Kama Bistro
Modern Indian restaurant · La Grange ·
Inventive Indian-fusion fare in an exotic space
Inventive Indian-fusion fare in an exotic space
"Vikram Singh opened his first location in suburban La Grange in 2009 and describes his approach as "Indian-inspired Americana." After a second Chicago location opened in 2023 along Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park, he and business partner Agnes Singh secured a West Loop lease for a third spot at 812 W. Randolph Street, planned for a mid‑August opening; Singh says real estate had previously priced him out and he’s excited to grow the brand in a high‑profile location. "Sometimes you could fool yourself, because your core customers are so loyal and sometimes forgiving," he adds, noting that a new neighborhood reveals how outsiders react. While regional Indian cooking has received more attention recently, he emphasizes, "We’ve been doing regional Indian for the last 10 years," and that "It would have been so easy for me to just stick to my Punjabi stuff, right?" The menu blends contemporary Indian and fusion cooking — highlighted dishes include Keralan fish fry; ravioli stuffed with paneer served in a thick tikka sauce; sticky tamarind baby back ribs (popular in La Grange); traditional North Indian staples such as rogan josh, samosa, and naan; and an experimental scallop dish he says crosses Indian and Italian cultures with bell peppers, romanesco, and makhani sauce. Agnes Singh oversees an inventive cocktail program often featuring elaborate garnishes and playful presentations, with a notable Purple Rain made with Japanese Gin Butterfly, lemongrass, lavender, grapefruit tonic, and Campari foam. The larger West Loop kitchen will allow testing of new items and a planned weekend brunch featuring shrimp and grits and fried chicken with Indian‑spiced hot honey. On atmosphere he warns, "Don’t expect to hear tabla and sitars on the sound system," preferring modern artists like Indian rapper Hanumankind: "I love Indian hip‑hop," Singh says. "And I know I’m a guy who’s much too old to be listening to hip‑hop, by the way." - Ashok Selvam
"Since debuting in 2009 in LaGrange, this suburban original introduced diners to fusion-style tacos and familiar American formats energized by Indian ingredients, aiming to ease locals into South Asian flavors well before turmeric and similar trends went mainstream." - Ashok Selvam
"Opened in 2009 in suburban LaGrange, this 170-seat Indian restaurant—co-founded by Vikram and Agnes Singh—quickly became known for elevating Indian cuisine in the Western Suburbs. Its name initially prompted confusion over its meaning, but over 14 years the owners established a reputation for serious, thoughtfully prepared North Indian dishes alongside a willingness to innovate, drawing on the founder’s New Delhi roots and a family history of French culinary training." - Ashok Selvam
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