Cold weather makes you crave food 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 cuisine, you’ll agree. The well-spiced, rich flavors of curries, biryanis, and kebabs and addicting roti and naan bread to tie it all together make for one happy meal. Are you a fan of Pakistani and Indian food and searching for Indian or Pakistani restaurant near me? Below, we’re serving you the best Pakistani restaurants in Chicago.
Tabaq Restaurant
1245 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60610
There aren’t many South Asian spots in the city that serve zabiha halal meat—you’ll find plenty more 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 the eight curry dishes or barbecue, like the Frontier Chicken.
Tandoor Char House
2652 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
110 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
If you are searching for Pakistani food in Chicago, Tandoor Char House has locations in River North and Lincoln Park. Brothers Fahim and Faraz Sardharia spent many years perfecting Indian and Pakistani recipes that celebrate their parents’ cooking as well as new approaches of their own. The food, as well as the ambiance, serves a memorable dining experience. The Chana Masala is one of the most popular dishes, with chickpeas, onions, and tomatoes sautéed with assorted herbs and spices.
Shan Restaurant
5060 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640
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 bhujia—a mix of crispy, sweet, and spice. Shan’s samosas are a crowd favorite and bigger than most, so don’t fill up on the appetizer—save room for a biryani or curry!
Kababish BBQ & Grill
1546 N Larrabee St, Chicago, IL 60610
Located in Old Town, Kababish specializes in fresh Pakistani-Indian barbecue as well as traditional dishes with authentic spices. The rotating menu features items like curries and soups and stews. Try customer favorites like Butter Chicken, Fish Fry, or if you’re really hungry, Lahori Chargha, a half chicken marinated in traditional Lahori spices then deep fried.
Sabri Nihari Restaurant
2502 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Looking for the best nihari in Chicago? Sabri Nihari is a family-friendly Pakistani restaurant Chicago that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Chicago’s Little India. Nihari, a stew with slow-cooked meat, is a popular dish. Sabri Nihari loads a generous portion of tender beef into its nihari that will definitely warm you up on cold Chicago winters.
Ghareeb Nawaz
2032 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
807 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
Ghareeb Nawaz is a Devon Pakistani restaurant that has locations in UIC and Little India as well as Lombard. The Devon location opens late until 4 a.m. for all the late night munchers who crave hearty portions of Indian and Pakistani food. The casual spot is perfect for those looking for a quick and delicious quality meal. Try the Veggie Thali, which includes four types of veggie curry.
Bundoo Khan
2539 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Bundoo 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 the restaurant’s signature karahi. For a handheld, try one of Bundoo Khan’s Special Rolls, which includes your choices of meat—like chicken boti or Bihari kabab—wrapped in traditional bread, like paratha or naan. It is a renowned Pakistani halal restaurant.
Usmania Fine Dining
2244 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Not only one of the best Best Pakistani Restaurants in Chicago, Usamania also provides an elevated experience to its diners. The restaurant features a robust menu with traditional Pakistani-Indian cuisine as well as fast food and kid-friendly items. The chefs only use the highest quality ingredients and serves zabiha halal meat.
For a traditional winter dish, try Paya, which is cow feet cooked with various spices. Don’t miss out on the AYCE weekend brunch buffet 12-4 p.m. that has more than 25 items to chow down on.
Featured Image Credit: Kababish BBQ & Grill