indian - "replacement" for hema's

I have always been a big fan of Hema's. we had a pretty lousy meal there yesterday, and it seems that the last couple of meals were ok but not stellar. can anybody suggest a replacement - honestly, i'd like to find something just like hema's 10 years ago - hyderabadi food, authentic, non-veg. I lived in india for 3 years, so the authentic is really important to me with indian food.

any suggestions ? thanks !

What do you think of Hyderbad House?

Hema's was my first foray into Indian Food. I remember waiting for a table at the one (Oakton?) when the place was packed, and just dying to get a table to try some of what smelled so freekin' good. Hema and sister both came to our table after a few of us told the server that we didn't know much about Indian food. The sister asked me what I knew of Indian Food, and I said, "I LOVE coconut milk curry, and things that are HOT."
She laughed out loud, and said, I will feed you Indian Food tonight. You are talking about Thai Food." Samosas, greens, dals, and chicken dishes ensued, all were outstanding to my uninformed palate, and I became an instant fan.

Go to Khan BBQ.
Soon.
Then try out Ghareeb Nawaz do get down and dirty with it.

ETA, I'm not familiar with the Hyderbaadi region of foods, apologies. Hyderbaad House seems like it should be up your alley, if they stay authentic to the style? I was just stating that Hema's was decent back in the day, but Khan is better than Hema's used to be, in general, imo.

thanks - its sort of funny, I got the same suggestions from friends from other places, khan bbq, hyderabadi house and gn. I've tried khan and hyderabadi and they were good, i'll try gn. thanks 1

Cathy2 wrote:

Cathy2 wrote:What do you think of Hyderabad House?

i like the food. since i eat with my family i was sort of hoping for about 1/2 a step up in terms of atmosphere, but the food is great.

yes, I guess I may be hoping for too much....

Hyderabadi food is hard to find in chicago. My personal "hema as of 10 years ago" favorite on devon is Bismillah. I know people are big fans of Khan and GN here on lthforum but neither come close to fresh, home-cooked, indian/pakistani food. Not hyderabadi, but still very good is Bundoo Khan (chicken karahi and all grilld things, especially bihari kabab are great).

There's also excellent Pakistani food in this city; a current favorite is GNR Pakeeza. Not Hyderabadi, but certainly authentic, non-vegetarian Subcontinental food.

thanks all !

globetrotter wrote:

Cathy2 wrote:

Cathy2 wrote:What do you think of Hyderabad House?

i like the food. since i eat with my family i was sort of hoping for about 1/2 a step up in terms of atmosphere, but the food is great.

Hi,

I have always gone to the taxi cab location. However they have (had?) a nicer location across the street. I know the taxi cab location workers keep steering me to it, though I did not exactly cooperate.

Regards,
Cathy2