Restaurant Review: All celebrations lead to Tandoor Char House
This year, Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, begins on Wednesday, March 22, after the sighting of the crescent moon over Mecca, according to wego.com, and ends on Friday, April 21. The end of the Ramadan fast is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, the “Feast of Fast-Breaking,” on Saturday, April 22.
One delicious way to break any fast (or eat healthy, Indian-Pakistani meals) is at Lincoln Park’s Tandoor Char House, or their takeout locations in River West and River North. Brothers Fahim and Faraz Sardharia serve authentic Indian and Pakistani offerings representing their unique approach to fine dining. In fact, they were voted “One of the top 10 spots in Chicago for Halal Street Food” by Eater.com. Their Zabiha Halal meat entrees combine with vegetarian options for satisfying, shareable, diverse meals.
Appetizers, accompanied with homemade cilantro and tamarind chutneys, include a Masala Ceviche with jalapeños, shrimp, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers, topped with house spice blend laying on roasted papadum (lentil wafers). Or, try their fusion Chaat Fries, which are curly fries liberally dusted with a special blend of Indian spices. Or a Vegetarian Samosa, a light, flaky pastry stuffed with potatoes, peas, and savory seasonings. Tandoori Chicken Empanadas combines shredded tandoori chicken with a savory tikka masala sauce.
Moving on to entrees, the highly rated Tandoori Chicken is available in three options: chicken legs, half-chicken, and whole chicken; slow roasted in their traditional clay oven.
Murg Malai is aboneless chicken breast, marinated in special spices and cream, then slow roasted in the tandoor.
Karhai Signature dishes accompanied with a side of rice, raita, and achar, include a Lamb Karhai-tender cuts of boneless lamb stewed in an onion-based sauce. Tikka Masala comes with a choice of lamb, chicken, beef or fish, baked in the tandoor and marinated in their homemade buttery cream sauce. Kafta Kabobs combinespiced beef, cooked with onions, green peppers and tangy, fresh squeezed lemons, and served with naan. Aloo Gobi is made with potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes and onions, simmered with Indian spices.
As we always say, leave room for dessert! Gulab Jamun are homemade mini doughnuts soaked in an aromatic rose scented syrup. Mango Cheesecake is made with a ginger cookie crust, topped with whipped cream and garnished with pistachios. Falooda Kulfi is a rose-flavored ice cream served with pistachios.
“For the best Indian halal food, head over here. They do grill platters and fusion food so well. I loved the ceviche on papad and the fish platter. Tandoori heaven! And lots of veggie options too. Mango cheesecake is to die for. Remember it’s BYOB! Go here now!”
“Amazing food. Every thing we got was amazing. I ate in many indian placed across the country, this is a gem. Food, service are 10/10.”
Tandoor Char House locations are in Lincoln Park at 2652 N. Halsted Street, and for takeout and delivery only at 110 W. Hubbard Street, and 1022 N. Western Avenue. Their hours across all locations are Monday-Friday, 4pm–10:30pm, Saturday from 11am–10:30pm, and Sunday from 11am – 10pm. For more information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
