On a brisk Wednesday evening during spring break, my parents and I stepped into Vibe Haus – Indian Plates & Taps, a modern Indian restaurant in Berwyn. Although it’s only been open for a couple of months, it has quickly built a reputation for blending traditional Indian flavors with multicultural twists.
From the moment I walked in, there was a very relaxed yet vibrant energy that filled the air. The space was modern and minimalistic, with subtle neon decor throughout. Since we visited on a weekday, the restaurant wasn’t very crowded, which added to the calm atmosphere.
After looking through the menu, we decided to start off with the truffle masala fries for an appetizer. The fries arrived golden and crispy, coated in a masala — a fragrant Indian spice blend — and finished with a light drizzle of truffle oil. The earthiness of the truffle oil paired well with the savory flavors of the masala. The restaurant served the fries with a side of ketchup and garnished them with arugula and parmesan cheese. The sauce and garnishes enhanced the flavor of the spices, and made the fries all the more delicious.
For my main course, I decided to order the vegetable dum biryani and the classic paneer makhani. The biryani — a mixed rice dish made using rice, yogurt, mixed vegetables and spices — came garnished with fried onions, coriander leaves and a lime wedge. The long-grain rice was fluffy and tinted orange-yellow from the saffron. The mixed vegetables at the bottom of the dish added more color and depth. The spice blend used within the biryani was very flavorful and aromatic, though I found myself wishing for extra pinches of salt. This was a very quick fix, however, thanks to the salt and pepper shakers at the center of each table.
The classic paneer makhani stood out as the highlight of the meal for me. The paneer — an Indian cottage cheese — was very soft and soaked up the flavors of the rich, tomato-based sauce it was in. The makhani sauce itself was smooth and creamy and had a hint of sweetness that balanced its mild spice. The curry paired well with the complimentary side of white rice, making for a hearty combination.
To finish off the meal, I tried the chai tiramisu. The dessert offered a creative fusion approach to the classic Italian dessert. The notes of cardamom, cinnamon and ginger in the chai — an Indian milk-based tea — gave the sweet a distinct taste. The texture of the dish reminded me of a more traditional tiramisu, with a chai-infused mascarpone cream that melted in my mouth and espresso-soaked ladyfingers that topped each layer. The chai added richness to the dish, creating a harmonious balance with the familiar flavors of espresso.
By the end of our meal, we felt very satisfied and full. The portion sizes were generous, leaving us with a couple containers of leftovers. Our meal, excluding tip, cost just over $70. Overall, Vibe Haus offers a unique fusion experience in an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and lively. This restaurant would be an amazing place to try!
Vaishnavi Sriadibhatla can be reached at [email protected].
