Chicago 🇮🇳 | Unphotogenic but Worth a Second Visit

After trying the Indian gem café Swadesi last week, this week my friends and I checked out the South Indian restaurant Thattu, recommended by an Indian neighbor of my American coworker. Expectations were high—and happily, the meal exceeded them! Some dishes were just okay, but others were so good we’re already planning to return. Parking is available one block away (a bit hidden but you’ll find it). 🍡 Kappa Bonda – Must-order starter! Crispy fried tapioca balls—like Indian-style fritters. The pickled radish on top adds a tangy-sweet punch. 🍗 Fried Chicken – Popular on social media, but just decent for me. 🍖 Pork Ribs – Also widely recommended, but ribs were bony with less meat. I prefer meatier American-style BBQ ribs. 🍛 Chicken Curry – Recommended! Spicy (pleasantly hot for a Wuhan native!). Served with unique rice cakes. Their famous Kadala Curry (chickpea) might be more iconic, but we skipped it since we’re not big chickpea fans. 🥬 Seasonal Vegetables – Recommended! Distinct turmeric flavor. 🐮 Beef + Porotta – Recommended! Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with flaky Indian flatbread—not overly oily. 🦐 Chemmeen & Kappa Fried Prawns – Added later since portions are small. Recommended—topped with crispy fried onions. 🍧 Naadan Falooda – Indian parfait! The photo doesn’t do it justice—layers of mango milkshake, lychee, and more. So good we ordered two for four people! 🇮🇳 Next time: Want to try Biriyani (spiced rice dish), Meen Pollichathu (steamed fish in banana leaf), and Mushroom Mezhukkupuratti (stir-fried veggies). Most Indian food in the U.S. is North Indian—so a South Indian spot recommended by locals is a real find! #StudentEats #FoodieAdventures #CurryLover #RestaurantWorthRevisiting #GlobalCuisine