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A Hidden Gem Under the Red Line

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Tucked away at 1109 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, just east of the bustling Bryn Mawr Red Line station in Chicago's vibrant Edgewater neighborhood, Little India stands as a cozy testament to the city's rich South Asian culinary heritage. Opened in April 2008 by restaurateur Mumtaz Rizvi—who also helms beloved spots like Kanval Palace and Zam Zam—this unassuming 40-seat eatery transformed a former pizza joint (Franko's Pizza) into a welcoming haven for northern Indian flavors. Rizvi's vision brought authentic, fusion-tinged dishes to a community already buzzing with South Asian energy; after all, nearby Devon Avenue—often dubbed Chicago's "Little India"—began its own evolution in the early 1970s, when Gujarati immigrants like Jagdish Khatwani opened the first sari shops and grocers, laying the groundwork for a thriving enclave of spices, textiles, and eateries that now draws food lovers from across the city. Little India's establishment feels like a natural extension of that legacy, offering a slice of Bharat right under the rattling L tracks, where the hum of trains mingles with the sizzle of tandoori grills.

What Sets Little India Apart

What truly distinguishes Little India, especially for someone like me who's ventured to Gujarat's bustling markets, is its nod to those everyday West Indian staples that feel worlds away from Chicago's winters.

Drawing from Rizvi's expertise, the menu shines with creamy Makhani delights—think tender Chicken Makhani, rich with buttery tomato gravy and fenugreek whispers, or the hearty Dhal Makhani, slow-simmered black lentils that evoke late-night feasts in Ahmedabad. These aren't gimmicks; they're heartfelt recreations of home cooking, rare finds amid the city's sea of generic curries.

The meat selection is equally impressive:

• Succulent lamb rogan josh
• Spice-rubbed tandoori chicken straight from the clay oven
• Beef vindaloo for the bold
• Simple egg bhurji for lighter bites

Vegans rejoice too, with robust options like aloo gobi or saag paneer (swappable with tofu), ensuring no one leaves hungry.

The Joy of Indian Breads

But the real joy? The breads—oh, the breads!

Little India's naan arrives thick, pillowy, and savory, brushed with garlic or stuffed with onions and mushrooms for that extra punch. Then there's:

• Paratha → flaky and layered
• Puri and bhatura → those gloriously puffed, fried wonders you tear open to cradle your curry
• Chapati → the understated hero—thin, whole-wheat, and infinitely versatile

Eating here harks back to the communal spirit of South Asian tables: no forks needed, just a deft scoop with your fingers, bread as your utensil, forwarding bites straight to eager mouths. It's a ritual I've cherished from meals with hospitable families in India, where chapati reigns supreme for its simplicity and humility. Ironically, as in most American Indian spots, naan often steals the show here—but I'm thrilled they embrace the full spectrum, letting purists like me opt for chapati's low-carb grace (a keto dream, with far less dough than its fluffier kin, and a lighter hit to the wallet).

This hands-on ethos echoes global traditions: think Korean ssam with lettuce wraps or Mexican tacos cradling fillings in corn tortillas—adaptations born from resourcefulness and flavor-first philosophy.

At Little India, it fosters that intimate, unpretentious vibe, amplified by the BYOB policy and Rizvi's touch of comped desserts or apps on takeout orders.

Pro tip: Swing by for the weekend lunch buffet, where you can sample the spread for nearly half the price of an à la carte feast—endless refills of biryanis, chutneys, and yes, more of those irresistible breads, all for under $15 on Saturdays and Sundays.

In a city pulsing with fusion trends, Little India remains a steadfast anchor, blending 2008's fresh start with the enduring story of Chicago's South Asian pioneers. It's earned its stripes, too—hailed as "One of the Best" by the Chicago Tribune back in 2009 for its fresh, flavorful fare.

Whether you're a Gujarat veteran chasing nostalgia or a newbie dipping toes into dal, this spot delivers warmth, authenticity, and that rare sense of discovery. Five stars—grab a chapati and dig in!

My take-out delight: