginger chicken - I'm not even vegan but it's so good I've had it three times in the last week.
(5)A C.
This place is okay. Samosas are okay - good if they are fresh and HOT. You should ask for them made for you while you wait.
(3)Khadijah L.
PROS: - Halal, zabiha meat. Muslim friendly. - Vegetarian friendly - Vegan friendly - fast, close to the loop - clean - free parking - has outdoor seating when weather permits CONS: - Recent complaints of food poisoning (see review below, and also happened to a few co-workers) - A little on the stingy side with the protein serving (for the price) Note that Baba's Village is a fast food place, that serves primarily cabbies and people who work nearby and Union Station passerbys. Not a destination spot, but if you work within a 5-10 min walk, I'd say go for it. And maybe check recent reviews to see if there are any more food poisoning cases. I just went back there today for lunch. Still good!
(3)Kamil M.
FOOD POISONING WARNING! I experienced food poisoning after eating at this establishment on 1/8/2010. I blame the yogurt-based sauce that is not being kept refrigerated. I grabbed a bottle that was almost empty, so it might have been sitting out all day for all I know. Up to that point the food and prices were excellent, but now it's not worth the risk of getting sick! A little more attention on the part of the owners would have prevented my weekend from being ruined. Please be careful out there.
(1)Tiffany K.
must order blueberry soy milkshake with your meal- yummmmmo! it was my first time at baba's village. came here for lunch around 11:30am. since it was lunch time for all the loopers, i expected the restaurant to be busy but it wasn't even after noon. they have many different dishes on their menu and i like that it's a fast food type of service. order, wait for your number to get called, grab your tray and grab a seat. food doesn't take too long to make, we waited around 5 minutes. there are also plenty of seats inside and outside of the restaurant. prices are moderate around $5-9 per entree. the restaurant is pretty clean. there was a lady that was constantly cleaning tables and taking trays away for customers that were finished. i had the chili chicken meal that came with rice and salad. they gave a generous amount for my meal but my boyfriend ordered the lamb vindaloo and there were about 4 fairly small pieces of lamb. both entrees were good but if you're looking for a lot of meat, stay away from the vindaloo. =)
(3)Nikki G.
Prices are great, the atmosphere, well this place is next to union station, and kiddy korner from the old Main Post Office or Gotham Bank W/E so its main rush hour is lunch. I've been known to hit it up 2-3 times per week. Im an omnivore, this is actually indian -pakistani cuisine. I like the owner, good guy seems like he has integrity. Samosas are great, Chicken Tikka a must for those new to indian. Not a fan of chicken makhni here or anywhere it seems too greasy for me. Fish bake is good, Chicken tender (chicken tikka but breast meat instead of just chicken). Mango shake is great, but I didnt like the mango lassi, as it didnt have enough sugar for me. Keema Paratha is delicious so is the potato one, whose name I forgot once I discovered the meat one... or Paratha is good. You can choose either rice or naan as an accompaniment to most dishes. My favorite naan is called rogni naan which is basically a naan brushed with olive oil and sesame seeds. Yummy and antioxidant! So go for it if you do a rice dish. Definitely do a rice dish with the spicier, heavier dishes and then get the a naan on the side like say, the chili chicken here -- it is wild but...i digress my favorite dish here ... is the Frontier Gosht. You can be a glutton with a friend for about 30.00 average bill is about 10-13 per person. I need a shake and some tums but...its well worth it to me! I'm a believer in this place, I hope that they continue to create value for many years to come. My buddy was a vegetarian and indian actually and he loved the Chana Masala BTW he would eat i almost everyday for lunch if that helps. I've ate here probably more than 30 times. No food poisoning but then again,
(5)Pierre B.
The food is awesome. No need to hit fancy Indian spots - this is the real deal. I love the food there much more than Vermilion, for example, even though Vermilion will charge you $25 an entre instead of the $7 you will spend at Baba's. The only cloud in Baba's blue sky: their cash register lady: not in the least friendly.
(4)Lesley A.
I thought my friend was joking when she said we were going to eat at a fast-food Indian/Pakistani restaurant for dinner, but nope, Village Restaurant is indeed such a restaurant. And it's good! I stuffed myself silly eating at this place. All of the entrees are about $7, not including naan which is about $2-$3. I like how they serve specialty naan such as garlic naan, onion, rogni (olive oil and sesame seed), etc. For my entree, I ate the saag paneer (spinach with chunks of home made cheese & spices), which was by far, the spiciest saag paneer I've ever had! It was so...loaded...with flavor, and I had to wash it down with a mango lassi, two orders of naan, and a shardai. I wasn't kidding when I said I gorged on the food here, because I needed the naan and drinks to save me from crying! Granted, I'm a bit weak when it comes to spicy food. Either way...it all "hurt so good"! Now I have high expectations for Indian restaurants to serve me spicy saag paneer. I was also pleased that the mango lassi and shardai came in much bigger glasses than I am used to at other Indian restaurants. I LOVE mango lassi! I would like to come back here if only it weren't so far from a (safe) El stop. Otherwise, this place is accessible my Metra (Union Station), CTA bus, or the El Blue Line (Canal St. stop). I'll have to try coming here by car with hopes of getting parking validation.
(4)Taylor O.
It's all about minced meat kebab style baby. You're gambling with chicken and beef at these sorts of joints because they're sitting in a warmer after already being conservatively cooked well done and unless they're marinating in a slow cooker it will be too tough. Thus, try a Chicken Seekh Kebab #2 or a the beef variety and delight will flush across your tongue. The Seekh was fantastic; it was a whole lot spicier than I expected to my delight with a good red color and tiny carrots, onions and other vegetables throughout its juicy whole with red spice tinged and freshly grilled exterior.
(4)Double L.
This place had me leery because of the terrible experience we had at Baba's Kitchen up north, thankfully I don't believe they are related. If they are, then up north can learn a thing or two from this turn and burn Asian luncheonette in the Loop. Used to ride by in the morning on my bike and this placed sparked my interest as I could smell the curry even at 8 am, stopped back in one day around lunch time and the place was jammin'. Don't let the crowd scare you away, they run an efficient operation and your order comes out quick. Everything I have had there was fresh and had excellent flavor. Each special comes with rice or nan. I believe the specials are all under $10 which is a great deal for tasty fresh Indo/Pakistani grub in the loop. Their Malahi Kafta is some of the best I have had in the city. Their dishes are all nicely spiced even without asking for them to make it spicy. If you are in the West Loop area, enjoy a good curry and haven't check out Baba you are missing out. They even validate parking in the garage they are attached to. Although they mostly cater to the lunch crowd they are also open till 10 pm. It Takes A Village RrL
(4)Annette L.
I don't know much about Indian food, but in a pinch, this place works. I crave it pretty hard core, but usually feel a little sick afterwards. Might be the naan expanding in my stomach. Skip the samosas (at least the ones that have been sitting out for a while). They were not so good.
(3)Mike N.
Who would have guessed that an Indian place located in a parking lot would have such above par food. I wouldn't go and say that this place is fantastic by any means, but for $8, you can get yourself a sizable and quite pleasant tasting meal. There's also outdoor seating which has it's ups and downs. On one hand, it's nice to be outside during the summer months of Chicago. On the other hand, because if its vicinity to union station and the mega-bus stop, there are also a bunch of vagabonds that sit outside with you. Overall it's worth it to enter it into your south western loop lunch location rotation.
(4)Tom S.
A gem in the neighborhood Surprising! A real eye-opener. The food is absolutely wonderful and you can't beat the prices
(4)isha a.
I was really excited about a Desi place in downtown. *Sigh after dining in here, I was reminded why I love Devon Food so much. Highly disappointed! Pakistani cuisine is very diverse. Depending upon the region and the people it has evolved from what we carried from India. However, Pakistani food still carries a blend of our Eastern neighbors. Coming back to Baba's village, I was confused about what I was eating, Indian or Pakistani? (Yes it was that bad) I understand (and appreciate) the complexity of Desi food. However, I don't have a high opinion of people who think they can start a restaurant based on an entire cuisine when they (for lack of a better word) fail miserably at it. Especially in a diverse culture as Chicago, because it's a poor representation and deprives people of how good the real thing actually is! Why am I so upset? I ordered "Frontier Gosht" and what I got was meat fried/cooked separately and mixed with pizza sauce! No Baba's Village that is NOT what frontier gosht looks/tastes like. I'm pretty sure you can google the right recipe. Please do, it's free and won't cost your BUSINESS anything! Hey, I'll even drop by to GIVE you the recipe! I was visiting with a Hindu friend who is strictly vegetarian and even they noticed the meat "looked funny". I left without eating and told the waitress what I thought about their food. Ummm she didn't understand English that well and I don't know any Spanish, so..... So yes, I'm telling people to steer clear!
(1)Bill M.
This nondescript little restaurant is not to be confused with the venerable Italian Village - this so-called Village is Indian/Pakistani. Since it is on the ground floor of a downtown parking garage, it is very easy to miss it. If you walk by this place around 5PM, it looks suspiciously deserted. However, it draws a very peak lunchtime crowd so be ready to grab a table if one opens up. The menu has some of the items pictured on the wall. I ate the chicken biryani, which has chicken chunks in a bed of basmati rice. As you would hope, this entree has a bit of a peppery kick, but it is balanced by bland piles of salad and vegetables. The chana masala looks like egg foo young, as they are large and tasty flat patties of chick peas, but again sided with the so-so veggies. If you're a veggie fan try the sag paneer, with spinach and chunks of cheese. The mango shake was good but not great, and the menu has enough interesting choices for me to make a return visit.
(4)Ernie C.
Just a forewarning, the dining area is small and it gets packed at lunchtime. I love this little indian restaurant located across from Union Station, they have the best indian food in the city. For months, I sampled many dishes, but the one that reigns supreme is the Chilli Chicken. It is extremely spicy, but oh so flavorful. If spicy is not your thing, try the chicken biryani. Order the onion naan with your dish, you won't regret it. Prices are reasonable and so thankful that it is in the west loop.
(5)Amya S.
The prices are decent in comparison but I think that's because the amount of food that is served is about half of what portion size is at most other restaurants. The amount of chicken I received with my order was pathetic and about 25% of that "chicken" was fat. The sauce was much thinner that I am used to and contained too much cream, but it did have a good flavor and I used my naan to sop a lot of it up. The samosa was heavy and the outside was rock hard. I was disappointed and can't think of any reason to come back.
(2)julie p.
Indian in the Loop! Hooray! Don't let the first-floor-of-a-parking-garage location turn you off- this granite-tabled take out and cafe really is good. Village has been open since mid-summer, and I've visited weekly and had great food. After about a month of struggling, they finally got the service down. You order, then pick up when your number's called. It usually takes about 5min. The naan is baked to order, so if you're in a hurry, order rice instead. The menu is both veg and non-veg, with one beef dish available (hence the "and Pakistani.") The chana masala is spiced a little different than I'm used to, but it's still wonderful, and the chick peas are soft and tasty. The saag paneer was a little bland for my taste, so order spicy if you want it. The lassi "shakes" aren't really any good- I'd recommend against them here. The samosas are veg, very complex flavored and tasty, and just $.85. Only the "special" plates come with veggies or anything on the side- the normal entrees come just entree and rice or naan. Call ahead for take out. Free refills on sodas. They don't sell alcohol but had no problem with it when we brought our own.
(4)Valery S.
There is nothing good about this place besides the free WiFi. Food is overpriced, bland and watery. The naan is thick and gooey, the meal itself is basically a mildly spicy soup with a few chunks of veggies and peas, lots of peas. I gave it a second chance two years later, and it still sucks.
(1)Jen T.
This is some pretty solid Indian food. They stand out because they have an awesome vegan menu with fake meat options, which I've never seen before. Not my favorite naan ever, but i'm picky about it!
(4)Sara V.
Too expensive for nothing special and AWFUL chai. I should have walked out after that first sip of chai. When I go to an Indian or Pakistani restaurant I at least expect somewhat flavorful, if not shockingly sweet, chai. It doesn't have to be on par with the native stuff, but it does have to be recognizably different from regular English Breakfast. This wasn't even recognizably tea. It was bitter and I could only choke it down after adding a large amount of sugar. I don't even like sugary tea but adding half the sugar canister was the only way I could get my money's worth. Did I say I should have left after the chai? Perhaps I should have left after my total came to 9 dollars. For a plate of dahl, a paratha and a small chai. Waay too expensive. And the man at the counter wouldn't let me just pay the 1 dollar difference between the included naan and the paratha I wanted. I could have taken his characteristic stubbornness if the meal had been worth it. But it wasn't. It wasn't bad it just wasn't fabulous and it certainly wasn't worth 9 dollars. I make better dahl and mine costs 2.49 a BAG. Plus the paratha was thick. Not a good sign. I'd been envisioning a big steaming bowl of dahl and a nice thin, slightly crispy paratha. Instead I got a plate of so-so, badly seasoned dahl and thick, doughy, heavy paratha. I was sooo excited when I found out about this place because I live too far away from Devon to make frequent enough trips. The prospect of a place not only in the Loop but a block and a half away had me squirming inappropriately in my seat. But I was dissappointed. Completely. Not going back unless its to get a quick lunchtime samosa or two, about the only thing on the menu I can't imagine they can screw up. If you have money to burn then go ahead, but if you want the good stuff, suck it up like me and head up North to where its at.
(2)Josh S.
The best way to describe lunch here is; disappointed. The only thing that is actually good and worth the price is the naan bread. The vegetarian lunch had no vegetables, save for some canned peas, cost $7 for .50 cents worth of sauce and rice, and made my stomach hurt.
(1)A M.
This place is not good. I'm not an expert, but I've had good, decently-priced Indian many times -- and this was not it. The malai kofta tasted like tomato soup and the mutter paneer was watery and tasteless. I know it's hard to find good food in the Loop, especially for dinner, but I was sorely disappointed with this place, especially since at this same price I've had really good Indian/Pakistani dishes.
(2)Amy W.
I am so glad to have a very decent Indian restaurant close to where I work! They have a nice selection of vegetarian plates and everything I have ordered here has been excellent - makhni, paneers, chana masala, samosas, naan, etc. They recently added gajar halwa as a dessert item to their menu. It's a carrot-based dessert and is soooo good. (Don't worry, it's not healthy.) Their portions are huge so if you are hungry, this is the place to eat! Get there early for weekday lunch as the tables fill up quickly. The good news is they have people clearing the tables for a quick turnover. Recommended!
(4)David K.
Not much to say other than: bland.
(2)Rahul S.
I can't believe it's taken me so long to hear about this place!! Considering the highly mediocre Indian Express is the only other Indian food joint in the Loop, I was pretty excited to try this out (despite the slightly inconvenient location just outside of the Loop). I was surprised at how clean it was inside for an Indian/Pakistani quick serve restaurant. It's relatively small and the seats fill up pretty quick during lunch, so try to get there a little early or after 1. I ordered the chilli chicken platter which comes w/ rice. I decided to substitute the rice for naan bread. Food is made to order, and it was quite a monstrous serving. The chicken was tender and pretty flavorful w/o being intensely spicy. The naan bread was soft and very nice. The menu is very diverse w/ a plethora of meat options (chicken, beef, fish, shrimp, goat) as well as a number of vegetarian options which is pretty nice. Next time I definitely want to try the frontier chicken, chicken cholay (cooked w/ chick peas & spices), and biryani (rice cooked w/ meat, herbs, & spices). Prices are extremely reasonable considering the quantity of food, w/ virtually everything on the menu being under $7. Overall a great place for authentic Indian/Pakistani. Don't mind the walk, you'll need the extra few minutes to walk off all the food!
(4)Tara M.
I would have given it two stars, but because it is the only Indian option in this part of the Loop, I'll give it an extra star by default. And considering that Indian food is generally a little more expensive, the meal was reasonably priced. I had the chicken makhani with rice and a side of naan--the same thing I order nearly every time I eat Indian food (which is pretty much weekly). I could have gone without peas in the rice, but no big deal. The chicken was decent, but the sauce was really runny and greasy. Though I must say, the excess grease was a great cure for my Friday morning hangover. The naan was definitely not handmade, and had pretty much the taste, shape and consistency of a cleverly disguised flour tortilla. The restaurant is very clean though, unlike its disgusting cousin Baba Palace, which might as well be called Homeless Palace. Will I go back? Nope--next time I'll just wait until dinner and order from Indian Garden on Ontario.
(3)Ritu W.
To start with, this place is expensive & there are better & less expensive food options around. I have only been there twice in past 2 years. The economic parking deal offered is an great bait to dine-in & then move around the downtown. Lastly, food is great but portions are not.
(3)Joel T.
I wanted a curry and Yelp dug up a list of nearby. The Village (aka Baba's Village) had good reviews and was two blocks away. Now I wish I would find myself in this part of downtown at lunchtime more often. My Malai Kofta was just delicious; fresh, tangy, hearty, just a little peppery. I also got a side of onion naan, which was also good. I took home a takeout menu so i can research the other types of naan, as well as the other meals. My experience with Indian food is mostly weekend buffets on Devon where only Saag Paneer doesn't blind all my senses with spice overkill. Come to think of it, the Indian meals I've eaten in NYC have all been terrific and the Village reminds me of those. If I worked nearby more often, I'd be a regular.
(4)Elle F.
PROS - Tasty but runs a little on the spicy side, which I love but others have not. - Staff is pretty nice and willing to accommodate my weird allergy requests. CONS - Line is always long and it takes awhile to get your food. - Not that cheap. I don't know why other yelpers think it is. - Impossible to get a seat during lunch.
(3)MC H.
Went there recently. Their food is so bland, it hurts. No flavor in anything they serve, the taste is atrocious. Chicken is undercooked, the saag (spinach) looks like goo. And as mentioned before, I think there's MSG in the food. I get headache's too. I prefer spending a bit extra and going to Chutney Joe's now.
(1)Beth M.
Good for something different on the go. I got the Cholay Goshat, which is lamb and chickpeas in Indian spices. Very good, has a little bit of bite to it. Prices were as expected. It's well prepares food with fresh ingredients. You get what you pay for.
(4)Bernard Y.
I'd eat Indian food everyday except I'd start smelling like my coworkers. This spot is your only Indian/pakistani restaurant that's right in the downtown financial district area. it's the only place that I can find food that's walking distance from my apartment in Chicago when I'm staying there. I've been to this place so many times for lunch and dinner and I never ever tried those plate dishes. I usually get the chicken curry and saag paneer with a few chapati, naan, and parantha. I love paratha so much. Probably because it's heckuva lot oilier than the other breads and I especially love Lachcha Parantha, but not ever restaurant carries those delicious bundles of oily bread. I'm Chinese and there's an onion pancake that Chinese people eat for breakfast, which is pan fried and when fresh off the pan the oil glistens in the sun in all its glory and you just want to dive right in and take a huge bite. Then I wake up realize it was all a dream. Damn foodie dreams. Anyhow, the curries are good. I love lentils, but the lentil curry is way too soupy for me and it doesn't carry out well. It's good though. For a downtown Indian place it's the cheapest compared to the other restaurants on the north side. I'll rate those when I get a chance. For dessert I get that carrot dessert thing, which is good, but man i wish I had a glass of milk to wash it down with because through my days of eating Indian food their desserts are always hit with me diabetes sweet. I'm usually too stuffed to eat dessert most of the time. There is another milky drink that I had is garnished with crushed pistachios, which is pretty good too. Do stay clear if you're lactose intolerant.
(4)Anthony N.
Awful. The frontier chicken was flavorless, tough, and consisted of only chicken and the flavorless sauce (no peas or other vegetables as advertised. Naan was cold and rubbery (almost couldn't rip it apart, it was so tough). Maybe it was a bad day but I'm baffled by all the positive reviews. First and only time I'll eat here.
(1)Erin C.
I really like this place. it doesn't have a lot of atmosphere, but it's cheap and delicious! real indian people eat here regularly, so i promise it's good!
(4)meg g.
I could eat Indian food everyday. It's a good thing Baba's Village is a nice long walk from my office because I cleaned my plate, Butter Chicken (# 4), and helped Erik eat his garlic nan. Burp.
(4)Katie B.
Three stars - two for "Indian" food that was better than no food at all. One extra star because it is the only thing close enough to a decent curry in the loop and for the samosa was actually pretty awesome... but there's no chicken tikka masala on the menu!! they suggested chicken makhni, but I went for the vegetable makhni instead. The portions don't justify the price - meaning for a $12 take-out lunch the portions are not large. This could be due to my preferences for Indian food - I like to have a curry with rice, naan, and a samosa, which can jack up the price at any joint. I miss being closer to KO in the north loop but I may try IE soon.
(3)Jatin R.
A little place in the heart of downtown Chicago that serves pretty tasty Indo-Pak cuisines. I have been to Baba's village twice now and have been content with the food. The curries and the kebabs' are really good here. I would also recommend the gobi paranthas (bread) which is very tasty. Its a bit spicy when compared to other Indian restaurants but that probably just adds to the taste. What I don't like about the place is that its very small and it has to be a wait to get through to a table to sit down and eat. Its a bit expensive when compared to other indian restaurants up-north but keeping in mind that its in downtown, I guess its expected. Overall, a good and convenient place in downtown to have a nice indian lunch.
(3)Abby T.
Pretty good for my first time having Indian food. I hear it gets really packed during the lunch hour. Expect to wait at least 7 minutes for your food. Portions are plentiful and so is seating. But I would DEFINITELY suggest coming after the lunch rush. :)
(4)Jeremy M.
Lunch counter Indo-Pakistani food. Just like home-cooked (by a bachelor). The tables are nice granite, but they leave the heat off all night and the tables will suck all of the heat from your soul. I have a litmus test for a good restaurant, and it is good bread made on site. I never saw the tandoor, but the cook rolling out the naan dough can be seen from the counter. Order your food, take a number, and wait for your short order Indian/Pakistani food. The taste seems to vary a lot from day to day. I think the meats are cooked in a pressure cooker: the spices aren't incorporated, but for less than $10 you also get a fresh naan. Tara should go a little easier on the Mexicans who made the naan: Mexicans dominate the kitchens of almost every lunch counter in Chicago. Want non-Mexican line cooks: pay $5+ more at least. I like fresh flour tortillas too, so maybe I'm just a sucker for warm bread. Mmmm warm bread.
(3)Bryant C.
I just got back from my lunch. I thought it was good and will be going back for lunch again. It may be because of the lack of different places to go around work, but when I want something a little different I will step in. I had the chicken biryani. It had a ton of chicken and was spiced up nicely. It came with a side salad that I put a yogurt dressing on. Oh, and I didn't have any but they had like 12 different kinds of naan.... I love naan. I will be back to try more.
(3)Gina G.
The food here is fantastic, and the portions are always ample. Try the Saag Paneer - my fave. Good work on the spices/flavors, and they don't skimp on the homemade cheese. I always get my food to go, since i just buy lunch while at work. The dining room is a bit train-stop spartan, but seems to attract a steady crowd of younger indian professionals. The wait can be long around lunch, depending on what you order. However, they wrap the stuff up right so I never get back to the office with a soggy bag. Worth walking an extra couple blocks.
(4)Ron M.
If you were walking by, you just might miss this place unless you looked for it. If you do wander by, stop in for some pretty good Indian/Pakistani food. The prices are very very reasonable. I've had a few dishes so I can't speak for the whole menu but the chili chicken is some of the spiciest I've ever had (and that is a good thing). The chicken makhni was very tasty and spiced just enough and the chicken saag was great. The atmosphere is very very casual. Heck you might think you are in a fast food joint. I've had better naan but it wasn't bad. The food was fast and well worth the price.
(3)preeti b.
Love this place! The prices are great and the food is fresh and delicious...decent variety of vegetarian options too! Great west loop location is an added plus. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area.
(4)maggie d.
I got the Chicken Makhani and it was basically tomato soup with 5 chunks of chicken in it. They seriously watered down the sauce. Moreover, the chicken was overcooked and very tough with small bones in one of the chunks. I nearly choked. This is supposed to be a boneless dish. I don't think this compares well to other Indian food places and I will not be going back.
(1)johnny b.
vindaloo was bearly edible.... doubt I'll be back.
(2)jenny m.
I am wondering if this place changed hands in the last few months. Because the first couple of times I ate here - I loved the food. The last few times I've eaten here - not so much. One word - bland. The few dishes I've tried, I have the same complaint with them all - they lack spices. And I don't mean spicy as in hot...I mean spices, seasoning. Where is it?! Indian cooking is all about the spices and when it's missing, boy can you tell. The mutter paneer and the malai kofta tasted the same - like canned tomato sauce. I have even gone back and retried the dishes, thinking maybe I had gotten them on an off-day for the cook, but no luck. I am truly disappointed the quality of the food seems to have gone downhill here. I may give it one more try and get something that is not tomato based and see if it fairs any better.....but the veggie dishes I've tried - probably about the saddest tasting indian food I've had.
(2)jaime m.
this spot is waaaay better than hemmas kitchen to me.. yep I said it!.. the only reason I took one star off is because during my first trip here , the "young lady" who took my order didnt have common sense enough to put her cell phone down and stop talking whiles she was getting my order.. I just think that sh!t is rude as hell.. all of that aside. this is a cool lil spot for lunch or a quick dinner before youhead home if u dont feel like cooking.I ordered the #4 which is the chiken Makhni.. it is pretty much bonelss like it advertises unlike hennas kitchen ( whos dish was basically a chicken graveyard W/ a crap load of f'n nasty ass bones & chicken ankels an grissle). The food was really good , spiced just right ..perfect sized pieces of shredded chicken v/s the small chicken scraps that were in hemas.. the samosas are so damn good.. even though I wish they had the sweet chutney.... if u work of live down town, def check it out.. the garlic naan is the ish too... as I rub my belly ;)
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