Top 10 Dishes to Try at Indian Restaurants in Chicago Downtown
Chicago is a food lover’s paradise, offering a rich tapestry of global cuisines, and Indian food holds a special place among them. With a growing number of Indian restaurants, ranging from cozy family-run eateries to chic, upscale dining experiences, the Windy City is a fantastic destination for exploring the diverse flavors of India. Whether you’re a local or a visitor searching for the best Indian food, here’s a guide to the top 10 Indian dishes you must try in Chicago, along with a spotlight on one of the city’s best Indian restaurant-bars that has mastered the balance of flavor and ambiance.
1 Surti Undhiyu
A vibrant one-pot meal originating from Gujarat, Surti Undhiyu is a must-try dish for anyone looking to experience authentic Kathiawadi flavors. A seasonal delicacy traditionally made in winter, it consists of slow-cooked vegetables like yam, potatoes, and eggplants, mixed with green beans and spiced fenugreek dumplings. The rich, earthy taste of this dish, cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, pairs perfectly with puris or roti. Look for this dish at some of the best Indian food restaurants near me, where regional specialties are highlighted on the menu.
2. Baigan Bharta
Baigan Bharta is a smoky, delicious mashed eggplant dish from North India. The eggplant is roasted over an open flame, giving it a distinctive, smoky flavor, and then cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a medley of spices. This dish can be found at various Indian restaurants in Chicago, where it’s often served with soft naan or freshly baked tandoori bread. Its simplicity combined with bold flavors makes it a perfect dish for both first-timers and seasoned lovers of Indian cuisine.
3. Chicken Tikka Masala
One of the most famous Indian dishes globally, Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich and creamy curry made from grilled chicken chunks simmered in a tomato-based sauce spiced with garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Its bold, tangy flavors have made it a favorite at Indian restaurants worldwide, and you’ll find no shortage of excellent renditions of it in Chicago. The city’s vibrant Indian dining scene ensures you can savor this dish at both casual and fine dining spots, including some of the new Indian restaurants in Chicago.
4. Bharela Aloo Baigan
Another beloved Kathiawadi dish, Bharela Aloo Baigan combines potatoes and eggplant stuffed with a spiced peanut and sesame filling. The dish is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a tangy and rich taste that is comforting yet flavorful. This dish is an excellent option for vegetarians looking for something beyond the typical Indian fare.
5. Rajwadi Baigan
For fans of eggplant-based dishes, Rajwadi Baigan offers another layer of complexity. This Kathiawadi specialty is cooked with a blend of rich spices and sometimes sweetened with jaggery or tamarind for a subtle balance between sweet, sour, and spicy. Try this unique dish at some of the new Indian restaurants in Chicago, where regional Indian cuisine is becoming increasingly popular.
6. Sev Tomato
A simple yet delightful Gujarati dish, Sev Tomato is made with tomatoes cooked in a mildly spiced gravy and topped with crispy sev (fried chickpea flour noodles). The contrasting textures of the crispy sev and the soft, tangy tomatoes make for a unique culinary experience. Some Indian eateries in Chicago, especially those with a focus on Gujarati cuisine, offer this as part of their menu.
7. Kaju Karela
Kaju Karela is a dish that celebrates the underappreciated bitter gourd (karela) by cooking it with rich spices and cashews. The combination of the slightly bitter taste of karela with the creamy, crunchy texture of cashews creates a surprisingly delightful experience. Those who enjoy adventurous, lesser-known dishes should definitely seek this out when dining in Indian restaurants in Chicago.
8. Butter Chicken
Another popular favorite, Butter Chicken is a creamy and slightly sweet dish made from chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a buttery tomato sauce. The richness of the sauce, flavored with spices like fenugreek and garam masala, makes this dish universally loved. You’ll find variations of this dish in almost every Indian restaurant in Chicago, but for an especially indulgent version, check out Rasoi Fine Indian Cuisine, where it’s made to perfection.
9. Bhindi Masala
A classic vegetarian dish, Bhindi Masala is made with tender okra cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a flavorful mix of spices. Its appeal lies in the vibrant, spicy flavors and the freshness of the ingredients. A healthy and wholesome option, Bhindi Masala is ideal for those looking to explore vegetarian offerings in the Chicago Indian food scene.
10. Khichdi Kadi
Khichdi Kadi is a comforting, homely meal made from rice and lentils, accompanied by a yogurt-based curry (kadi) flavored with mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves. Though it’s a simple dish, Khichdi Kadi is deeply satisfying and often described as the ultimate comfort food. Many bars in Chicago that serve Indian food have started incorporating such wholesome dishes to cater to a wider audience.
Nina’s Sports Bar & Restaurant X Rasoi Fine Indian Cuisine
A recent addition to the Chicago Indian restaurant scene, Nina’s Sports Bar & Restaurant X Rasoi Fine Indian Cuisine creates a unique fusion experience. While the sports bar ambiance provides a relaxed and vibrant setting for sports enthusiasts, the culinary offerings are all about refined Indian flavors. Located in a prime spot downtown, Nina’s offers a combination of American bar favorites with traditional Indian dishes. The butter chicken here is known for its richness, while regional Kathiawadi dishes like Bharela Marcha (stuffed peppers) and Surti Undhiyu are house specialties.
This collaboration between Nina’s and Rasoi caters to those looking for a laid-back environment while enjoying some of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago downtown. Whether you’re catching a game or enjoying a quiet meal, this spot is ideal for trying authentic Indian dishes with a modern twist.
Exploring Chicago’s Indian Food Scene
Chicago’s Indian food scene is a treasure trove of diverse flavors, with regional dishes from across India, including the spicy, hearty Kathiawadi cuisine. From comforting khichdi kadi to indulgent butter chicken, and lesser-known specialties like Rajwadi Baigan, Chicago’s Indian restaurants ensure that every palate is satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal at a neighborhood spot or a new, upscale Indian restaurant in Chicago, the city has it all. So, head out and explore the delicious, aromatic world of Indian cuisine right in the heart of Chicago!
