When we close our eyes, we can almost picture the large crowd gathered around the bustling counter of this Indo-Pak spot on Devon Avenue. While you can't get that at the moment, you can get your Ghareeb Nawaz fix through takeout and delivery (easier still with additional locations in University Village and Lombard). The soothing dal gosht lentil is loaded with bay leaves and chili peppers, and the chili chicken is fiery and fragrant. No matter what you order, you’ll get your money’s worth—most menu items ring up well under $10.
When you ask locals about the best Indian restaurants in Chicago, chances are they'll give you two answers: A beloved traditional spot that's been around for ages as well as a new-wave restaurant that opened in the past five years. Both have merit, so plan to traverse the city in search of decadent curries, flaky paratha and top-notch vegetarian dishes. We should note up front, too, that this list includes several South Asian cuisines, from Pakistani and Nepalese to Indian. There's plenty to choose from, and as an added bonus, most of these spots double as some of the best delivery restaurants in Chicago. So whether you're looking for veggie-stuffed momos, soul-soothing biryani or a butter chicken calzone (really), the best Indian restaurants in Chicago have you covered.
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