Hema's Kitchen

Read this and only then PROCEED. Wish I had read this write-up on Yelp before I ventured out to blow my $120 in partying in this horrible restaurant. The views are cut-pasted from Yelp and though this was not written by me it actually sums up, actually mirrors my recent experience at Hema's correctly.

"Please, do not take this as self promotion or eulogizing of self. I have been a Food critic/writer for around 17 years and with over 570 articles syndicated to various Publications across the world. I specialize in reviewing Indian, Pakistani, Middle-Eastern, African and Mainland Chinese cuisine and my articles have been printed in some of the leading Indian and International dailies.

Now that said, I feel very intrigued and piqued by the naivety and ignorance of an average American, and their understanding of foreign cuisine. What else explains the ardent following of this otherwise banal, greasy, absolutely UN-Indian cuisine dished out at Hema's Kitchen. The food served here would not have passed muster with an average Indian palette. I tried out this place not once, not twice but thrice and each time came out feeling cheated and my regions cuisine misrepresented. Though, I must add the service was extremely warm and friendly. The tandoori Chicken was grilled in regular home oven and was as dry and bland as sun dried carcass found in Sahara's. The Green Curry Fish was greasy and the fish straight outta refrigerator; cold and tasteless. The biryani untouchable and the American favorite bread (roti/naan's) had the feel of the one that you find on most super-market shelves. All in all the experience was that of a complete non-experience. Honestly, I wish I had not done this review as I hate running down a business and also because, I know how hard it is for a restaurateur to operate in these hard times. But, I also felt that, it was my duty to inform and educate my fellow American's about how their naivety and ignorance is been taken for a ride. Also, what irks me is misrepresentation of regional cuisine. If anyone of you including the Hema owners need further clarifications on this matter then you all could please, write to me at capgemini@rediffmail com. I haven't used an alias or a pseudonym to hide my identity so, you that you can see I talk the walk and have no ulterior motive but, what has been aforesaid in writing this review." - Kayenn…

Not worth it!. Folks Beware, 1. Hema's Kitchen does not cater authentic Indian food. E.g. all different curries taste the same! more like typical home cook food!! 2. How come mostly White Americans are their customers??and why Indians don't eat at this restaurant in numbers though its located in the heart land of South Asian-Town in Chicago (Devon St)? Indians don't go to this restaurant much (no taste!!!!!)

3. No freshly made NAANS!! why they deny this must South Asian bread in their restaurants!!

4. Cleanness/service issues are reported by many here.

There are many other good restaurants beside this one. So avoid this one or becoming their regular patron!!…

hemas would be great without boogs in food. this place was one of my favorites-unfortunately you should all know i found a small termite or baby insect in my food. i was in the food service for 15 years and never had this issue with any customers. i was a patron of hemas for less than a month before discovering the boog. HEMA if you read this please clean your place up so I can eat there again in the distant future!!! boogs and some of the EMPLOYEES as well.…

Ever been served by Arrogant and Crude people ??. Let me start by saying that the restaurant is owned by a bunch of arrogant I was given a lot of positive reviews about the restaurant and wanted to check it out. I was going with family who had a few dietary restrictions and I called them in advance to determine if they would cater to their dietary compulsions. I painfully explained them what the restrictions meant and got a response saying "Yes, we absolutely cater to it."

Moments later , we were at the restaurant and started ordering the appetizers. To this, they responded that we cannot make this and we cannot make that. Upon playing back the phone conversation I had with them, their arrogant manager responded by saying (and I quote) , " Well, we made a mistake on the phone. So now, you want to eat or no !!!"

I got up and was about the leave the restaurant when I over-heard him telling some of his other customers " I should try to be more selective in who I allow in my restaurant. "

I am definitely not entering the restaurant but would recommend anyone and everyone to ensure that such restaurants don't spoil the restaurant scene of Chicago . We can live without idiots like Hemas Kitchen.…