Superkhana International - Chicago
Superkhana International represents the n
ext step in the evolution of Indian-American cuisine in Chicago, a clear break with the more traditional offerings on Devon Avenue.
Owned in part by Jason Hammel of Lula and Marisol, and with co-owners and chefs Yoshi Yamada and Zeeshan Shah (both formerly of Bombay Breakdown) in the kitchen, Superkhana international is turning out unusual dishes that draw on powerful Indian traditions but are open to innovation. This may come as a welcome change to those who may be just a little weary of delicious, though very standard, Indian favorites like tandoori chicken and sag paneer.
Superkhana International represents the next step in the evolution of Indian-American cuisine in Chicago, a clear break with the more traditional offerings on Devon Avenue.
Owned in part by Jason Hammel of Lula and Marisol, and with co-owners and chefs Yoshi Yamada and Zeeshan Shah (both formerly of Bombay Breakdown) in the kitchen, Superkhana international is turning out unusual dishes that draw on powerful Indian traditions but are open to innovation. This may come as a welcome change to those who may be just a little weary of delicious, though very standard, Indian favorites like tandoori chicken and sag paneer.
So, what does Superkhana International serve that’s so ground-breaking? A lot.
The Korma Meatball Pizza is a rare example of Indian-Italian fusion, a pie mounted with korma, a blend of either vegetables or meat, braised in yogurt or cream, and carrying a pleasing load of spice. Also reflecting Indian and Italian roots is the butter chicken calzone.
Chili Cheese Naan is an even more rare blend of Tex-Mex and Indian culinary traditions, with the familiar cheese and green chili peppers floating on top of an Indian flatbread.
Of course, there are…tacos, and Superkhana’s tacos contain sardines, pickled peppers and achaar aioli.
Working within a pan-Indian framework that virtually ensures that every region of this vast country will at some point be reflected on the menu, Superkhana International also features some traditional dishes you simply may never have seen in other Indian restaurants. Vada Pao, for instance, is a deep-fried potato dumpling on a bun with chutney, an Indian favorite you should really try.
Superkhana International is also featuring a beverage program that takes a step beyond the usual offerings at many of Chicago’s venerable Indian restaurants. For instance, there will be cider, beer and champagne…and although there are only two cocktails, they are doozies: a G&T that contains mostly greens including cucumber, snap peas, basil and mint, and an Old Fashioned made with ghee-washed bourbon.
Superkhana is one of the more interesting new restaurants to hit the city, and it joins a growing list of those (like Rooh on Randolph) that are part of what some are calling an Indian Renaissance. It’s a good time to be alive and eating Indian food in Chicago.
