A Short Guide to Indian Food in Champaign-Urbana, IL

Central Illinois isn't an area you'd think of when you're craving a curry. However, the University of Illinois attracts a wide range of people from all over the world. This means that, outside of Chicago, Champaign-Urbana is one of the best places in the state to find great Indian food. The campus atmosphere also means that it's available relatively cheaply. If you're hoping to get a great meal without breaking the bank, and want a little something different, Chambana's three Indian restaurants are the perfect choice.

Looking for good vegetarian food, but tired of veggie-burgers and salad? Then East and West, at the corner of Green and Wright streets is a good place to start. The atmosphere is very casual, but the food is delicious and plentiful. During the day, this restaurant offers a vegetarian buffet. If you'd prefer to choose something from the menu, East and West has a selection of curries. Less commonly seen in restaurants are chaats - a kind of potato salad, which East and West has several versions of. Try a tamarind-flavored chaat, or one that includes a fried samosa dumpling. A great place for students, or just the student-at-heart, East and West has good food, short lines, and very low prices.

A bit further down Green Street, but still in Campus town, is Bombay Grill. Parking is a little easier to find here, at the corner of Green and Fourth. Bombay features a reduced menu at lunch, served take-out style in disposable dishes. For around ten dollars, you'll get enough great food to satisfy even the hungriest person. Bombay focuses mostly on North Indian dishes - you'll find spicy vindaloos, saag paneer ( a mild spinach and cheese dish), and dal makhani (lentils in a tomato sauce - can be spicy!) During the day, an order of curry comes with fried potato pakora, salad, and your choice of rice or fresh, hot naan bread, Sides include yogurt raitas, samosa, and lots of different kinds of naan, including breads stuffed with cheese, onions, or lamb. At night, Bombay Grill transforms into a slightly more upscale restaurant, with attractive silver serving ware and attentive wait staff. However, for dinner, you can expect prices to go up, too. If you're taking the family out, go at night, but if you just want a good, cheap curry, try visiting before 3 pm. Bombay is also one of the city's only halal restaurants.

Last, but not least, is Basmati Restaurant. This is the place to go if you just don't want to deal with the crowds in Campus town. Located in Champaign's downtown, a little bit south of University Avenue on First Street, Basmati is a bit more upscale than East and West or Bombay. This is an excellent restaurant to try when you'd like to have a night out to dinner. Prices are still reasonable, meaning that you can have a great meal without breaking the bank. However, it's been said that service is a bit slow, so don't visit if you're on a tight schedule. A good dinner is best enjoyed at leisure, and Basmati offers a fine selection of Indian dishes and lovely decor. Champaign's oldest Indian restaurant, Basmati's been serving the city for many years, and seems likely to continue the tradition.

If you're new to Champaign, passing through, or a long time resident who'd like to have the opportunity to try some great Indian food, any of these restaurants will fit the bill. From hearty and inexpensive, to a great atmosphere for dining, Champaign's Indian restaurants will please any diner.