Hand-carved Indian craftwork adorn the walls and traditional Indian music softly plays in the background at Udupi Palace

Udupi Palace

By Barry Narapareddy

All Indian restaurants are different from each other. Udupi Palace is a restaurant in north Chicago, which specializes in authentic vegetarian cuisine from South India. Udupi originated in a southern part of India called Karnataka, a section of India widely known for spicy concoctions. Thus, the restaurant offers a wide array of spicy, savory dishes and a menu that is entirely vegetarian.

Udupi is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. The menu includes a variety of meals and appetizers such as samosas, which are deep-fried pastries stuffed with spicy potatoes and vegetables.

However, most people come to the resturaunt for the world famous masala dosa. It is a boat shaped rice crepe stuffed with potato and comes with a side dish of sambar, which is a very spicy lentil soup.

The restaurant features a serene atmosphere due to large potted plants and scenic pictures. Hand-carved Indian craftwork adorn the walls and traditional Indian music softly plays in the background.

The restaurant features a serene atmosphere due to large potted plants and scenic pictures.

“We have a very diverse group of customers. It is an honor that such a wide variety of people enjoy our traditional taste,” said Ram Reddy, a server who has been employed by Udupi for six months.

Ajay Rao, a floor supervisor, enjoys his job because he loves the interaction with the customers.

“Many of our first time customers come into our resturaunt enthusiastic to try our dishes,” Rao said. “I love explaining the menu to them and watching them enjoy the food, because I know that they are going to be returning for a long time.”

Rao described the typical customer as being anyone from working professionals to local students. Many customers are employees on Devon Avenue, which is a busy shopping district where Udupi is located. The popularity of Udupi Palace has also attracted international political icons, however, such as the Honorable R. Venkataraman, former president of India.

“I love the fact that Udupi has the setting and taste of an expensive resturaunt, however, the prices are reasonable and the speed in which the food is delivered is outstanding,” customer Sheel Mehta said.

Dinner items on the Menu can range from $7-10. There are a variety of Dosas, curries, rice platters and main courses to choose from within this price range. The Udupi special is a generous offer comprised of an appetizer, soup, main course, dessert and coffee or tea for only $13.50.

Udupi Palace caters for all special occasions. They have two locations in Illinois, one in Chicago at 2543 W. Devon Ave. and the other is located in Schaumburg at 730 Schaumburg Road. The Schaumburg location also offers a buffet-style feast in addition to à la carte menu items.

The Upupi Palace can be reached at (773) 338-2152. The restaurant’s Web site is www.udupipalace.com.