What words would you use to characterize Indian cuisine? The words “spicy,” “rich,” “flavorful,” and “diverse” are commonly used to characterize Indian cuisine. All of these phrases are appropriate for characterizing Indian food, which is rich in diversity and flavor and consists of a vast range of regional cuisines from around the country.
One of the distinguishing aspects of street food is the use of organic and fresh ingredients. Street food is a wonderful and nutritious meal choice that is available at a significantly lower cost.
This elevates street food to a once-in-a-lifetime event for all those who partake. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top Indian street food places in Chicago for you to try. Curries, samosas, naan, and all things tandoori are perfect for celebrating the festival of lights.
Moti Cafe
Shah orders the samosas as he visits this laid-back River North counter-serve. Mains like Chicken Biryani and Tikka Masala share a bill with street food favorites like crispy fried fries drizzled with zippy house Moti sauce and spicy, garlic-laden Vada Pav.
Naan Paneer Pizza, Curry Ramen, hot Chicken Vindaloo Tacos, and Nepalese Momos coated in sweet chili sauce keep guests on their toes with a fusion-fueled twist.
How to make a reservation: Visit for first-come, first-served seating, order Toast for takeout, or have it delivered via GrubHub, DoorDash, Postmates, and Uber Eats.
Rooh
Rooh is an upscale Rooh Indian restaurant that now offers a special delivery menu. Small appetizers such as chickpea chaat and cauliflower with peanut chutney are available, as well as entrees such as butter chicken and corn palak paneer.
While we sometimes wish the cuisine was a bit hotter, everything is usually delicious. Plus, you may save 30-50 percent on wine bottles when you purchase them in bulk.
It is also worth mentioning that they have some special offer foods that they feature sometimes like, samosa chaat with champagne sauce, saag paneer, and other good samosas dishes.
Indian Garden Restaurant
Another restaurant in Streeterville that is well-known for its big buffet is this one. But, happily, Indian Garden’s cuisine travels nicely. There are a few delicacies that stand out, such as tandoori lobster, jalfrezi, and kashmiri aloo (potatoes with cashews, raisins, and paneer).
With your pals, have a Zoom at-home buffet battle. Taste some dishes like the curried chicken, basmati rice and other innovative takes that chef Gregoire Bazire prepared in a very modern sense. Dishes are like the traditional dishes from the coastal areas in India but there are also some Pakistani favorites.
Rangoli
Because the Spice Room’s owners used to work at Rangoli, the menu is almost comparable, however, the cuisine isn’t as hot. If you’re outside of The Spice Room’s delivery range and/or it’s a Tuesday, any of the Rangoli restaurants (in Wicker or Lincoln Park) is a decent option (when The Spice Room is closed).
You can find everything here from tandoori chicken to chicken tikka masala which chef Sujan Sarkar prepares with the Indian tradition to tickle your taste buds. Also, you can find here other Nepalese favorites. The culinary horizons of chef Nakul Patel are enormous.
Vajra
Going on a first date with a new restaurant is similar to going on a first date with a new person. You immediately assess the situation: will it be a one-time hookup? A three-month contract till you discover something better? It depends on what you’re searching for, as well as minor factors such as whether or not they’re wearing an ankle bracelet.
If you’re looking for a new favorite Indian restaurant, Vajra in West Loop Town could be the place to go. At least, that’s how you’ll feel when you first come in. It’s not only because it looks good or smells wonderful, but both are true.
It’s because Vajra is a dynamo of energy. It’s frantic and lively, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. All of this is encouraging, but the great cuisine is the major reason to believe this establishment has a bright future.
There are also other organic food dishes on the menu without a lot of use of oil, which most people prefer. It is actually one of the first restaurants that featured the first foods from Indian streets.
Pub Royale
On Division Street in Wicker Park, the former Tiny Bar location is, well, small and bar-like, with vibes evocative of an old English pub. Pub Royale is a fantastic spot to go for drinks because of its laid-back atmosphere, and the food menu has some tasty Indian-inspired fare.
Small appetizers such as gobi Manchurian or a vegetable samosa, as well as entrees such as butter chicken or India hot chicken, are available. You can taste here the progressive Indian cuisine and best sugar dishes like cheese naan which executive chef Ali Dewjee promises to prepare to perfection.
There are other menu items and new dishes but some of the mentioned are a sure hit. While those foods are good, we like to come here just to meet up with friends over a few Pimm’s Cups.
Jay Patel and other celebrity chefs cooked some of the traditional dishes you can get here, like the ground meat from the little pot. This is the right place to enjoy European food and traditional Indian street food in a delicious way.
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