At first blush, the menu offerings look like classic Chinese, but restaurateur Trevor Pereira has gone fusion at Taste Indian Chinese Cuisine.

He explains that the combination is a popular trend in India, where Chinese immigrants attuned their culinary skills to suit the tastes of the local population.

The spices of India infuse the dishes at Pereira's restaurant inside the Meadowbrook Shopping Center on 63rd Street in Downers Grove, just east of Belmont Road (Finley). The eatery is tucked along the side of a courtyard in the western half of the mall. Inside the space, he has created an appealing dining room, where hanging lamps are turned low in the evening and add to the warm ambiance.

While beer and wine are available, one of the favorite beverages is the mango lassi, a creamy concoction of mango in a yogurt base, colorfully presented in a cocktail glass. He says the drink is an Indian favorite.

Pereira's background includes working with the luxurious Taj Hotels group in India, and helping launch Indian restaurants in the Chicago area. Taste is the first establishment of his own.

"This is my dream," he says. "I wanted to have a restaurant where I could serve people quality food for a very good price."

He says the chefs are happy to accommodate special requests and cater to the American palate, adding, "Since we make everything fresh, we can make (dishes) mild to medium to spicy."

Taste offers vegetarian dishes, in addition to chicken, seafood, beef and lamb, as well as gluten-free options. No pork is served, and no peanut oil is used, only vegetable.

He suggests trying the Manchurian sauce, noting you won't find it in a Chinese restaurant. It's one of the signature flavors at Taste.

A fan is Tanya Schmidt of Downers Grove, who enjoys dining there with husband Carl, or ordering carryout.

"They make the best soup in the universe — the Manchow soup," she says, noting she traveled frequently to China on business before becoming a teacher. "It beats anything I've had there."

She says she's hooked on the General Tsao's chicken, while her husband recommends the shredded lamb with hot garlic sauce. She praises the delicate spring rolls, and the wide choice in vegetarian dishes.

"With all the corporate restaurants, it's so lovely to have a small, privately owned restaurant that makes wonderful food," she says. "You get very personal service, and they care about whether you like what you've eaten there."

Having lunch with her family recently was Anu Mathur of Burr Ridge.

"Everything is tasty," she said as they shared dishes, noting friends recommended they try Taste. "We'll be back. They do a good job catering to what you want. (For example, making it the) medium spicy I requested."

Indian ice cream is made in house. Available in pistachio or mango flavors, a petite portion adds a sweet finish to the meal.

Taste Indian Chinese Cuisine

Address: 2117 W. 63rd St., Downers Grove; closed Mondays

Contact: 630-541-9872, taste63rd.com

What to try

Item: Crispy lamb lunch special (spring rolls and soup are among the chef's starters served with lunch specials)

Price: $7.95

Item: Mongolian chicken dinner

Price: $10.95

Item: Mango and pistachio Indian ice cream

Price: $2.95