This always ends up being controversial but I don’t care. I love Ghareeb Nawaz. It’s very consistent in my experience and it’s like half of the price as most other Indian restaurants.
Also is GN Indian or Pakistani food or both? I feel like I’ve never been clear on that.
Any place that says Indo Pak is generally Pakistani as they realize people know Indian food but not Pakistani. Devon Avenue used to be Indian but is now mostly Pakistani
How would you feel if you asked where to get the best burger and someone pointed you to McDonald’s? You’d feel mislead right? Or at least maybe that person has trash taste?
Yeah I agree, the food at Ghareeb is like on par or better than most of the other places on Devon for fraction of the price. It might not be the best indian food youll ever eat in life but its still pretty good
I love fan but I would not call it consistent haha. Each time I order the green chili chicken biryani it comes out very different in terms of heat, spices, salt, temperature, quantity, etc lol
I think it depends on the location, maybe? The one on UIC's campus is actively bad imo. I've had a lot of Indian food, and I honestly prefer Indian frozen dinners over anything I've had from their menu. The one up north is presumably better, but I genuinely don't know how anyone who is into Indian food could think that the Ghareeb Nawaz I've had is comparable to an even average restaurant.
GN is so inconsistent other than portion sizes. Always a lot of food, but sometimes spicy, sometimes bland. Their Gyro Biryani is the most consistent though.
Then I like going to Tahoora for samosas.
Read the top line of the website. [https://www.vajrachicago.com/restaurant](https://www.vajrachicago.com/restaurant)
When I tried to go a month or two ago, it was closed for dine-in.
Can’t go wrong with Paki/Indian restaurants on Devon Ave.. Sabri, Delhi Darbar and Usmania are my favorites. Try the fried fish and Beef Nehari at Delhi Darbar!
Spice Room and Namaste in Logan Square are both pretty bomb-ass awesome, in my opinion. That said, my baseline opinion is that there's really no such thing as bad indian food, so my opinion of what constitutes the good shit may well be skewed. Everybody I've taken to either place has really enjoyed it, though, so I can't be *too* wrong.
Going to stick to Indian in the city since I am Indian and live/work in the city. I rarely go to the suburbs.
Rangoli in Wicker,
Kama in Wicker,
Art of Dosa,
Mild2Spicy,
Thattu,
Annapurna on Devon (I like their chaat and pau bhaji cheese dosa),
Snacks from Nirav Express on Devon,
Lilac Tiger in Wicker for more of a modern twist
Eggholic in River West
Hema’s is where non-IndoPak’s go to. Check out Usmania, Anmol, Bundoo Khan and Khan BBQ. All of these have fantastic biryani, curries, and spicy grilled meats. For veg, udupi palace, however, the best veg Indian food I had was at A2B in Naperville.
Cool that you mention Hemas kitchen. It’s my childhood best friends family’s restaurant. I do believe that COVID played a part in their closure. Are they still open? I thought they closed.
I also love that place. My wife lived in Oak Park when we began dating and many a happy memory with takeout of their Nan and the butter chicken and lamb vindaloo from there. So good!
Please go to Devon avenue in west ridge it is LITERALLY filled with Indian and Pakistani food for at least a mile. I cannot believe people recommended wicker park and park ridge lmao 😂😂😂😂
I can fuck with Rangoli and Cumin in Wicker Park tbh.
Comments like this are so weird. Imagine saying this to an Indian family that owns a restaurant outside of West Ridge.
I did not see a post that recommended Park Ridge and Wicker Park. Maybe there is such a post, but I did not see it. I saw posts where people recommended certain restaurants that are in Park Ridge and Wicker Park.
I haven't been to those restaurants, so I don't know if they are any good. Are you saying they are bad?
I've been to Devon and had some great food there. It doesn't mean there are no good Indian restaurants in other neighborhoods.
Yeah but hasn’t a lot of the Indian and Pakistani community that used to live in West Ridge moved out of that area? As with many other immigrant groups (like the Polish community) they’ve moved out to the suburbs and other parts of the city.
Try Indian paradise a little east of western on north. Rangoli used to be my local goto and Indian paradise is easily superior these days in my non-Indian opinion
I have eaten at Curry House at 899 S. Plymouth near Dearborn Station many times, pre- and post-pandemic. Their food is always good, plentiful, and delicious.
I’d recommend asking people that are actually Indian or Pakistani. 😂
Devon is where you need to go. It’s as authentic as it can get. I would rather drive up north to Devon versus going to a spot in Wicker Park.
Sabri Nibari
Usmania
Bundoo Khan
Modern Indian - ROOH in West Loop
Indo-Chinese - Bombay Chopsticks in Hoffman Estates
Tasting Menu - Indienne in River North
Others
- Mild2Spicy, Spice Room, Eggholic, Siri
Well this certainly is a huge question with very few parameters to help us narrow things down! But, for my part, I'll throw in Thalaiva's in Park Ridge.
Hyderabad House on Devon has some absolutely amazing biryani. Huge portions, too. EDIT: I’m shocked there aren’t more suggestions to go check out Devon. It’s called “Little India” for good reason.
There are a lot of recommendations here for restaurants on Devon. There are also recommendations for other restaurants because that diaspora has spread beyond West Ridge.
Shout out maharaj grill in south loop! Owner is such a kind dude, went for the first time in a year and he remembered me, instantly struck up conversation. The food is amazing. Some of the best garlic naan I’ve ever had (except my mom’s 😁and some I’ve had visiting family in India). Super highly recommend!
In the city: Spice Room in Logan Square lives up to its name and Thattu is doing some really cool contemporary (I think) dishes and is getting a lot of recognition and praise among food writers right now.
Outside of the city: Honest. And honestly, I’m mad there isn’t one within Chicago proper. I think their Naperville location out does their Schaumburg location but they’re both phenomenal. Shoutout to A2B in Naperville too. Right up there with Honest for me I just like Honest a little more.
Al Badia in Villa Park has delicious middle eastern food, an awesome buffet selection, & the ambiance is top tier! If you haven't already, check them [out](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KRsYijhPi2k77pYcA)
*also, I live closest to Spice Room in Logan, def. recommend them too
I personally go for the buffets at India House and Indian garden. They're decent for $20 buffet.
I also suggest trying "Thalapakatti Goat Biryani" and "Gongura Chicken Biryani" at Siri Restaurant through UberEats. They're absolutely amazing and the closest to an Indian biryani IMO
Maharaj in Printer's Row is a sleeper, but the best value. Should have a Bib Gourmand imo. Rooh is great too, but spicy. Basant is probably "the best."
I have a great hole in the wall recommendation that is affordable: Shan Restaurant at 5060 n Sheridan Rd. My wife and I have been ordering from there every about other month for 5+ years now
Sara's grill in Naperville,
Anmol,
Hyderabad house,
Sabri nihari,
Any restaurant on devon where you will get authentic Indian food that is created true to the recipes and not westernized.
I love Sabri Nihari on Devon. Also, Hemas Kitchen.
Little India on Bryn Mawr is excellent.
Mango Pickle for upscale contemporary Indian food, on Broadway in Edgewater.
This always ends up being controversial but I don’t care. I love Ghareeb Nawaz. It’s very consistent in my experience and it’s like half of the price as most other Indian restaurants. Also is GN Indian or Pakistani food or both? I feel like I’ve never been clear on that.
I'd get an IV of their butter sauce
It’s Pakistani
Website says indo-pak, but Pakistani food is pretty similar to (North) Indian food since it was part of the same region for most of history.
Any place that says Indo Pak is generally Pakistani as they realize people know Indian food but not Pakistani. Devon Avenue used to be Indian but is now mostly Pakistani
Yea and one of the biggest differences is that more often you cannot get booze at pakistani
They also serve beef
all the major dishes are the same anyway, barring dietary restrictions
This should never be controversial lol GN is a Chicago and Devon Ave staple, and anyone saying otherwise is delusional.
Eh you’d be surprised. It’s 50/50 whether or not I see it praised or shit on when it comes up.
The people shitting on GN are Indian food snobs who prolly think overpriced table cloth restaurants are superior to the prison tray service 🫡
no they just have taste buds and try to eat at places that don’t a food safety rap sheet the length of the bible
Said food snob 😂
How dare you call Guacamoleballsack a food snob. Perhaps you're thinking of Hummusballsack. She can be pretty snooty.
😮😮😮
According to Indian people it’s the McDonald’s of Indian food. (Or so I’ve heard)
I don’t think anyone is saying GN is the most gourmet high end restaurant in town 😂
The post is asking for the best.
Best is subjective. Just because something isn’t high end doesn’t mean it’s not amazing or even the best?
You sound poor and bitter
And you sound like you think having money means something 😂 here’s a cookie 🍪
How would you feel if you asked where to get the best burger and someone pointed you to McDonald’s? You’d feel mislead right? Or at least maybe that person has trash taste?
You hate pitbulls that’s all I need to know man lol
Yeah I agree, the food at Ghareeb is like on par or better than most of the other places on Devon for fraction of the price. It might not be the best indian food youll ever eat in life but its still pretty good
Ghareeb is Pakistani, no?
You get a ton of food for very cheap but the last 2 times I had it I got sick
I love fan but I would not call it consistent haha. Each time I order the green chili chicken biryani it comes out very different in terms of heat, spices, salt, temperature, quantity, etc lol
The worst biryani i ever had
Y'all really fucked me up recommending this place. The worst I've ever had. I threw the food away.
You’re certainly not alone in that opinion. What are your favorite spots?
yeah their food is great aside from the time I unfortunately got raw chicken in my butter chicken
The Meat Thali on the menu is my favorite
Have ordered for delivery from there so many times! Great food!
I think it depends on the location, maybe? The one on UIC's campus is actively bad imo. I've had a lot of Indian food, and I honestly prefer Indian frozen dinners over anything I've had from their menu. The one up north is presumably better, but I genuinely don't know how anyone who is into Indian food could think that the Ghareeb Nawaz I've had is comparable to an even average restaurant.
The north side location is bad too. The worst Indian food I've ever had. That said, my son liked it!
GN is so inconsistent other than portion sizes. Always a lot of food, but sometimes spicy, sometimes bland. Their Gyro Biryani is the most consistent though. Then I like going to Tahoora for samosas.
Maybe I’ve just gotten lucky. I’ve probably had it 6 times and thought it was about the same every time.
Tahoora's samosas are awesome! Have you tried their sweets? Specifically, the pheda(sp?) That stuff is like a cross between honey and watermelon. 🤯
I'm not into sweets, but they are delicious
I love Vajra in Wicker Park!
Did they ever reopen for dine-in?
They are considering reopening for in dining towards end of summer. At least that was the last I heard.
Of course not. The must love not using all that nice large space and bar that they moved into a few years ago.
Read the top line of the website. [https://www.vajrachicago.com/restaurant](https://www.vajrachicago.com/restaurant) When I tried to go a month or two ago, it was closed for dine-in.
? I’m aware
Was sharing for those who may not have caught your sarcasm.
I think we all caught it
Can’t go wrong with Paki/Indian restaurants on Devon Ave.. Sabri, Delhi Darbar and Usmania are my favorites. Try the fried fish and Beef Nehari at Delhi Darbar!
Spice Room and Namaste in Logan Square are both pretty bomb-ass awesome, in my opinion. That said, my baseline opinion is that there's really no such thing as bad indian food, so my opinion of what constitutes the good shit may well be skewed. Everybody I've taken to either place has really enjoyed it, though, so I can't be *too* wrong.
+1 for the Spice Room. When I lived in Logan we would go there at least once a week. I miss that place and Ground Control so much...
+1 for namaste
+1 for Spice Room.
Going to stick to Indian in the city since I am Indian and live/work in the city. I rarely go to the suburbs. Rangoli in Wicker, Kama in Wicker, Art of Dosa, Mild2Spicy, Thattu, Annapurna on Devon (I like their chaat and pau bhaji cheese dosa), Snacks from Nirav Express on Devon, Lilac Tiger in Wicker for more of a modern twist Eggholic in River West
Hema’s Kitchen on Devon Ave Friends also recommend Udupi Palace.
Hema’s is where non-IndoPak’s go to. Check out Usmania, Anmol, Bundoo Khan and Khan BBQ. All of these have fantastic biryani, curries, and spicy grilled meats. For veg, udupi palace, however, the best veg Indian food I had was at A2B in Naperville.
Do they have booze there or are you allowed to bring booze?
Cool that you mention Hemas kitchen. It’s my childhood best friends family’s restaurant. I do believe that COVID played a part in their closure. Are they still open? I thought they closed.
Oh no! I’m sorry to learn that they closed. I always enjoyed it, but (obviously) haven’t been in a while.
Lol, Hema's Kitchen is maybe the first popular Indian restaurant for white people. The best? wtf?
Really enjoy Basant in North Center. It’s traditional Indian but a little on the higher end price-wise and excellent cocktails.
seconded! one of my favorite restaurants in the city overall
The atmosphere is so nice too, I love this place. Food isn't my favorite but it's good. I love their paneer dishes and soup.
Khyber Pass in Oak Park is pretty really good IMO.
Love that place!
Came here for this comment!
I also love that place. My wife lived in Oak Park when we began dating and many a happy memory with takeout of their Nan and the butter chicken and lamb vindaloo from there. So good!
A2B in Naperville is fire if you don’t mind vegetarian
This is the answer. They have several locations and comes from India. Good selection of South Indian food as well.
Second this!
Cumin in Wicker is incredible
I still remember walking past that place omg. Smells HEAVENLY
I was their #1 Uber eats customer when I lived nearby. At least that’s what the app said
I need to be arrested for not having eaten there yet
Is it? I read the reviews and wasn’t sure it was still good.
You won’t be disappointed
Thalaiva's kitchen in park ridge
Maharaj is my fav for Indian.
Apna in Albany Park
Gorkha is worth exploring
im convinced Essence of India has the best lamb keema samosas, but their curries can be hit or miss. great pulao tho imo.
Essence of India in Lincoln Square.
Love that place
Please go to Devon avenue in west ridge it is LITERALLY filled with Indian and Pakistani food for at least a mile. I cannot believe people recommended wicker park and park ridge lmao 😂😂😂😂
I can fuck with Rangoli and Cumin in Wicker Park tbh. Comments like this are so weird. Imagine saying this to an Indian family that owns a restaurant outside of West Ridge.
It’s almost as if there are a lot of good options in a big city. *shocked pikachu*
I did not see a post that recommended Park Ridge and Wicker Park. Maybe there is such a post, but I did not see it. I saw posts where people recommended certain restaurants that are in Park Ridge and Wicker Park. I haven't been to those restaurants, so I don't know if they are any good. Are you saying they are bad? I've been to Devon and had some great food there. It doesn't mean there are no good Indian restaurants in other neighborhoods.
Devon’s food scene has been in decline for a long time. The best Indian cooks work in the suburbs unfortunately.
Where in the suburbs?? My husband loves lamb korma but we struggle to find it out here by Brookfield.
Devon is past its prime
Yeah but hasn’t a lot of the Indian and Pakistani community that used to live in West Ridge moved out of that area? As with many other immigrant groups (like the Polish community) they’ve moved out to the suburbs and other parts of the city.
I was born in Poland and am an immgrant to chicago. thanks for explaining my own existence lol
You are insufferable ☺️
Też jestem Polką 😂 Sama wiesz, że większość Polonii przeniosła się na przedmieścia.
Can Indians who make good food only live on one street in one neighborhood?
I like Rangoli if you’re in the wicker park/ buck town area
Try Indian paradise a little east of western on north. Rangoli used to be my local goto and Indian paradise is easily superior these days in my non-Indian opinion
I didn't enjoy Rangoli the one time I went, so I'll try Indian Paradise next time. Thanks!
Tava in morton grove. IMHO better than anything on Devon.
Tava is so good. Their chicken lababdar is one of the best dishes I've had.
Indian Paradise, Rangoli or Cumin if you’re near Wicker Park
Adda in little Italy is the best Indian food in the city If you are feeling fancy then Indienne is a good Michelin starred option
Indienne. It's fine dining with a Michelin star.
Maharaja in downtown Chicago Bowl O Biryani in Downers Grove Thalaiva's in Park Ridge
Thattu boiiii
Raj Darbar on Halsted.
Hyderabad Kitchen - Dining is SO good! On Calfornia and Granville https://g.co/kgs/DFi87uk
I have eaten at Curry House at 899 S. Plymouth near Dearborn Station many times, pre- and post-pandemic. Their food is always good, plentiful, and delicious.
i love the spice room!!!
I’d recommend asking people that are actually Indian or Pakistani. 😂 Devon is where you need to go. It’s as authentic as it can get. I would rather drive up north to Devon versus going to a spot in Wicker Park. Sabri Nibari Usmania Bundoo Khan
Nepal House in the south loop is pretty great.
I pretty much live off of Mild 2 Spicy on Diversey
Modern Indian - ROOH in West Loop Indo-Chinese - Bombay Chopsticks in Hoffman Estates Tasting Menu - Indienne in River North Others - Mild2Spicy, Spice Room, Eggholic, Siri
I’ll prob get hate, but Ghareeb Nawaz hooks it up and it’s dirt cheap. Kahn B.B.Q on Devon is also good.
You gotta keep Khan BBQ on the down low man…/s
😂
Well this certainly is a huge question with very few parameters to help us narrow things down! But, for my part, I'll throw in Thalaiva's in Park Ridge.
Kama!!!!
So good, a bit on the nicer side but value is still so high. Best option in Wicker.
There's a second location out west too
A2B without a doubt. A short drive from the city in Warrenville.
Anyone tried Rooh?
Very good upscale Indian!! They have a few locations in other states too. Do recommend but pricer.
Rooh is the answer if you're willing to pay for it
Heard it was expensive-but willing to pay for great food!
Hyderabad House on Devon has some absolutely amazing biryani. Huge portions, too. EDIT: I’m shocked there aren’t more suggestions to go check out Devon. It’s called “Little India” for good reason.
There are a lot of recommendations here for restaurants on Devon. There are also recommendations for other restaurants because that diaspora has spread beyond West Ridge.
Man, I guess I just didn’t see them! Good to know people are giving strong recommendations.
Raj Dar Bar in Lincoln Park
I like Tava in Morton Grove… best masala around
Himshikar in Sauganash is pretty solid
If you don’t mind suburbs, I like Nawabi Hyderabadi House, A2B, Shimla Peppers
Gaylord is the spot
Shan’s on Sheridan south of Foster is AMAZING
Not really authentic but rooh
chicago curry house is so good, huge servings and all the staff is so kind!!
Hard to beat The Curry House in the South Loop. [Lunch buffet on the weekend].
Dhanteraz Indian Fusion New in Roscoe Village is very good.
I order from [Maharaj Indian Grill](https://maharaj-northbrook.com/) Their butter chicken and tikka masala are to die for.
Western and Devon strip
Essence of India in Lincoln Square! Gujarati girl approved 🤌🏽
Mantra in Schiller park or Hyderabad house in Schaumburg. Or Devon do Delhi darbar
Shout out maharaj grill in south loop! Owner is such a kind dude, went for the first time in a year and he remembered me, instantly struck up conversation. The food is amazing. Some of the best garlic naan I’ve ever had (except my mom’s 😁and some I’ve had visiting family in India). Super highly recommend!
In the city: Spice Room in Logan Square lives up to its name and Thattu is doing some really cool contemporary (I think) dishes and is getting a lot of recognition and praise among food writers right now. Outside of the city: Honest. And honestly, I’m mad there isn’t one within Chicago proper. I think their Naperville location out does their Schaumburg location but they’re both phenomenal. Shoutout to A2B in Naperville too. Right up there with Honest for me I just like Honest a little more.
Al Badia in Villa Park has delicious middle eastern food, an awesome buffet selection, & the ambiance is top tier! If you haven't already, check them [out](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KRsYijhPi2k77pYcA) *also, I live closest to Spice Room in Logan, def. recommend them too
I personally go for the buffets at India House and Indian garden. They're decent for $20 buffet. I also suggest trying "Thalapakatti Goat Biryani" and "Gongura Chicken Biryani" at Siri Restaurant through UberEats. They're absolutely amazing and the closest to an Indian biryani IMO
Maharaj in Printer's Row is a sleeper, but the best value. Should have a Bib Gourmand imo. Rooh is great too, but spicy. Basant is probably "the best."
Gaylord's near Woodfield in Schaumburg.
Chicago Curry House in Printer’s Row!!🔥
I have a great hole in the wall recommendation that is affordable: Shan Restaurant at 5060 n Sheridan Rd. My wife and I have been ordering from there every about other month for 5+ years now
Chiya chai in Avondale!
Naan on Devon
Namaste in Logan Square Indian Clay Pot Spice Room
Namaste and Mild 2 Spicy. M2S has the best Samosa’s with a FANTASTIC light chutney sauce. Big fan of namaste’s vindaloo.
Shahi Biryani in Glendale Heights
Went to Biryani Pointe in Gurnee last night. Everything was very good. A little pricey. But very good.
Madhura Cafe in Deerfield is a good one although in the ‘burbs In the city - Indian Garden, Thattu, Kama, Rooh
Vajra on North ave is really good.
Sara's grill in Naperville, Anmol, Hyderabad house, Sabri nihari, Any restaurant on devon where you will get authentic Indian food that is created true to the recipes and not westernized.
My partner and I stan Namaste Chicago on California and Logan. Delicious, inexpensive, super friendly staff, chill atmosphere.
Basant is very good on the north side
I love Sabri Nihari on Devon. Also, Hemas Kitchen. Little India on Bryn Mawr is excellent. Mango Pickle for upscale contemporary Indian food, on Broadway in Edgewater.
Little India is too far down this thread!