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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Little India

Chai spots

A cup of chai that captures the depth of the original recipe instead of just tasting like sweetened milk.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
JK Kabab Express Chicago image 1
JK Kabab Express Chicago image 2
JK Kabab Express Chicago image 3
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Bright, clean space offers a calm vibe for late-night dining. Menu shines with well-seasoned kabobs and rich butter chicken. Akbari chai delivers a rich aroma and bold flavor, perfect for a cozy sip.

Akbari chai stands out with its exceptional flavor and rich aroma. Multiple cups highlight its consistent excellence.

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 chai to be very, very good."

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.

02
Ruman Chai Shai & Restaurant(Zabiha Halal) image 1

Small, cozy spot with outdoor seating and lively vibe offers authentic Hyderabadi flavors. Rich, aromatic Irani chai tastes like ghar ki chai and pairs well with Osmania biscuits. Perfect for casual gatherings in a Dhaba-style setting.

Rich, aromatic Irani chai captures the true essence of Hyderabad and feels like ghar ki chai. It pairs perfectly with Osmania biscuits and samosas in a cozy, welcoming spot.

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."

"It's a cozy oasis that feels just like home."

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.

03
Thali Corner image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, cozy spot offers authentic Indian cuisine with well-spiced thali and biryani. Strong ginger chai and zafrani chai deliver rich, memorable flavors. Casual vibe and clean atmosphere make it perfect for relaxed dining.

Strong ginger chai and zafrani chai stand out with rich, authentic flavors. The sulaimani chai and Adrak chai bring a memorable taste reminiscent of Indian tea stalls.

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.

04
Kabab King Grill Fine Dinning image 1

Kebab shop offers a cozy ambiance with authentic grilled dishes and a cash-only policy. Irani chai here is rich and nostalgic, pairing perfectly with traditional foods like haleem. Prices stay reasonable, making it a warm and flavorful spot.

Irani chai here offers an authentic, rich, and perfectly brewed taste that brings a nostalgic feel of Hyderabad. It pairs well with traditional dishes like haleem and kaddu ki kheer, making it a flavorful and comforting choice.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The biryani here is so authentic and aromatic."

"The Irani chai here is perfectly brewed, rich, and comforting."

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.

05
Spinzer Restaurant | Authentic Pakistani Food image 1

Space blends a warm, family-friendly vibe with a relaxing patio. Freshly made chai offers an authentic Karachi flavor that pairs well with desi snacks. Energy shifts from lowkey to lively, welcoming both groups and dates.

Freshly made chai stands out with its authentic flavor that recalls Karachi. It pairs well with desi snacks and offers a rich, satisfying taste.

People are saying

"I found the hunter beef sandwich to be simply delicious."

"I found the Pakistani food here to be authentic and flavorful."

"I thought the chai was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Catering services are available for events.

2

They currently have a spin the wheel offer for trying different dishes.

3

Expect potential wait times as the restaurant is often busy.

06
King Sweets Restaurant image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Cozy space offers a welcoming ambiance and family-friendly setting perfect for relaxed chats. Kashmiri chai shines with rich spices, paired well with fresh sweets like halwa puri. Vibrant South Asian flavors create an authentic, homely vibe.

Kashmiri chai stands out with its perfectly brewed spices and rich, comforting flavor. Irani chai also impresses with its authentic taste, making both excellent choices alongside fresh halwa puri or samosas.

People are saying

"I found the Kashmiri chai to be the best I have ever had."

"Their halwa puri breakfast is fresh, authentic, and tasty."

"I found the samosas here to be the best I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Halwa puri breakfast is served from 10am to 3pm on weekends and until 1pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a 30-40 minute wait for freshly made food.

3

The pricing is very reasonable for the quality of food offered.

07
Mintza South Indian & Kerala cuisine image 1

Small restaurant serves authentic Kerala cuisine in a cozy, relaxed setting. Masala chai offers a spicy, aromatic flavor that pairs well with dishes like dosa and biriyani. Atmosphere invites quiet conversation and feels like home.

Strong focus on Kerala Chai with a rich, flavorful taste. The masala chai stands out as a spicy, aromatic option that pairs well with savory dishes.

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 enjoyed the Kerala Chai."

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.

08
Hyderabad House image 1
Restaurant

Small spot buzzes with authentic Hyderabadi chai and spicy aromas. Cozy vibe fills with sizzling sounds and lively crowds. Irani chai offers a rich flavor that energizes late-night diners.

Piping hot, authentic Hyderabadi chai comes at a great value of $2. Irani chai stands out as a must try with a pure, rich flavor that gives a solid boost.

People are saying

"The authentic Hyderabadi flavors here are so good, especially the haleem."

"I got some piping hot, amazing chai here."

"The Chicken Biryani has well-balanced spices and generous portions."

Good to know

1

Hyderabad House only accepts cash payments; an ATM is available on-site.

2

Parking can be difficult, especially during peak hours.

3

The restaurant is open late, making it a good option for night dining.

09
Pak Sweets image 1
Restaurant

Old colonial-style building creates a cozy scene with a family-friendly vibe. Chai is authentic karak, fresh and strong, best with the affordable halwa poori platter. Known for homemade-style dishes and fresh sweets, perfect for casual gatherings.

Chai here is authentic and fresh, brewed perfectly with a strong karak style. Portions can be small for the price, but the affordable halwa poori platter pairs well with the tea.

People are saying

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

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

"The chai here is perfectly brewed and so comforting."

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.

10
New York Halal Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

New York Halal Pizza offers thin crust New York style pizzas and a standout Bihari kabob in a laid-back spot with dull lighting. Night owls love the quick, satisfying halal bites. The Hyderabadi chai is exceptional and highly recommended for its amazing flavor.

Chai at New York Halal Pizza stands out for its exceptional quality and Hyderabadi style. It draws repeat visits and strong recommendations for its amazing flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the pizza; it was crispy, hot, and halal."

"I thought the chai here was exceptional and on another level."

"I had one of the best burgers, the beef was amazing."

Good to know

1

A slice of pepperoni costs $3, making it an affordable option.

2

The menu features a wide variety of items beyond just pizza.

3

Expect a long wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

11
Tahoora Sweets & Bakery image 1

Open, spacious bakery offers wheelchair accessibility and a cozy, clean space filled with the aroma of fresh sweets. Chai, especially the Dhoot Patio chai, pairs perfectly with Kaju Katli and cookies. Families enjoy authentic Indian and Middle Eastern treats here.

Chai hits the spot every time with a consistently good taste. The Dhoot Patio chai stands out as a favorite, often paired with sweets like Kaju Katli and cookies.

People are saying

"The bakery's sweets are fresh, flavorful, and beautifully made."

"I found authentic Indian sweets and snacks here."

"I thought the chai here was awesome."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the Bank's parking lot on weekends.

2

On weekdays, paid parking is necessary nearby.

3

The bakery closes at 8:50 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

12
Sukhadia's Sweets and Snacks image 1

Cozy spot with retro Indian music sets a warm mood. Strong masala chai offers fresh, bold flavor. Casual vibe with ample seating invites enjoying authentic snacks like samosa and vada pav.

Strong masala chai stands out with fresh, excellent flavor. Chai pairs well with snacks like samosa and vada pav, offering a warm, satisfying experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, delicious, and really good."

"I found their vegetarian Indian food to be authentic and tasty."

"You have to try their Masala Chai; it's the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay $2 for bottled water, which is not complimentary.

2

The menu is only available in the original language, making it hard to read.

3

Catering services are available for events and gatherings.

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