[Photograph: Joe Roy]

Menu outliers beg to be ordered. These are so different than the surrounding dishes, my hungered logic usually goes, that they must be something special. Case in point: the Samosas ($6.00) at Township in Logan Square. Hidden amongst the burger, various paninis, and housemade soups on the dinner menu, these guys stick out like a sore thumb.

A soft and satisfying filling of potato, peas, and Indian spices are enveloped in a crispy, crimped dough exterior. While the shell is nicely seasoned, the filling would benefit from more salt and a heavier hand with the spices. The accompanying chutneys fill any flavor gaps, though. The tamarind is sticky sweet, while the cilantro mint is herbal and slightly spicy. A little of both added to each bite of the samosas complement the fragrant earthiness inherent in Indian cooking. These addictive little pockets were gone before I knew it.

After the fact, I learned that the folks behind Township used to own the now defunct Treat in Humbolt Park, a restaurant known for its Indian inspired brunch dishes. At least in this instance, then, my menu outlier theory seems to hold water. Chicago Serious Eaters: any other "out there" fried menu items I should be seeking out?

Township

2200 N California Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 (map)
773-384-1865 
townshipchicago.com