Updated review. My order this visit was carryout, though it appears they are still serving dine-in food in to-go containers. Thankfully i see they have added staff. Food is slightly more flavorful than last visit, so i moved them from one star to three, but taste is not what i am used to. Maybe recipes are from different region of India than found on Devon Ave., but i expect more than a single small chicken leg in the "chicken" biryani. Lentil soup and the aloo were okay, but again different than expected. Garlic naan was baked properly in clay oven, but did not have any garlic or buttery flavor. Bottom line, taste is not bad, but not for me. Try it and decide for yourself. Note: Be sure to specify spice level desire and be aware that Indian food can be very spicy. read more

Vanakkam India - Aloo gobi in carry out container - as served - Indian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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The food is very good and staff is friendly however they need to become a proper dine in restaurant I want a glass of water not a Kirkland water bottle and I want a proper dish with silverware read more

First - you should know that the restaurant is not YET doing actual table service. You can order for takeout or can eat your order in but it's essentially sitting and eating with disposable dishes. We did not know that ahead of time - and so ended up ordering once we got there and waiting for our food and taking it home. There were some folks eating in. The staff told us they are working up to March full service. We were there on a Saturday night and it was very busy with takeout and Door Dash while we were there - although it seemed that orders were coming out a bit slower than expected so plan for that. All that said - the food was great. We had Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Vindaloo, Samosas and the Cilantro Naan. All good with delicious aromatic spices. read more

Food is awesome!! We got butter chicken and garlic naan! Best Indian food in Rockford hands down! read more

Vanakkam India - Butter chicken - Indian Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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Food was delicious, staff was super nice and the vibe of the restaurant was lovely. We will definitely be coming back, or ordering take out.

Outstanding food. Tandoori fish was mahi. Palek lamb loaded with meat and had tomato and onion which is different than any other palek dish I've eaten before. Eggplant and tomato never seen either. Fresh and well prepared. Helpful ordering over the phone. Beware - MILD was hot! One of our party could not eat. Another keep eating though way more heat than they prefer. Was good for me but would not go to a higher level. read more

Amazing! We ordered on a whim while snowed in, without seeing any reviews. We had the Chicken Korma, Shrimp Coconut Curry & Chicken Tikka Masala + buttered naan. We ordered everything mild, and all of the dishes were SO flavorful and delicious. Large portion sizes with plenty leftover, even for 4 people. You have to try this place out if you're in the Rockford area! read more

We chose Vanakkam as we were planning a long road trip that passed through Rockford, IL. It was a great discovery - a relatively new business that pleased our palates and our eyes and our hearts. The servers met us as we came in with a smile, eager to please. The very diverse menu included all our favorites, and all were executed deliciously. The samosas and the mint and cranberry chutneys served with them were crisp and flavorful, the palak paneer was velvety smooth and very tasty with abundant tender paneer, and the tandoori chicken was really, really good - moist, tender, and full of the taste of classical tandoori spicing. The only reason we haven't given Vanakkam a 5 rating is that our dishes were served in take-out containers and we ate with plastic table ware from plastic plates. We had a chance to speak with our server as we were paying our bill, and he explained that the restaurant would soon begin what he called a full dine-in experience, with regular table ware and dishes. It was exciting and satisfying to be "in on" the beginning of what promises to be a very successful business. read more

I'm quite particular when it comes to Indian food--it has to have the perfect balance of spices and be cooked in a way that captures that authentic flavor. Yesterday, I ordered takeout from this place and tried the Garlic Naan, Mughlai chicken, Goat Pepper Fry, Chicken 65 Biryani (ask for spicy). The food was absolutely delicious and tasted incredibly fresh. It's rare to find Indian food this good, so I highly recommend this restaurant! read more

Thanks Yelpers for steering up to this restaurant with great South Indian food. We were on a cross country road trip and did not expect that the most delicious meal of the trip would be in Rockford ill. Had goat and Madras chicken upon server's recommendation and both were outstanding. Also great mango lassi. Big portions such that we had a fine lunch of leftovers the next day. Friendly and attentive service. I would eat here often if I were local. read more

So grateful to finally have a legit Indian option in Rockford. Delicious delivery! We'll be dining in one of these days as well.

I've had the pleasure of eating at Vanakkam for lunch a couple of times. Each time the food was fresh, well spiced, and delicious! Their dine in service is all disposable. That was not an issue for me. If you want spot on authentic Indian food you need to eat here! read more

Really inviting atmosphere, with a friendly welcoming upon arrival. Food was better then expected. Exactly the traditional Indian food we were looking for. Very accommodating to spice level per request. We will be returning. So happy to see more cultural foods coming to Rockford. read more

Pleasant surprise, an Indian Restaurant in Rockford that provides consistently excellent full flavored dishes. We have taken out a number of times; each time the employees have been friendly and the food has been on time and delicious. Vanakkam India is now our go to Indian Restaurant. A definite recommend! read more

This place is legit!!! The food is incredible, it is made fresh every time! I appreciate restaurants that don't cut corners and stick to making good, quality food, this place is it! read more

Amazing Indian food! Service was exceptional and pleasant environment. Curry goat, butter chicken dishes flavorful and fresh

The food was wonderful! The staff was very attentive. Not really set up for dining in but we enjoyed our time there. Would definitely visit Vanakkam India again. read more

Everything I have had from here is delicious! It has the best Indian food in Rockford. I could eat their naan and butter chicken everyday.