INDIAN KITCHEN (PUNJABI DHABA) — Restaurant in Calumet Township

I recently visited Indian Kitchen (Punjabi Dhaba) at 5480 W 25th Ave in Gary, Indiana, and while it has its charms, the experience was ultimately disappointing and left me feeling unwell—enough to say I “died” there in the hyperbolic sense of a culinary letdown. The atmosphere was a major drawback. There was a noticeable mosquito issue, which made the space feel uncomfortable and uninviting. Service was equally off-putting: the person taking orders was abrupt and serious, with no smile or warmth—just a straightforward, almost interrogative “What do you want?” that left me feeling rushed and uneasy. On the food front, the Palak Paneer was a bright spot—tasty, flavorful, and a solid nod to authentic Punjabi tastes. However, the mixed vegetable paratha fell flat, tasting off and lacking the freshness and quality I’d hoped for. Pricing didn’t help matters; the portions felt small for the cost, making the overall value seem overpriced relative to the inconsistent quality. This spot might be fine for a one-time try if you’re craving the Palak Paneer, but it’s not a repeat destination for me. For a far better Punjabi experience in the Chicago area, head to Indian Dabbah—superior in taste, portions, pricing, and that genuine Punjab...

I'm giving the atmosphere 5 stars for its similitude to a true dhaba experience... or, at least, what I understand it to be. Fine dining, this is not. There is just one communal table under a tent, no running water in the outdoor sink, paper plates (compost-safe), and no restroom. But that's the point! Finding authentic Punjabi food in a gravel parking lot off a Gary backstreet, in the shadow of the fireworks store on one side and a pizza joint on the other, is the kind of "c'est la vie" experience you should be expecting.

The food was fantastic, especially given the relatively modest conditions under which it's prepared. The steady stream of Indian and local customers alike attests to this. Just like a Dhaba in India, watching people line up and depart with their plastic-bagged orders of steaming delicacies, you have to ponder their destination: is this just a five-minute pitstop on a grueling cross-country journey, or are they just five minutes from home?

Surely, this is the best (only?) Indian restaurant in Gary, Indiana... but it is also one of the best south of Chicago. I'm excited to try the other parts of their menu.

(Make sure to ask the chef to kick up the spice level - I'm...

06/23/2024. My son wanted to try Indian Kitchen, seeing he had read about it online. Went on a Sunday with my wife and son. Arrived at 10:50am. That's 10 minutes before they opened. Conveniently located off the 80/94 expressway. We were the first to arrive and first to place our order. I guess it didn't matter when we arrived or how early you place your order. We never received our order. We waited 1 1/2 hours. The young man taking orders never gave us an explanation as to the delay. And when asked about our food order, he stated, "It's almost ready". He had made the same statement to my son when he inquired. And if that wasn't enough, other customers arrived, ordered and received their food. There was large party that had arrived, appeared like family members in 5 different vehicles. They received their food and had arrived much later than my family. Can't rate the food as we never received an opportunity to do so. Very angry at their poorly managed business.. The workers didn't seem to care about my family. Will never go there again. So be warned, the wait...