Chicago is a city that boasts of diversity, and with that comes a variety of cuisines. From deep-dish pizza to hot dogs, Chicagoans have a lot to choose from. However, one dish that stands out is tandoori chicken.
Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish that is made by marinating chicken in a blend of spices and yogurt, and then cooked in a traditional clay oven called a tandoor. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken that is perfect for any occasion.
If you're a fan of tandoori chicken, you're in luck because Chicago has some of the best places to indulge in this delectable dish.
From upscale restaurants to small eateries, Chicago has a variety of options to choose from. Each place has its unique twist on the classic dish, making it a must-try for any foodie.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to get tandoori chicken in Chicago. We will highlight what makes each place special and why you should give it a try.
So, whether you're a local or a tourist visiting the city, this guide will help you discover the best places to satisfy your tandoori chicken cravings.
1. Mild 2 Spicy
Mild 2 Spicy is an Indian restaurant that serves delicious tandoori chicken.
The menu offers a decent selection of dishes, from mild to spicy, and the naan is delicious. The staff is attentive and friendly. The ambiance is authentic and clean.
The portions are good, and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant also offers a rewards program, and BYOB is allowed until they get their liquor license.
Mild 2 Spicy is a solid choice for those who crave tandoori chicken and other Indian dishes.
2. ROOH Chicago
ROOH Chicago is a swanky Indian restaurant offering modern Indian dining and craft cocktails.
Their tandoori chicken is a must-try, cooked to perfection with a great depth of flavor. The naan could be a little larger, but it's fresh and buttery.
The vegetarian options are plentiful, and the tandoori cauliflower with naan is a standout dish.
The service is top-notch, and the staff is hospitable. The ambiance is excellent, making it the perfect place for a celebratory dinner.
3. Adda Indian Cuisine
Adda Indian Cuisine is a great spot for tandoori chicken.
The food is delicious and well-seasoned, with a variety of curries and biryanis to choose from. The naan bread is also fresh and flavorful.
The service is quick and friendly, and the atmosphere is comfortable and laid-back.
The restaurant offers classic Indian dishes and has a vegetarian menu as well. Highly recommended for anyone craving some tasty tandoori chicken.
4. Nepal House
Nepal House is a family-owned restaurant that serves Nepalese and Indian dishes. The place is known for its delicious tandoori chicken that's cooked to perfection.
The restaurant has a classy and relaxed atmosphere, with white tablecloths adding an elegant touch to the dining room.
The staff is helpful and informative, and the service is excellent. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.
If you're looking for authentic Nepalese and Indian food, Nepal House is a must-visit.
5. The Spice Room
The Spice Room is a cozy Northern Indian eatery with artsy decor. They offer flavorful tandoori chicken and other delicious dishes like chicken vindaloo and butter chicken.
The portions are plentiful, making it perfect for sharing with friends.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, making for a worthwhile dining experience. However, the prices are somewhat pricey, and even the mild dishes are pretty spicy.
Despite these minor issues, The Spice Room is definitely worth a try for anyone craving some delicious Indian food.
6. Vajra
Vajra is a high-end Indian and Nepalese restaurant that serves delicious tandoori chicken.
The food is packed with authentic flavors that are not too spicy but still burst with taste. The meats are cooked into the sauces, making every dish a delight.
The restaurant has a small seating area, but the table service is excellent. The cocktails list is small but offers good drinks.
Vajra is a must-try for anyone looking for quality Indian cuisine in the city.
7. Shan Restaurant
Shan Restaurant offers excellent Pakistani and Indian food at affordable prices. Their tandoori chicken is a must-try dish.
The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is located in a strip mall. The staff is friendly and provides quick service.
They also have a grocery store attached to the restaurant. Parking can be a bit challenging, but the food is worth it.
If you're in the mood for authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine, Shan Restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
8. Nawaz Gulshan
Nawaz Gulshan is a small Indian restaurant serving up some seriously delicious tandoori chicken.
While the biryani is also worth a try, the real star of the show is the perfectly spiced and juicy tandoori chicken.
The prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a casual meal. It's recommended to take the order to go as the restaurant can get quite busy.
If you're in the mood for some flavorful tandoori chicken, Nawaz Gulshan is definitely worth a visit.
9. Ali's Nihari & BBQ
Ali's Nihari & BBQ is a Pakistani restaurant that serves up some delicious tandoori chicken. The restaurant has a pleasant ambiance and is well-lit and clean.
The staff is polite and attentive, providing good service. The food is steaming hot and tastes yummy, with the nihari and naan being the standout dishes.
The chicken can be a bit hard to chew, but the mutton biryani and butter chicken are excellent. The mixed grill platter is more than enough for a family, and the garlic naan is delectable.
This is a great option for Halal BBQ on Devon Street and is a must-try for anyone looking for authentic Pakistani food in Chicago.
10. The Little India
The Little India is a cozy Indian restaurant that serves up some of the best tandoori chicken in town. The portions are generous, and the flavors are spot on.
From the spicy Rogan Josh to the creamy Chicken Makhani, every dish is made with care and attention to detail.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the prices are reasonable.
Whether you're dining in or ordering takeout, The Little India is a must-try for any fan of Indian cuisine.
11. Cumin Restaurant
Cumin Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine. The tandoori chicken is a standout dish, cooked to perfection with just the right amount of spice.
The menu offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, each bursting with flavor and made with high-quality ingredients.
The service is impeccable, with friendly and attentive staff who create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Whether dining in or ordering takeout, Cumin Restaurant is a delicious and satisfying choice for anyone looking for a taste of the East.
12. Bombay Eats / Bombay Wraps
Looking for a quick, delicious bite of Indian food in the heart of the city without breaking the bank or sacrificing taste and quality of food, then Bombay Eats / Bombay Wraps is the place to be.
They offer a variety of tandoori chicken options, including wraps, salads, and bowls, all at affordable prices.
The service is quick, and the staff is friendly, making it a great spot to grab a meal on the go. The restaurant is clean and spacious, providing ample seating for diners.
Whether you're a fan of Indian food or just looking for a new lunch spot, Bombay Eats / Bombay Wraps is a must-try.
13. Rajun Cajun
Rajun Cajun is a small restaurant that serves delicious tandoori chicken. The food is prepared flawlessly and the quality of the ingredients used is commendable.
The restaurant also offers a variety of other Indian dishes that are well-seasoned and tasty.
The staff is friendly and the service is prompt. The atmosphere is welcoming and the seating area is suitable for small groups.
The prices are reasonable and the portions are plentiful. If you're in the mood for some authentic Indian cuisine, Rajun Cajun is definitely worth the visit.
14. Delhi Darbar Kabab House
Looking for some authentic tandoori chicken in town, Delhi Darbar Kabab House is a must-visit. The food served here is delicious and the service is top-notch.
The restaurant also offers a variety of other Indian and Pakistani dishes for those who want to try something new.
Although the service can be a bit slow at times, the wait is worth it for the amazing food.
The prices are reasonable, making it a great option for a night out with family or friends.
15. India House Restaurant – Chicago
India House Restaurant in Chicago offers delicious tandoori chicken that is excellently prepared.
The lunch buffet is a great option with plenty of vegetarian and meat options, including the amazing chicken tiki masala.
The restaurant also offers a 3-course menu at a great budget price. The service is outstanding with attentive and respectful waiters.
The food is consistently good and the menu offers a variety of fresh and tasty meals. This is a great place to enjoy traditional Indian cuisine.
16. Indian Garden Restaurant
Indian Garden Restaurant serves some of the best tandoori chicken in town. The chicken is well-marinated and cooked to perfection in the traditional tandoor oven.
The restaurant's ambiance is inviting, with ornate interiors that add to the overall dining experience.
The menu features a wide variety of North Indian fare, including a lunch buffet with a good selection of dishes. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that every guest has a pleasant dining experience.
If you're looking for authentic Indian food and delicious tandoori chicken, Indian Garden Restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
