Chicago is a city with a vibrant food scene. From deep-dish pizza to hot dogs, the city has it all. But one cuisine that stands out in the city's culinary landscape is Pakistani cuisine.
Chicago boasts a number of Pakistani restaurants that serve authentic dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Pakistani food is known for its rich flavors, spices, and curries. The cuisine is a fusion of Indian, Persian, and Afghan flavors, making it a unique and delicious experience.
Whether you're a fan of meat or prefer vegetarian dishes, Pakistani food has something for everyone.
The city is home to a number of Pakistani restaurants, ranging from small hole-in-the-wall places to upscale dining experiences.
Each restaurant has its own take on classic dishes and offers a unique dining experience. From traditional biryanis to succulent kebabs, there's no shortage of delicious options to choose from.
In this blog post, we'll be exploring some of the best Pakistani restaurants in Chicago. We'll take a closer look at the dishes they serve, the ambiance of the restaurant, and what sets them apart from other Pakistani restaurants in the city.
So, whether you're a seasoned lover of Pakistani cuisine or a newcomer looking to try something new, this guide will help you find the perfect restaurant to satisfy your cravings.
1. AJWAAH SWEETS
AJWAAH SWEETS is a Pakistani restaurant that offers high-quality food and excellent customer service.
Their chicken tikka pizza, mithais, and snacks are fresh and delicious. The owners are friendly, and the staff is accommodating.
The Desi sweets are great, and the Halwa puri plate on weekends is spectacular. The papdi chaat and samosas are addictive and a must-try.
AJWAAH SWEETS is the best place to sit, relax, and enjoy hot tea, samosas, and burgers in winter. If you're a mithai lover, this is the place to be.
2. Kababish BBQ & Grill
Kababish BBQ & Grill serves delicious Pakistani and Indian food at reasonable prices. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff make it a must-visit spot for foodies.
The menu offers a wide variety of options, including lamb stew, chicken Naan wrap, and grilled chicken. The spices are well-balanced, and the portions are generous.
While the seating arrangement could use an update, the food more than makes up for it. The restaurant also offers specific dishes on certain days, adding to the excitement of trying something new.
For those looking for halal options, Kababish BBQ & Grill has got you covered. Don't miss out on their behari kabob and goat curry.
3. Karachi Chaat House
Karachi Chaat House is a Pakistani restaurant that offers a variety of delicious food items. The chai and dahi pori are especially loved by customers.
While the quality of some items has gone down, the overall taste and authenticity of the food is still great.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, making the experience even better.
The restaurant is open until 2 AM, making it a great spot for night owls. Prices are reasonable and the food is worth the cost.
4. Tandoor Char House
Tandoor Char House is a Pakistani restaurant that serves delicious and authentic dishes.
They offer a great variety of options, including vegetarian-friendly dishes and halal meat. The service is friendly and attentive, making the dining experience even better.
The portions are generous and the taste is always spot-on. The restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of food served.
If you're looking for a great Pakistani restaurant, Tandoor Char House is definitely worth checking out.
5. Shan Restaurant
Shan Restaurant is a great spot for those looking for authentic Pakistani cuisine.
The food is consistently good and reasonably priced. They have a variety of options for vegetarians as well.
The atmosphere is casual and there is a grocery store attached to the restaurant.
The service is friendly and efficient. It's a great place to stop by for a quick, delicious meal.
6. Pak Sweets
Pak Sweets is a Pakistani restaurant that offers authentic and affordable food. Their halwa poori, samosas, and mithai are highly recommended.
The owner/chef is generous and offers catering services for social events. The restaurant has a simple decor, but the food is the star of the show.
The nihari and paya are must-try dishes. The restaurant is busy, especially during weekends, but the friendly and helpful staff make the experience enjoyable.
Pak Sweets is the go-to place for delicious Pakistani food on Devon Street.
7. Mirch Family Dining
Mirch Family Dining is a Pakistani restaurant that serves delicious and authentic food.
The restaurant offers excellent customer service, and the staff is very friendly and accommodating. The menu has a variety of dishes to choose from, and the food is fresh and flavorful.
The spice level is perfect, and the biryani is aromatic and mouth-watering. The restaurant is a great option for anyone looking for Pakistani comfort food.
The ambiance is basic, but the food is worth the visit. Mirch Family Dining is a great addition to the local dining scene.
8. Biryani Corner
Biryani Corner is an excellent Pakistani restaurant that offers authentic and delicious food. The restaurant has a great ambiance and friendly staff who provide exceptional hospitality.
The menu features a variety of dishes, but the Veal and Chicken Biryani are the most popular.
The curry items are also highly recommended. The restaurant is halal, which makes it an excellent choice for the Muslim community.
If you are looking for a real taste of Karachi's biryani, Biryani Corner is the place to be. The food is fresh and flavorful, and the prices are reasonable. Don't miss out on this must-try spot!
9. Shinwari Grill
Shinwari Grill is a Pakistani restaurant that offers mouth-watering and flavorful food.
The restaurant has a nice environment and provides excellent service to its customers. The food is fresh and of the best quality in Chicago.
The mixed grill platter is amazing, and the zinger burger is a must-try for fast food lovers. The staff is courteous and attentive to details, making the dining experience a great one.
Shinwari Grill is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for authentic Pakistani cuisine.
10. King Sweets
King Sweets is a Pakistani restaurant that serves delicious and authentic Desi food.
They are well-known for their Kashmiri pink tea, which is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is nice and welcoming.
They also have a great selection of desi sweets that are worth trying.
King Sweets is a great place to visit if you are looking for a quick and tasty meal or just want to enjoy some authentic Pakistani cuisine.
11. Al-Halal Zaiqa Restaurant
Al-Halal Zaiqa Restaurant is a Pakistani restaurant that offers mouth-watering and authentic Pakistani food.
The place is neat and clean and has a great ambiance.
The chicken biryani is a must-try, and the food is simply delicious.
If you are looking for an excellent Pakistani restaurant, then Al-Halal Zaiqa Restaurant is the place to be.
12. Ali's Nihari & BBQ
Ali's Nihari & BBQ is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for authentic Pakistani cuisine.
The quality and quantity of the food are top-notch, and the service is excellent. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience, but the prices are on the higher side.
The keem naan, pakora chicken, and chicken tikka boti are some of the must-try dishes. The staff is polite and attentive, and the ambiance is pleasant.
The restaurant is clean and quiet, making it an ideal place to visit with family or friends.
13. The Little India
The Little India is a small Pakistani restaurant that serves authentic Indian cuisine at an affordable price. Although the restaurant is small, the interior is tidy and welcoming.
The menu offers a variety of dishes, including samosas, chicken tikka masala, goat curry, palak paneer, and dal makhni.
The portions are generous, and the ingredients are fresh and distinct. The restaurant also serves a weekend buffet that allows customers to taste different dishes for one price.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, making the dining experience pleasant. If you're looking for delicious Indian food at an affordable price, The Little India is worth checking out.
14. New York Halal Pizza
New York Halal Pizza is a Pakistani restaurant that serves up delicious NYC-style pizza and sandwiches that are all halal.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of pizza flavors, with the ChiTown pizza being a standout favorite.
Their BBQ wings and burgers are also worth trying. The service is friendly and the prices are reasonable.
This is a great spot for halal comfort food in a no-frills setting.
15. Lahore Food & Grill
Lahore Food & Grill is a Pakistani restaurant that offers an authentic taste of Lahore.
The restaurant is newly renovated and has a friendly and casual atmosphere. The menu has many specialties, but the Chicken Chargha is the most popular dish.
The lentil gravy and fast food are also highly recommended. Lahore Food & Grill is open all night, making it an ideal place to chill out with friends or family.
The staff is respectful and clean, and the prices are reasonable. If you want to try real Pakistani food, Lahore Food & Grill is the place to go.
16. Spinzer Restaurant
Spinzer Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Pakistani street food.
The food is delicious, with highlights including the bun kababs, samosas, and papri chaat. The service is fast and efficient, and the prices are reasonable.
While the ambiance leaves something to be desired, the food more than makes up for it.
Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, Spinzer Restaurant is definitely worth checking out.
17. Karahi Corner Restaurant & Catering House
Karahi Corner Restaurant & Catering House offers authentic Pakistani cuisine in a casual setting. The food is made fresh and is of high quality.
The restaurant is known for its delicious karhai dishes, which are cooked in a traditional wok-style vessel.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, making for a pleasant dining experience. The desserts are also worth trying.
The restaurant can get busy, so be prepared for a wait. All in all, Karahi Corner Restaurant & Catering House is a great option for those looking for tasty Pakistani food.
18. Sabri Nihari Restaurant
Sabri Nihari Restaurant offers authentic Pakistani cuisine in a contemporary setting.
The restaurant serves halal meat dishes and has vegan options available. The food is flavorful and the portions are generous.
The staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere and offers a kids menu.
The parking can be difficult to find, but the delicious food is worth the effort.
19. Bundoo Khan
Bundoo Khan is a Pakistani restaurant that stands out for its flavorful grilled meats and karhai dishes.
The food is never burnt or undercooked and is packed with lots of flavor. The service can be a bit slow, but the staff is friendly and welcoming.
Vegetarian options are limited, but the naans are delicious and generously portioned. The restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere and offers catering services.
If you're looking for authentic Pakistani cuisine, Bundoo Khan is definitely worth a try.
20. Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant
Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant offers delicious Pakistani food at an incredibly affordable price.
The menu has a wide range of options, including shami kabab, chicken frontier, and chicken haleem. The portions are generous, so be careful not to order too much.
The staff is patient and helpful, and the service is fast. The atmosphere is not fancy, but the food makes up for it.
Highly recommended for those looking for authentic Pakistani food on a budget.
