Image Source: Planet99.com
Note: This originally appeared with my reviews in November 2006 over on Yelp
I think we caught them on a bad night. We had heard a lot of good things, but had only a decent experience. There was a party of 18 there when we were seated and they also were short a waiter, so I imagine that had a lot to do with the service we received. But even judging solely upon the food, I'd say it was okay and somewhat uneven.
Vegetable samosas were fresh, but not especially flavorful, white the potato cutlets were fantastic, especially accompanied by the green sauce with a touch of cilantro, which seemed different than other Indian presentations we've experienced.
Chicken tikka masala and murg makhani were both good - again, very fresh, which compensated for what we felt was not spectacularly unique flavor.
Dessert was below average - the gulab jamun was lukewarm and not fresh, somewhat dry.
We constantly compared it to our usual place on Devon, the Indian Garden. Indian Garden wins on food and overall ambiance, Hema's has more charm, service is maybe a tie, but Hema's BYO helps with the value. So, depending upon what your priorities are, Hema's could be a solid play - just know what to expect and try not to go when there is a party of 18 already seated on a night they are short-staffed.
