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Guide to Little India

Biryani spots

You know that a proper biryani relies on the right balance of spice and perfectly cooked grains. You aren't interested in anything that cuts corners on the process.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Thali Corner image 1
Thali Corner image 2
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Indian restaurant

Small, cozy spot with a casual vibe and clean look. Known for authentic biryani with tender meat and rich flavor. Offers a generous biryani thali including tasty sides like chicken 65, making it a well-rounded meal.

Chicken and mutton biryani come with rich flavor and tender meat that falls off the bone. The biryani thali offers a generous portion and includes sides like chicken 65, making it a well-rounded meal.

People are saying

"I found the biryani here to be the best flavored in town."

"The vegetarian thali is huge with many flavorful options."

"I found the chai here to be the best I've had in Chicago."

Good to know

1

Tips are cash only.

2

The biryani thali offers a generous portion for the price.

3

Student discount deals provide a good amount of food for the money.

02
Mintza South Indian & Kerala cuisine image 1

Cozy spot serves authentic Kerala cuisine with a relaxed vibe perfect for quiet chats. Rich Kerala Biryani options like mutton and shrimp shine alongside fresh-made Porottas. Every dish bursts with genuine flavors that feel like home.

Rich flavors and perfect cooking define the Kerala Biryani here, with options like mutton, chicken, and shrimp biryani standing out. The biryani pairs well with fresh-made Porottas and is consistently satisfying across visits.

People are saying

"I found the Kerala food here to be really authentic and nice."

"The fish dishes, especially the Fish Pollichathu, had incredible flavors."

"I really enjoyed their rich and flavorful Kerala Biryani."

Good to know

1

Mintza South Indian & Kerala cuisine opens at 7am, making it ideal for early breakfast.

2

Parking can be very limited, so plan to arrive early.

3

The restaurant offers the cheapest masala dosa at $4.99.

03
Ruman Chai Shai & Restaurant(Zabiha Halal) image 1

Small, cozy spot with outdoor seating and lively vibe offers authentic Hyderabadi flavors. Mutton biryani shines with tender goat and aromatic rice cooked perfectly. Perfect for casual gatherings craving Halal heat and homely atmosphere.

Mutton biryani features tender goat and aromatic rice with balanced flavors cooked to perfection. The dish carries a legit Halal heat that stands out distinctly.

People are saying

"I found the Irani chai here to be the best in town."

"The authentic Hyderabadi flavors here revived memories of the city."

"The biryani's flavors are perfectly balanced and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Prices at the counter may differ from those advertised on the menu.

2

Some menu items may take longer to prepare than others.

3

The portion sizes are generous, providing good value for money.

04
Hot N' Spicy Chicago image 1
Halal restaurant

Halal restaurant serves authentic Pakistani flavors like chicken biryani with fragrant basmati rice and rich spices. Cozy, bright, and clean setting creates a homey vibe. Tables may wobble but food and atmosphere keep it casual and welcoming.

Fragrant basmati rice layers with succulent meat, spices, and herbs create a rich taste in the chicken biryani. The dish offers an authentic Pakistani flavor with each bite revealing new dimensions of aroma and taste.

People are saying

"I found the Pakistani food here to be truly authentic."

"The buffet had many fresh and delicious items to choose from."

"I thought the chicken biryani was the best I ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The Friday buffet offers a variety of dishes for a fixed price.

2

Expect inconsistent portion sizes; they can vary from day to day.

3

Restrooms may be out of service, affecting overall comfort.

05
Burns Road Kabab House image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Cozy spot offers authentic Karachi flavors with a lively, welcoming vibe. Chicken biryani shines as a flavorful highlight, perfectly paired with rich karahi dishes. Focus on Zabiha Halal meats ensures genuine Pakistani taste in every bite.

Flavorful chicken biryani stands out with authentic Karachi style. The biryani is consistently delicious and pairs well with their karahi dishes.

People are saying

"The food here tastes so authentic, like eating back home."

"The kebabs here are juicy, smoky, and perfectly spiced."

"This Biryani tastes just like authentic Karachi style."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect longer wait times on Friday and Saturday nights.

3

The restaurant serves Zabiha Halal meats, catering to the Muslim community.

06
JK Kabab Express Chicago image 1

Bright lighting meets a chill, quiet vibe perfect for late-night dining. Enjoy authentic biryani with a weekend buy one get one free deal and flavorful butter chicken. Vegetarian options and well-seasoned kabobs add to the rich, clean experience.

Large portions of authentic biryani come with a buy one get one free deal on weekends. The biryani offers a flavorful and unique taste, especially the chicken version.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and tasty."

"They gave us complimentary chicken soup and were super accommodating."

"I found the biryani to be authentic and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

They have a buy one get one free biryani deal on weekends.

2

Finding a suitable parking spot in Devon, especially on weekends, is challenging.

3

The restaurant is open late for late-night cravings.

07
Naan On Devon & Grill image 1
Indian restaurant

Cozy Indian spot serves authentic Hyderabadi cuisine in a warm, inviting space. Lamb biryani shines with rich, traditional flavors, while goat biryani and haleem offer fresh, genuine tastes. Relaxed vibe makes it perfect for enjoying classic dishes.

Lamb biryani stands out with its authentic and flavorful taste. Goat biryani and goat haleem also offer a fresh and traditional experience, closely resembling Hyderabadi styles.

People are saying

"Rizwan's hospitality made the Indian food experience so special."

"The biryani here is so authentic, it's like Hyderabadi shaadi ki biryani."

"I found the biryani here to be one of the finest in the USA."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the Friday buffet due to high demand.

2

The buffet costs $20 and offers a limited selection of dishes.

3

A Groupon deal is available for $60 off a meal of $100 or more.

08
Pak Sweets image 1
Restaurant

Old colonial-style building creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Chicken biryani shines with flavorful taste and pairs well with Pakistani appetizers. Homemade-style dishes and fresh sweets complete the authentic experience.

Chicken biryani stands out with its flavorful and delicious taste. It pairs well with Pakistani appetizers and other dishes like butter chicken and halwa puri.

People are saying

"The Indian Food here is so flavorful, especially the chicken biryani."

"I found the samosas to be always fresh and spicy."

"I found the biryani here to be really delicious."

Good to know

1

They have the halwa poori deal every day from 10am to 3pm.

2

Pak Sweets offers a large selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

3

The restaurant maintains a very clean and hygienic environment.

09
Bawarchi image 1
Restaurant

Tiny spot serves authentic Hyderabad biryani with rich spices and tender mutton. Cozy vibe and crispy dosas make it great for breakfast or late meals. Affordable prices and warm atmosphere keep locals coming back.

Mutton biryani features authentic Hyderabad style flavors with a rich blend of spices. The dish includes a few small pieces of meat and comes with yellow dal and roti.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Hyderabadi flavors, it tasted just like home."

"The breakfast dosa here is crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

"I thought the biryani tasted authentic and amazing."

Good to know

1

Bawarchi is open late, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

Expect to pay around $20 for a meal, including mutton biryani.

3

Prices are generally low, providing good value for the quality of food.

10
Khan B.B.Q. Restaurant image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Spacious interior with comfortable seating and a prayer corner offers a welcoming vibe. Authentic Pakistani barbecue shines with flavorful dishes and generous portions. Goat biryani stands out as super tasty and well done, making it a must-try.

Biryani here stands out for being super tasty and well done. Goat biryani is a favorite, with chicken biryani also quite good and unique in flavor.

People are saying

"The barbecue here is fresh, juicy, and flavorful."

"I thought the BBQ was delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"I've never found biryani this tasty and unique."

Good to know

1

The buffet costs $26 per person, not the advertised $22.

2

Khan BBQ Restaurant is Zabiha Halal certified.

3

Hygiene standards at the restaurant are reportedly poor.

11
Bar.B.Q Tonight image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Spacious restaurant offers a stunning banquet hall and modern decor that feels warm and inviting. Chicken biryani delivers rich, full flavor that rivals top spots. Valet parking adds convenience while natural light and booth seating boost comfort.

Chicken biryani stands out with rich, full flavor that impresses even picky eaters. It matches or surpasses well-known spots, offering a stellar taste that makes it a highlight here.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really tasty and delicious."

"The food here has an authentic, rich Karachi taste."

"I enjoyed the chicken biryani; it was unlike any other."

Good to know

1

Biryani is only available on weekends.

2

The restaurant is Zabiha halal certified.

3

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

12
Serena Restaurant image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Crowded space limits movement but suits large groups well. Mutton and chicken biryani shine with balanced spices and authentic taste. Fancy decor and lighting create a family-friendly vibe that complements the rich flavors.

Mutton and chicken biryani stand out with balanced spices and authentic flavors. The biryani pairs well with other dishes like paya and nihari for a full family-style meal.

People are saying

"The weekend buffet's Pakistani dishes were delicious and flavorful."

"The desi food here is so flavorful and authentic, just like home."

"The biryani here is authentic, fragrant, and perfectly spiced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers an extensive buffet with 22 different food varieties.

2

Catering services are available for private events.

3

Children under 10 eat free, while adults are charged $20 each.

13
Kabab King Grill Fine Dinning image 1

Kebab shop offers a cozy ambiance with a warm vibe and simple decor. Mutton biryani shines with authentic Hyderabadi flavor and tender meat. Prices stay reasonable, and cash-only policy keeps it straightforward.

Mutton biryani stands out with its authentic Hyderabadi flavor, fragrant aroma, and tender, perfectly balanced taste. Dum biryani here captures a traditional home-style feel with a royal touch.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The biryani here is so authentic and aromatic."

"This Mutton Biryani is so aromatic and flavorful, just like Hyderabad."

Good to know

1

They offer a buffet on Fridays for $17.

2

They have a weekly Sunday special of keema khichdi.

3

The restaurant is open till late at night.

14
Ali's Nihari & BBQ image 1

Large dining hall offers spacious seating and clean decor. Chicken and mutton biryani are well-spiced and pair well with Bihari kebabs and nihari. Atmosphere shifts from quiet to noisy, with occasional Quran recitation adding a unique touch.

Chicken biryani and mutton biryani come out flavorful and well-spiced. The biryani pairs well with other dishes like Bihari kebabs and nihari, creating a rich, hearty meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the nihari."

"You have to try the bihari kebab; it's the best I've had."

"I loved the mutton biryani; it was fabulous and very tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant gets packed during peak hours, so arrive early.

2

Portions are generous, enough to feed 2-3 people.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a good value for the quality.

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Little India, Chicago

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