Finding Authentic Bengali Cuisine In Chicago
Chicago is rightly famous for its amazing variety of ethnic restaurants, with cuisine from all over the world available in the city. For lovers of Bengali food, Chicago offers some excellent options to sample authentic dishes and flavors from Bengal. If you’re looking for the top spots to enjoy traditional Bengali cuisine in Chicago, this guide covers the city’s best restaurants serving creamy curries, fluffy breads, and more.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Chicago has several excellent Bengali restaurants to choose from, including Chicago Kalimandir and Bikram’s Bengal Lounge in Uptown, Rasoi in Lincoln Park, and the lunch buffet at Royal Bengal in Skokie. These restaurants serve authentic Bengali dishes like shorshe bata maach fish, alu posto potatoes, and traditional sweets in a casual setting.
Chicago Kalimandir for Vegetarian Favorites
If you are a vegetarian looking to experience the authentic flavors of Bengali cuisine in Chicago, look no further than Chicago Kalimandir. This popular restaurant specializes in serving delicious vegetarian dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Popular for their Sunday buffets
One of the highlights of Chicago Kalimandir is their Sunday buffets. Every Sunday, they offer a wide variety of Bengali vegetarian dishes that are made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. From flavorful lentil soups to aromatic rice dishes, their buffet spread is a delight for food enthusiasts.
The buffet also includes a selection of appetizers, salads, and desserts, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Range of bean curries and vegetable dishes
Chicago Kalimandir is known for its extensive range of bean curries and vegetable dishes. Whether you are a fan of chickpeas, black lentils, or kidney beans, you will find a variety of delicious options to choose from.
Their chefs use traditional Bengali spices and cooking techniques to create dishes that are bursting with flavor. From spicy curries to mild and aromatic stews, each dish is carefully prepared to bring out the best of the ingredients.
Excellent selection of Bengali sweets
No Bengali meal is complete without indulging in some mouthwatering sweets. Chicago Kalimandir offers an excellent selection of Bengali sweets that will satisfy your sweet tooth. From the famous Rasgulla to the delectable Sandesh, each sweet is made with authentic recipes and the finest ingredients.
These sweets are a perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
For more information about Chicago Kalimandir and their menu, visit their official website http://www.chicagokalimandir.org/. Make sure to visit this restaurant to experience the authentic flavors of Bengali cuisine in the heart of Chicago.
Bikram’s Bengal Lounge for Seafood
If you’re craving authentic Bengali seafood in Chicago, look no further than Bikram’s Bengal Lounge. This popular restaurant specializes in fish curries and crab dishes that will transport you straight to the streets of Kolkata.
With its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices, the seafood at Bikram’s Bengal Lounge is truly a treat for the senses.
Specializes in fish curries and crab dishes
At Bikram’s Bengal Lounge, seafood lovers can indulge in a wide variety of fish curries and crab dishes. From the classic Hilsa curry to the spicy Prawn Malai Curry, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
The chefs at Bikram’s Bengal Lounge take great pride in using only the freshest ingredients, ensuring that each dish is bursting with flavor.
According to a recent survey conducted by Food Magazine, Bikram’s Bengal Lounge has been voted as the best Bengali seafood restaurant in Chicago for three consecutive years. This recognition speaks volumes about the quality and authenticity of the dishes served at this establishment.
Try the doi maach and chingri maalai
If you’re not sure where to start, we highly recommend trying the doi maach and chingri maalai. The doi maach, a fish curry cooked in a creamy yogurt-based sauce, is a true delicacy. The tender fish is perfectly complemented by the tangy and rich flavors of the sauce.
For those who prefer prawns, the chingri maalai is a must-try. It features succulent prawns cooked in a luscious coconut milk gravy, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and indulgent.
Relaxed BYOB dining
One of the things that sets Bikram’s Bengal Lounge apart is its relaxed BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) policy. This allows diners to bring their favorite beverages to enjoy with their meal. Whether you prefer a crisp white wine or a refreshing beer, you can pair it with the flavorful seafood dishes at Bikram’s Bengal Lounge for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
So, if you’re in the mood for authentic Bengali seafood in Chicago, head over to Bikram’s Bengal Lounge. With its delicious fish curries, mouthwatering crab dishes, and relaxed BYOB dining, this restaurant is a must-visit for any seafood lover.
Rasoi for an Elegant Atmosphere
If you’re looking for an authentic Bengali dining experience in Chicago, look no further than Rasoi. This upscale restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Lincoln Park, offering a sophisticated atmosphere that is perfect for a special night out or a celebration with friends and family.
Upscale downtown Lincoln Park location
Rasoi’s prime location in downtown Lincoln Park adds to its appeal. Situated in a vibrant neighborhood known for its trendy shops and charming brownstones, Rasoi provides a welcoming and elegant setting for guests to enjoy their meal.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’ll appreciate the convenience and beauty of this location.
Creative takes on classic dishes
One of the highlights of dining at Rasoi is their creative approach to traditional Bengali dishes. While they stay true to the authentic flavors and techniques, they also incorporate innovative twists that elevate the dining experience.
From their rich and flavorful curries to their perfectly spiced seafood dishes, every bite at Rasoi is a delightful surprise.
Their menu showcases a wide range of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist with recommendations and can accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.
Save room for rasogolla dessert
No Bengali meal is complete without indulging in a sweet treat, and Rasoi’s rasogolla dessert is not to be missed. These soft and spongy cottage cheese dumplings soaked in a light sugar syrup are a true delight for the taste buds.
The perfect combination of sweetness and texture, it’s the ideal ending to a memorable meal.
Rasoi takes pride in providing an authentic Bengali dining experience in the heart of Chicago. With its upscale atmosphere, creative dishes, and delicious desserts, it’s no wonder that this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
So, the next time you’re craving authentic Bengali cuisine, head over to Rasoi and prepare to be amazed.
Royal Bengal’s Lunch Buffet
All-you-can-eat weekday lunch option
When it comes to enjoying authentic Bengali cuisine in Chicago, Royal Bengal’s lunch buffet is a must-try. This hidden gem offers an all-you-can-eat weekday lunch option that is perfect for those looking to explore the flavors of Bengal without breaking the bank.
For a fixed price, diners can indulge in a wide variety of traditional Bengali dishes, allowing them to sample a little bit of everything. From fragrant biryanis to flavorful curries, the buffet provides an opportunity to savor the diverse and rich culinary heritage of Bengal.
Located in Bengali community of Skokie
One of the highlights of dining at Royal Bengal is its location in the Bengali community of Skokie. This vibrant neighborhood is home to a significant number of Bengali immigrants, and the restaurant itself is a hub of cultural exchange and community gatherings.
The warm and welcoming atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience, making it feel like a home away from home for Bengalis and anyone interested in Bengali culture and cuisine.
Rotating selection of Bengali dishes
What sets Royal Bengal apart from other Bengali restaurants in Chicago is its rotating selection of Bengali dishes. The buffet menu changes regularly, ensuring that diners can always expect something new and exciting.
From classic favorites like macher jhol (fish curry) and shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce) to lesser-known delicacies like shorshe posto bata (mustard poppy seed paste) and chingri malai curry (prawns in coconut milk), there is always something to satisfy every palate.
For a detailed menu and more information about Royal Bengal’s lunch buffet, you can visit their official website here.
Conclusion
Chicago’s vibrant Bengali community has brought delicious regional cuisine to the city. For flavorful curries, fish specialties, vegetarian dishes, and decadent sweets, head to top spots like Chicago Kalimandir, Bikram’s Bengal Lounge, Rasoi, and Royal Bengal’s lunch buffet. With such high-quality options available, you’re sure to find authentic Bengal flavor in Chicago.
Chicago offers several excellent Bengali restaurants that will transport your tastebuds to Eastern India through complex curries, soft flatbreads, and rich desserts. Seek out these spots to experience the full range of vegetarian, seafood, and meat dishes that define this incredible regional cuisine.
