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The restaurant industry in Chicago is highly regarded in the food industry. Some of the finest new restaurants can be found there and many of them have won several awards. It makes sense that Chicago is gaining Michelin Stars on a yearly basis with its innovative cuisine and renowned chefs.
Originally published as a physical book for drivers, the Michelin Guide now ranks the best restaurants based on several criteria, but the coveted stars are awarded only for culinary excellence. The best ingredients, expert flavour, and cooking techniques, the chef's personality in their cuisine, overall value, and consistency are all sought after by food examiners.
This year a number of Indian restaurants in the Chicago region have been added to the Michelin Guide and one of them even won a Michelin Star. The Guide describes them as places that are notable based on the opinions of anonymous international publication inspectors who had dinner there.
Video Credit: YouTube/Ranveer Brar
This year the Michelin Guide book has already updated the top-ranking Indian restaurants in Chicago that have received one Michelin Star along with the Bib Gourmands and the ones that have been selected in the Michelin list. So, foodies in Chicago who are craving to have gourmet style Indian food can now visit these places. A restaurant that has been awarded a Michelin star is unquestionably of the finest quality and will provide an exceptional dining experience.
In these restaurants, guests will get to experience flavorful curries, crispy paratha, and a wide selection of vegetarian options most often with a twist in the classic recipes.
Image Credit: Indienne
1. Indienne
This one-starred Michelin restaurant is one of its kind in Chicago where guests can have an amazing experience and get a taste of the flavourful dishes from India. On this peaceful stretch of River North, Chef Sujan Sarkar creates an impression of his own in a city where kitchens challenge conventions and break stereotypes. While there is a À la carte menu, guests who are new to the restaurant should begin with the tasting menu, where Sarkar presents a unique and contemporary take on Indian food.
While his meals may resemble works of art, they taste like well-known favourites from all over his colourful country. Occasionally exhibiting a touch of French taste, pani puris, chats, and curries are expertly spiced and presented with grace. The overall outcome is remarkable refinement and the best part is the kitchen is quick. Meanwhile, thick wooden beams, white tablecloths, and rose-pink booths balance the room's seamless warehouse floors and bare ceilings. Don’t forget to reserve a table before booking!
Address: 217 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
Time: 5 pm to 10 pm (Sunday closed)
Price: $110 to $120 approx. for the tasting menu.
2. Superkhana International
This is a restaurant where guests enjoy coming back not only for their delicious food but also for their extremely welcoming and fun nature. The most popular item on the menu is naan, which is topped with salted jalapeños and mozzarella. But they have also given a twist to the traditional calzone by filling it with classic butter chicken, brushed with ghee, and finished with Maldon salt. This year Michelin Guide has awarded the restaurant Bib Gourmand due to its good quality food and good value cooking.
Here guests can experience an amazing fusion of Indian flavours in unique ways along with the traditional dishes. It's not just bread, either; try the fiery Kerala crab curry paired with crispy parotta and the colourful chana chaat made with tamarind and spices. For lunchtime, a whimsical sandwich take-out window is a pedestrian's best friend. The airy vibe is enhanced by smooth warehouse floors, exposed white brick, and a long, handsome bar.\
Address: 3059 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
Time: 5 pm to 9 pm, Saturday: 10 am to 3 pm
Closed on Sunday
Price: $7 to $20 approx. for 1
3. The Coach House By Wazwan
The delectable and much-needed culinary diversion provided by Chef Zubair Mohajir is available in this restaurant that got its first place in the Michelin Guide. The tiny, cosy, and traditional "coach house" infuses South and Southeast Asian cuisines with a plethora of new tastes and nuanced layers of flavour. He moved from finance to cooking, which is what he really loves. He was born in India, raised in the Middle East, and eventually relocated to Chicago with his family.
With the wide range of achars available in the restaurant it is evident that pickles and fermentation are important components of the menu. Recently, the menu introduced fara (dumplings) with earthy shiitakes and beetroot butter, and molaga podi, a pavé of sweet potato seasoned with a dry spice rub. Also try desserts like ube jalebi coated in saffron syrup and offered with pistachio ice cream, which will feel like heaven on the palate.
Address: 1742 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, United States
Time: Tuesday to Thursday- 4 pm to 9 pm
Saturday and Sunday- 11 am to 3 pm, 4 pm to 10 pm
Closed on Monday
4. Rooh
Another Indian restaurant that received a place for the first time in the Michelin Guide this year is Rooh. Situated on the fringe of the busy West Randolph dining strip, this bright and lovely space spans two floors and features deep blue velvet seating. The concoctions served here each has a unique flavour profile; examine them if necessary, but all of them are excellent.
The menu also features a number of Indian classics that have been updated with modern flavours. For example, the deep-fried cauliflower koliwada is served with tempered yogurt and a rice mousse that has peanut thecha on it. After this, tuck into a spicy beef short rib curry complete with carrots and marrow kofta. A baked semolina cake with milk ice cream and pistachios will have any sweet teeth drooling, while traditional palates will enjoy the deliciously creamy dal served with a plain naan for scooping.
Address: 736 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
Time: 5 pm to 10 pm
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday- 1 pm to 10:30 pm
Price: $10 to $32 approx. for per person
The Michelin Guide Inspectors travel the entire year in search of the best restaurants each year. People find it simpler to comprehend which restaurants are the best for celebrating special occasions with their families or making an impression on a date night. This year they have uncovered some of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago and also awarded Indienne one Michelin Star.
