As a college student, some evenings you'll stumble into your favorite after-class haunt craving a quick and cheap nosh. Taj Mahal (steps from the University of Illinois-Chicago campus) is just that kind of place, with its makeshift front counter pieced together from multiple cupboards and an empty, unused Coke machine. The uneven barrier separates a sometimes smiling, sometimes solemn Indian gentleman by the name of Ali from the rest of the black and beige restaurant.

Ali spends most of his time on the phone, as the preponderance of Taj Mahal's Indo-Paki cuisine is either carried out or delivered to campus. Students can order vegetarian entrees, such as the eggplant curry, vegetable pullao or aloo gobi ($3.99-$4.99). Non-vegetarian options include a slightly spicy ginger chicken, fish curry or chicken sag ($4.99 to $5.99). Jasmine rice and parathas are sold on the side for a buck each.

If you decide to sit at one of the plastic-lined tables for a solo dining experience, grab a free copy of The Indian Reporter on your way in to keep you informed.

Centerstage Reviewer: Nola Akiwowo