ld weather makes you crave food Pakistani Restaurant that just wraps your body and soul in a nice, delicious hug. Never heard of a hug described as delicious? If you’ve eaten South Asian food, you’ll agree. The well spiced flavors of curries, biryanis, and kebabs combined with roti and naan roti make for a delightful meal. Below, we present you the best Pakistani restaurants in Chicago.
Tabaq Restaurant
There aren’t many South Asian places in town that serve slaughtered halal meat — you’ll find plenty on Devon. Luckily for city dwellers, this near-north dive serves Pakistani, Indian and Middle Eastern fare, including Zabiha Halal. Tabaq is a no-frills restaurant, perfect for your quick fix of South Asian classics. Try one of eight curry dishes or barbecue, like Frontier Chicken.
Tandoor Char House
Tandoor Char House has locations in River North and Lincoln Park. Brothers Faheem and Faraz Sardharia have spent years perfecting Indian and Pakistani dishes that celebrate their parents’ cooking as well as their own innovative ways. The food, as well as the ambiance, offers a memorable dining experience. Chana Masala is one of the most popular dishes, which consists of chickpeas, onions, and tomatoes roasted with various herbs and spices.
Shaun Restaurant
This casual Indian-Pakistani restaurant in Uptown also doubles as a small grocery store. Try the Halwa Puri Breakfast Special, which includes three pieces of puri, halwa chana, and aloo bhojiya, a combination of crunchy, sweet, and spicy. Shaan’s samosas are the most popular and large, so don’t go hungry — save room for the biryani or curry!
Kebabish BBQ & Grill
Located in Old Town, Kababesh specializes in fresh Pakistani-Indian barbecue as well as traditional dishes with authentic spices. The rotating menu includes items such as curries and soups and stews. Butter chicken, fish fry, or if you’re really hungry, Lahori charga, half chicken marinated in traditional Lahori spices, then deep fried.
Sabri Nihari Restaurant
Sabri Nihari is a family-friendly Pakistani restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in Chicago’s Little India. Nihari, a stew with slow-cooked meat, is a popular dish. Sabri Nihari fills their Nihari with a generous portion of beef that is sure to warm you up in the Chicago winters.
Gharib Nawaz
Gharib Nawaz also has locations at UIC and Little India, as well as Lombard. The Devon location is open till 4am for all those late night revelers who crave hearty portions of Indian and Pakistani cuisine. The cozy place is perfect for those looking for a quick and tasty quality meal. Try the veggie thali, which includes four types of veggie curries.
Bindu Khan
Bindu Khan in Little India is known for its authentic Pakistani and Indian barbecue and other family-style dishes. Some favorites include chicken tikka, malai boti, puri paratha, and restaurant krahi. For the handheld, try one of Bandu Khan’s special rolls, which include your choice of meat — like chicken boti or bihari kebab — wrapped in traditional bread, like paratha or naan.
Osmania Fine Dining
Not only one of the best Pakistani restaurants in Chicago, Usamania also provides a superior experience to its diners. The restaurant has a strong menu with traditional Pakistani-Indian cuisine as well as fast food and kid-friendly items. The chefs use only the highest quality ingredients and offer slaughtered halal meat.
For a traditional winter dish, try Piya. Don’t miss the AYCE Weekend Brunch Buffet from 12-4pm. Which has more than 25 items