Indus Progressive Indian in Highland Park: A Culinary Tribute to Tradition and Innovation

Indus Progressive Indian, an acclaimed restaurant in Highland Park, offers a unique blend of family recipes from North India and innovative dishes. Specialties include smoky masala beef brisket and fiery pork belly vindaloo. The restaurant is owned by Ajit and Sukhu Kalra, who launched Bhoomi, an Indian food hall, in 2021 in Chicago’s Loop.

Honoring Heritage, Blending Cultures

Opened in 2024, Indus pays homage to the Indus Valley civilization, renowned for its spice blending. The Kalras aim to integrate Indian and American culinary cultures. Despite the cultural and religious beliefs surrounding food, they make dishes palatable for a Chicago audience by focusing on meat dishes like their brisket, popularizing a beef venture in an Indian setting.

Cooking Techniques and Notable Dishes

The masala brisket, once a backyard experiment, is a bestseller. Cooked in a Smoke Daddy smoker with a blend of apple and mesquite wood pellets, the brisket reflects careful preparation. The Kalras use a special spice mix including kasuri methi and a chutney based on homemade barbecue sauce. Their executive chef, Vetri Selvaraj, brings expertise from Michelin-recommended Ettan in Palo Alto.

For a traditional experience, Mamma’s chole is a flavor-filled dish crafted from Sukhu’s family recipes. It features chickpeas cooked with masala, onions, tomatoes, and tamarind pulp, accompanied by poori bread. Ajit’s father, Jiggs Kalra, a renowned Indian cuisine expert, would likely appreciate this attention to authentic flavors.

Challenging Dishes and Diverse Menu

“The reason we created the pork belly was to showcase that tangy, potent, spicy vindaloo sauce.” – Ajit Kalra

The pork belly vindaloo dish, spanning nine days of preparation, stands out for its traditional Goan-style sauce. While the spice level is adjustable, it challenges diners who seek spice-forward tastes. A well-executed vindaloo offsets its strength with port wine, recalling its Portuguese influence. Serving it with fluffy basmati rice and garlic naan balances the spice.

The menu also boasts popular options like kurkuri bhindi, a crispy okra snack, and daal Indus, black lentils smoked for 12 hours with ghee. Desserts include a Valrhona dark chocolate torte resembling pudding alongside a blood orange granita, and rich masala chai. A kokum mezcal cocktail offers a balance with its tangy, layered flavors.

Community Connection and Challenges

Indus embraces fine dining aspirations, maintaining staff continuity since its launch. Its creation was deeply personal, spurred by the aftermath of the 2022 Highland Park parade shooting. The Kalras sought to support their community through food, focusing on mental health and unity. This commitment helps them persevere despite economic difficulties and evolving dining trends.

Despite the closure of the original Bhoomi location, plans for a new stage for their business remain underway. Through their restaurant, the Kalras aim to engage the community culturally and socially, continuing to offer a cuisine that bridges continents.

Indus Progressive Indian Contact Information

• Address: 617 Central Ave., Highland Park
• Phone: 312-282-8064
• Website: eatindus.com
• Hours: Tues-Thurs 4:30-8:30 p.m., Fri-Sat until 9:30 p.m., Sun 4-8 p.m., closed Mon

For an exceptional dining experience with an outstanding Tribune rating of three stars, visit Indus, and discover its unique fusion of timeless recipes and bold innovations.