Chicago boasts the third largest metropolitan area in the United States, and definitely ranks as one of the most diverse cities in the country. Not surprisingly, Chicago’s Muslim community is among the nation’s largest and most diverse, with an estimated 500,000 Muslims in the area. As a result, zabihah halal food options are in abundance and are rapidly increasing in number

*Please note: While all restaurants on this list are advertised as serving zabihah halal meat, we acknowledge that there are varying beliefs regarding zabihah halal status. The restaurants may have different certifications, and we encourage everyone to eat at restaurants that comply with their own preferences and comfort.

Sabri Nihari

- A classic restaurant in the Chicago Muslim community, Sabri Nihari has been offering a consistently high standard of Pakistani food to both tourists and locals since 1977. This restaurant offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy a delicious selection of traditional, flavorful dishes.

- Location: Devon Ave. (West Rogers Park)

- What to get: Basically anything, but most popular dishes are nihari (obviously), chicken makhani, and biryani

- Insider tip: Try the falooda

Bundoo Khan

- Another classic Indian/Pakistani food joint on Devon, known for its barbeque options. All their meats (and naan) are cooked in a tandoori oven to perfection.

- Location: Devon Ave. (West Rogers Park)

- What to get: Chicken boti, tandoori chicken, any other tandoori items

Anmol

- If you ask Chicagoans where they like to go eat Pakistani food on Devon, they say Anmol. Great food (with a huge menu), good service, and the meat is cooked over charcoal.

- Location: Devon Ave. (West Rogers Park)

- What to get: Any grilled meat. Chicken chargha

Seoul Bites

- Recently opened in 2023, this establishment has already become a staple for young Chicago foodies and has served to diversify the halal scene! Enjoy mouthwatering halal Korean food, including BBQ, in a casual ambiance.

- Location: Lombard

- What to get: kalbi, buldak, Korean wings

Peak Thai

- While small in size and seating, the food itself speaks volumes. Come here for excellent Halal Thai options. Note: food is spicy!

- Location: Lombard

- What to get: Anything

Noon O Kabab

- A classic spot for Persian/Irani food. Come with an empty stomach, leave with a stomach full of perfectly seasoned and charred meats. Note that the restaurant actually has two areas: one for fine dining and another with a more casual, self-service experience.

- Location: Kedzie Ave (Chicago), Highwood (north suburbs)

- What to get: family platter with dill rice and kabobs

Kabul House

- Come here for delicious Afghan food based on family recipes going back generations

- Location: Evanston

- What to get: kabob platters, borani banjan

La Charanga

- La Charanga has cemented itself as the premier halal Mexican restaurant in the suburbs. In this low-key spot, food is high quality and comes accompanied with complimentary chips/salsa.

- Location: Rolling Meadows

- What to get: birria tacos with consumé

A Thousand Tales

- A recent establishment but now considered possibly the best Turkish restaurant in town, with an attached old-fashioned bakery. Check this place out for an elevated dining experience of traditional fare with a modern kick. Note: can be pricy!

- Location: Mount Prospect

- What to get: Any meat dish (e.g. iskender kebab), Turkish breakfast

Sorry Mommy

- Sorry Mommy is a new restaurant offering delicious zabihah halal Central Asian cuisine. The name reportedly comes from the fact that you WILL say "Sorry Mommy, I won't be eating at home" and grab a bite at the restaurant instead.

- Location: Rolling Meadows

- What to get: kebabs, chuchvara, bolsolagman, plov

Penang Malaysian Cuisine

- The closest thing to authentic Malaysian food outside of Malaysia! Come here to try an interesting cuisine influenced by Malay, Thai, Chinese, and Indian recipes. Make a reservation because it can get packed!

- Location: Arlington Heights

- What to get: Tons of food choices – take your pick

- Insider tip: Only the chicken and beef are halal. They do serve pork but are cognizant of the contamination aspects and keep meats separate.

Usmania Chinese

- Chicago’s first halal Indo-Chinese restaurant, located at the old site of the original Usmania restaurant (across the street from current Usmania). Good food with large portions, although the prices are a little expensive.

- Location: Devon Ave. (West Rogers Park)

- What to get: Orange chicken, Mongolian beef

Bombay Chopsticks

- Bombay Chopstix is another Indo-Chinese fusion restaurant that differentiates itself with its trendy décor and upscale ambiance. The food is tasty and portions are large, although the restaurant is also pricey. It gets quite busy so make a reservation.

- Location: Hoffman Estates

- What to get: Hakka noodles, chicken lollipop

Zak’s Pizza, Pasta, and Wings

- This place has made a name for itself among youngsters looking for pizza, burgers, and wings in an informal setting. With all of the halal options in Lombard, this one manages to stand out. Reasonably priced with good food - hits the spot.

- Location: Lombard

- What to get: Spicy honey BBQ wings, ribs, Zak’s special pizza

CHI TEA

- Famous for their Nashville hot chicken sandwich, this place is a staple for all Chicago zabihah halal eaters!

- Location: Lombard

- What to get: The "Big Bird" hot chicken sandwich

Pizza Track

- Zabihah halal pizza place incorporating South Asian flavors. What more could you ask for?

- Location: Willowbrook

- What to get: Spicy hunter beef pizza, chicken fajita pizza

Giordano's

- Deep dish pizza is a must-have while in Chicago. While all Giordano's serve the iconic fare, check out this location for halal options!

- Location: Des Plaines

- What to get: Gyro deep dish pizza

SALT burgers + fries

- If you are looking for a consistent halal smash burger to diversify your palate, look no further.

- Location: Multiple (Wicker Park, Rogers Park, Navy Pier)

- What to get: Beef burger, ghost pepper fries

Qahwah House

- Originating in Dearborn, Michigan, Qahwah House has taken over Chicagoland as a premier Yemeni coffeehouse and a local hangout spot for young Muslims.

- Location: Multiple (Skokie, Lombard)

- What to get: Adeni chai, mowaffar coffee, sabaya (pastry)

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

- Each sip of coffee here reminds you that American coffee just isn't up to par. Come here to taste coffee from its birthplace and enjoy it in a relaxed and airy atmosphere.

- Location: Multiple (Chicago Ridge, Naperville)

- What to get: Qamaria latte, adeni chai, saffron milk cake

MOTW Coffee & Pastries

- A new kid on the block, MOTW is a Muslim-owned cafe originating from Indianapolis, describes as everything a coffee shop should and could be, and more. Clean, bright, and beautifully decorated, it has a casual vibe with space for local performers and numerous boardgames.

- Location: Lombard

- What to get: anything

Complimentary Cafe

- A small, Muslim-owned cafe with high-quality drinks and welcoming baristas. The name will make sense once you are given a napkin with a compliment!

- Location: Skokie

- What to get: Any latte, empanadas

Pistachio Sweets | Coffeehouse

- A new Arab-owned bakery that never misses! Enjoy a perfect drink in a clean, aesthetic environment.

- Location: Morton Grove

- What to get: Knafeh, pistachio latte, Lotus frappe

Stan's Donuts

- Stan's is a neighborhood donut and coffee shop for everyone, serving made-from-scratch donuts, exceptional, locally-roasted coffee, and good vibes all around!

- Location: Multiple (all around the city of Chicago)

- What to get: Any donut!

- Note: they previously utilized lard in prior donut recipes, but all donuts are now considered vegan as of 2022

Levain Bakery

- You don't have to go all the way to New York to enjoy a decadent crispy, chewy, and soft treat. Just make sure to not look at the caloric intake!

- Location: West Loop

- What to get: Any cookie (my favorite is chocolate chip walnut)

Melt N Dip

- Muslim-owned shop with the best crepes, waffles, fondue, and more! A haven for chocolate lovers.

- Location: Multiple (Niles, Bridgeview, Willowbrook, Palos Park)

- What to get: any crepe, gelato

Tahoora Sweets

- Classic bakery founded in 1996 known worldwide for its South Asian sweets. While no longer the uncontested king of mithai, Tahoora still hits different.

- Location: Devon Ave. (West Rogers Park)

- What to get: ras malai, falooda, chai

King Sweets

- Just down the street from Tahoora, King Sweets holds its own as a fine establishment serving mouthwatering mithai and more.

- Location: Devon Ave. (West Rogers Park)

- Pistachio barfi, halwa puri, samosas, Kashmiri chai

Rehman Sweets

- Rehman Sweets is a testament to the fact that you do not need to go all the way to Devon to get high-quality mithai and other street snacks.

- Location: Villa Park

- What to get: Papri chaat, samosas, halwa puri