Essence of India

My partner has celiac and is incredible careful with where we eat. We have enjoyed this restaurant many, many times now over the past few months and it has been a smashing success. We called and spoke with then - tons of dishes are GF naturally, and they are careful and conscientious about cross contamination. If all Chicago GF spots, this is one of our top picks. Oh and also the food is absolutely excellent!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

As a Desi celiac I can say I’ve missed going to Indian restaurants and not having to worry about cross contact. While most Indian food is naturally gluten free, the concern with celiac is always around cross contact. The menu here is clearly labeled for GF items, the staff is knowledgeable about handling allergens, and the food is delicious. Felt safe and taken care of.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Favorite local indian spot! Everything is labeled and have a separate fryer.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Items are labeled gluten free. In addition, the staff always seems knowledgable on avoiding cross contamination. I eat here all the time, and I haven't gotten sick. I'm celiac too.

Plus, the food is so delicious!

Most of the menu is gf! A few things aren’t but are the obvious ones, like naan etc. The menu is clearly labeled and delicious.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Absolutely amazing! Practically everything on their menu is gluten free (only around half a dozen items on a pretty extensive menu!), very clearly marked it all tasted fantastic, and the staff is attentive and polite. One of our new favorites.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The owner is so incredibly kind and very knowledgeable about Celiac/gluten free food safety. They take gluten free very seriously at this restaurant! I love eating here- the food is outstanding and I feel very safe!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options

The (l believe) owner was very knowledgeable in helping me to avoid gluten. There were quite a few GF options, which were all clearly marked. I plan to return soon!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Been here a lot. Clear menu, never had any problems. Don't even really need to inform the staff anymore.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They have become quite informed about gluten and allergies. Highly recommend!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Wonderful food. Menu is clear about allergies to gluten and nuts.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Love this place. My non-celiac wife loves eating here too. The food is very good and I've never had one gluten problem eating here yet. Highly recommend.

A note, the crispy flat bread they bring out at the beginning they said is gluten free but I haven't tried it yet. No gluten free naan either.

Top notch Indian dishes many that are naturally GF.

Celiac friendly?

Yes