The Absolute Best Chaat in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Having sampled countless varieties from various vendors, I’ve meticulously reviewed 12 standout spots that truly capture the essence of this delightful street food.

From the tangy tamarind chutney to the crunchy sev, each bite tells a story, revealing the vibrant flavors and textures unique to Indian cuisine.

In this article, I’ll take you on a flavorful journey through the Windy City, showcasing my top picks for chaat that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

So, whether you’re a seasoned chaat lover or new to this culinary adventure, let's dive into the best chaat places that Chicago has to offer!

Chiya Chai Logan Square

Highlights
Flavor-packed vegetarian options
Delicious chai and drinks
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Comfortable dining experience
Refined chaat offerings

Stepping into Chiya Chai Logan Square, I was immediately greeted by the warm ambiance and the inviting aroma of spices wafting through the air. As someone who adores chaat, I was eager to devour their refined offerings. Their vegetarian options are not just an afterthought; each bite bursts with flavor, leaving a delightful tang on my palate. The pani puri was a standout, with crunchy puris filled to the brim with perfectly spiced water, which danced joyfully on my tongue.

What truly enhanced the experience was the friendly and knowledgeable staff—they took the time to recommend their favorites, seamlessly imparting a sense of hospitality that made me feel right at home. I paired my chaat with a traditional chai, and let me tell you, it was the perfect complement—creamy, robust, and utterly satisfying.

Dining here isn't just about the food; it’s about feeling comfortable in a space that encourages lingering, laughing, and savoring each bite. For anyone on the hunt for the best chaat in Chicago, Chiya Chai is a delightful stop that proves chaat can be artfully elevated yet maintain the lively spirit it's known for!

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

Moti - River North

Highlights
Unique Indian pizza
Amazing flavor and selection
Must-try Masala fries
Kind and friendly staff
Memorable dining experience

Moti - River North has truly redefined what I thought I knew about chaat. Nestled in the heart of Chicago's vibrant dining scene, this place dazzles with an array of flavors and the kind of charm that makes you want to linger. One of their standout offerings is the unique Indian pizza, which is a delightful fusion bursting with aromatic spices and fresh toppings. It’s unlike anything I’ve tasted before—imagine a crispy base layered with rich flavors that actually feel like a celebration in your mouth!

Let’s not overlook the must-try Masala fries, which have quickly climbed to the top of my list. Each fry is perfectly seasoned, crisp to the bite, and pairs beautifully with a tangy sauce that adds an extra zing. The kind and friendly staff make the experience even better, serving with a smile and offering recommendations that hit the mark every time.

Overall, my visit to Moti was more than just a meal; it felt like a memorable dining experience where every bite invited joy and warmth. For anyone in search of the best chaat in Chicago, Moti - River North is undeniably a vibrant hub of innovation and authenticity!

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

Adda Indian Cuisine

Highlights
Flavorful dishes
Fresh, garlicky naan
Cozy and welcoming atmosphere

The first thing that struck me was the flavorful dishes they had to offer. From the moment I took my first bite of their chaat, I knew I was in for a treat. The colors, textures, and flavors all blended together perfectly to create an explosion of taste in my mouth.

But their chaats weren't the only thing that impressed me. The fresh, garlicky naan that came with it was absolutely divine. Warm and soft, it tasted like it had just come out of the oven.

The cozy and welcoming atmosphere made my dining experience even better. The restaurant's décor has a modern twist on traditional Indian design and adds a fun vibe to the place.

To top it all off, the staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. They made great recommendations for me based on my preferences and dietary restrictions.

Overall, Adda Indian Cuisine is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for some of the best chaat in Chicago. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

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Bombay Eats / Bombay Wraps

Highlights
Reasonable pricing
Colorful veggies for vegetarian options
Lamb Curry Highly Recommended
Crispy Potato Chips with Indian spice
Variety of dietary restrictions accommodated

First off, I must say that the pricing at this place is more than reasonable. You can definitely get your fill of chaat without breaking the bank. And for all my vegetarian friends out there, you'll love the colorful veggies used in their dishes. It's a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

Now, let's talk about meat. The Lamb Curry. Oh my goodness! It was highly recommended to me and I can see why. The lamb was cooked to perfection and had just the right amount of spice to make my taste buds dance with joy.

If you're looking for something crispy, try their Potato Chips with Indian spice. They're crunchy and flavorful - perfect as a snack or to accompany your chaat.

Lastly, I appreciate how accommodating Bombay Eats / Bombay Wraps is with dietary restrictions. As someone who has food allergies, it's great to find a place that offers options for everyone.

Overall, I highly recommend Bombay Eats / Bombay Wraps for anyone looking for some delicious chaat in Chicago. Their variety of flavors and options are sure to satisfy anyone's cravings.

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

Chicago Curry House (Indian - Nepalese Cuisine)

Highlights
Extensive menu
Superb, authentic food
Generous portions
Warm and inviting atmosphere

First of all, I was impressed by the extensive menu that had a wide range of options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. As for the chaat, I couldn't resist ordering the Papdi Chaat and Dahi Bhalla Chaat. And boy, was I in for a treat!

The chaats were prepared with superb, authentic ingredients that reminded me of the streets of India. The chutneys were perfectly balanced and not overpowering, while the spices added a nice kick to the dish. The portions were also generous, so you definitely won't leave feeling hungry.

The atmosphere at Chicago Curry House was warm and inviting, perfect for a cozy night out with friends or family. The service was prompt and friendly too.

If you're looking for some amazing chaat in Chicago, then look no further than Chicago Curry House! Their chaats are truly a delight to your taste buds.

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Nepal House

Highlights
Free bonus dessert & lassi
Quality food and service
Authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine

First and foremost, let me tell you that Nepal House is not just a typical chaat place. They offer an extensive menu of authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

The service at Nepal House is exceptional. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that my dining experience was nothing short of amazing. Plus, they offered a free bonus dessert and lassi to add more sweetness to my meal.

Now coming to the star of the show: chaat! I tried their Bhel Puri and it was a perfect blend of crunchy, tangy, and spicy flavors that left me craving for more. The presentation was spot on too; it looked almost too good to eat!

Overall, Nepal House offers quality food and service that makes it stand out from other chaat places in Chicago. The prices are reasonable for the portion sizes and quality of food served. If you're looking for an authentic Nepali or Indian dining experience or just some amazing chaat, Nepal House should definitely be on your list!

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Namaste Chicago

Highlights
Flavorful
Generous portions
Attentive service
Good spice levels
Great biriyani

First off, let me tell you that Namaste Chicago serves up some of the most flavorful chaats I've ever tasted! The combination of spices and chutneys is simply divine. And the best part? The portions are incredibly generous, so you won't be leaving hungry.

I had the pleasure of trying their samosas and they were crispy and delicious. The potato filling was seasoned to perfection with just the right amount of spice. But what really impressed me was their attentive service. They made sure I had everything I needed and checked in on me several times throughout my meal.

If you're a fan of spice, you'll be pleased to know that Namaste Chicago doesn't skimp on it. Their chaats have good heat levels that will definitely leave your tongue tingling.

One dish that stood out to me was their biriyani. It's not traditionally a chaat item but it was too good to pass up. The flavors were well balanced and the rice was cooked perfectly.

Overall, Namaste Chicago is a must-visit for anyone looking for top-notch chaats in Chicago. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Evanston.

Cumin Restaurant

Highlights
Best Indian food in Chicago
Delicious Nepalese cuisine
Michelin rated restaurant
Creamy and flavorful curries
Mango Lassi is a must try

Firstly, I must say that Cumin Restaurant is not just any ordinary Indian restaurant. It's a Michelin-rated gem that serves some of the most delicious Nepalese cuisine I've ever tasted.

I was thrilled to discover that they also have an impressive selection of chaats on their menu. From the moment I took my first bite, I knew this was something special. The flavors were explosive and it had just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

Aside from the chaat, their curries are creamy and packed with flavor. I couldn't get enough of their Chicken Tikka Masala! And let's not forget about their Mango Lassi which is a must-try for anyone who loves mangoes.

Overall, if you're looking for the best Indian/Nepalese food in Chicago, then Cumin Restaurant should be at the top of your list. The combination of bold flavors and impeccable service makes it a dining experience like no other. Trust me, you won't regret it!

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AJWAAH SWEETS

Highlights
Fast service
Delicious sweets
Clean dining area
Visually displayed items
Tasty rose falooda

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with fast and friendly service. The cleanliness of the dining area was impressive, making me feel comfortable and at ease.

The visually displayed items were a feast for the eyes! It took me a while to decide what to order since everything looked so delicious. But alas, I decided to go for their famous chaat!

And boy, was it worth it! AJWAAH SWEETS definitely knows how to make chaat. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors was just right - not too overpowering or bland. Each bite felt like a party in my mouth!

But wait, there's more! Their sweets were simply divine. I have a sweet tooth and this place definitely satisfied my cravings. From jalebis to gulab jamuns, they had it all.

I also tried their rose falooda and let's just say that my taste buds were dancing with joy! It was both creamy and refreshing at the same time.

Overall, AJWAAH SWEETS is definitely one of the best chaat places in Chicago. Their fast service, delicious sweets, clean dining area, visually displayed items and tasty rose falooda make for an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this gem!

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Momo Factory

Highlights
Delicious rice
Tasty dumplings
Best momos/noodles
Polite staff

The moment I walked in, I was greeted by the polite staff who made me feel right at home. The menu was extensive and full of tempting options, but I knew what I was there for - the chaat. I ordered a plate of momos, which were hands down the best ones I’ve had in Chicago. They were juicy, flavorful and perfectly spiced.

But that’s not all! Momo Factory also impressed me with their delicious rice that had a wonderful aroma and perfect texture. And let's not forget about the tasty dumplings that melted in my mouth.

If you're looking to try something other than chaat, their noodles are also highly recommended. They had the perfect balance of seasoning and heat.

Overall, Momo Factory is definitely worth a visit if you're searching for some seriously good chaat. The food is top-notch and the staff is friendly and accommodating. So why not give them a try? Trust me; you won't regret it!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Schaumburg.

Karachi Chaat House

Highlights
Best Paani Poori
Reasonable prices
Good portions
Laid-back deli
Delicious Bihari kabab roll

First things first, I have to say that the paani poori at Karachi Chaat House is hands down the best in Chicago. The crispy shells filled with tangy tamarind water and spicy potato filling are simply amazing. I could easily devour a dozen of them in one sitting.

Apart from the paani poori, the prices at this place are quite reasonable for the portion sizes they offer. You won't have to break the bank to get a satisfying meal here. And speaking of portions, they don't skimp on them either. You'll definitely leave feeling full and content.

The deli itself has a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for a casual lunch or snack stop. The staff were friendly and helpful in recommending some dishes to try out. And boy am I glad they did! The Bihari kabab roll was another standout dish that I highly recommend trying.

Overall, if you're looking for delicious chaat options in Chicago, Karachi Chaat House should definitely be on your list. Their paani poori alone is worth the visit, but their other dishes won't disappoint either. So go ahead and indulge in some flavorful delights without breaking the bank at this hidden gem of a spot!

Eggholic - Chicago

Highlights
Indian street food experience
Convenient location
Friendly staff
Best omelette in town
Variety of menu options

Firstly, let me tell you that Eggholic offers an Indian street food experience like no other. The moment I walked in, the delicious aroma of spices and herbs made my mouth water. The location is convenient and perfect for a quick snack or meal on-the-go.

The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. They were also quite helpful in explaining the menu options and even suggested their best dishes.

Now let's talk about the star of the show - their omelette. Hands down, it's the best omelette in town. The eggs are cooked to perfection with a variety of fillings to choose from. I especially loved their spicy masala omelette which had just the right amount of heat.

Their menu offers a variety of options including sandwiches, wraps, and bowls but what stood out to me were their chaats. The bhel puri was crispy and tangy while the sev puri was topped with a generous amount of chutneys.

Overall, Eggholic - Chicago is definitely worth a visit for those seeking an authentic Indian street food experience with friendly service and delicious food options.