Chicago is fortunate to play host to so many rich cultures and neighborhoods with regional fare. With a quick trip up to Western and Devon, you can spend a day in the city's slice of India. It's not easy to tour the entire area in a single visit, but if you follow this path you should be able to get a full Little India experience in a single afternoon.
Viceroy of India There are so many mouth-watering options on Devon, but this lunch buffet is top-notch. It's a great introduction for newbies to test a broad selection of dishes, and inexpensive at $12 per person. Get a mango lassi—you won't regret it, though your waistline might. 2520 W Devon Ave.
Resham’s Head a few doors down for a variety of Indian home decor, clothes and more. The sheer volume may overwhelm you, but consider bringing home a new bedspread or fabric for some chic throw pillows. 2540 W Devon Ave.
Sukhadia's After Resham's, cross the street for some tasty Indian candy, with unique flavors like mango, pistachio and cardamom. The chickpea candy is amazing—and still counts as a vegetable, right? 2559 W Devon Ave.
Patel Brothers Market Grab some fresh produce and Indian products, including a delicious frozen vegetable pizza, hennas and bindis. 2610 W Devon Ave.
Sahiba Boutique I'm not sure how you can leave Little India without admiring the amazingly crafted kurtas (collarless shirts) and kameez salwar (loosely cut top and bottom) as well as gorgeous jewelry. This is one of several shops whose windows will simply make you stop and gaze. 2614 W Devon Ave.
Kamdar Plaza Keep heading west for another great resource for authentic ingredients. Stumped on what to buy? The different varieties of imported tea, incense and already-packaged goodies like samosas are a great first foray. One day, you'll buy that 50-pound bag of chickpea flour (and know what to do with it, too). 2646 W Devon Ave.
Deeba Beauty Salon Deeba knows waxing, and you may even get Deeba herself to wax you. Eyebrow waxing is $5, and she and her ladies are true pros. They also do henna—summer trend, anyone? 2752 W Devon Ave.
Shop 'N Help For the last leg of your tour, stop by this unassuming storefront. It's home to handmade Pakistani jewelry and clothing, and proceeds benefit the charity Helping Hand for Relief and Development. 2756 W Devon Ave.