To all those that like this place, I place a challenge at your feet. Order the butter chicken, I dare you to like it. Eat it, and say mmm...this ass gravy came from "my favorite indian restaurant." Butter chicken is literally the most popular north indian dish ever. Please try to enjoy it. Please. I beg you to look at the yellow-colored water they call butter chicken, and enjoy it. If you like it, then I am an asshole. Until then these 5 star reviews boggle my mind. read more

The key to going to this place is understanding value not price. Nothing here is expensive, but what are you going to get for your average $3/person here. The answer is enough. The portions are large and the food DOES taste very good. The preparation however is a bit questionable. Early 2015 this place was shut down for a bit for violating a health code but since it has reopened without issue. The food doesn't look amazing and probably isn't your healthiest option, but every now and then it's a good escape. I recommend the Chilli chicken bowl. You have a choice of bread but I would go with the paratha. Its VERY spicy but SO good. read more

Deliciously spiced butter chicken at a very reasonable price. Medium spice level is still spicy but comfortable to eat, which is what I would recommend if you're trying it for the first time. The portion is also decent, considering other Indian restaurants charge double or triple the price for the same serving. I can't comment on the service since I've never eaten inside the restaurant, but based on the food alone, I give it 5 stars. read more

Food is just slightly below the Devon location but still has the cheap price tag to large portions. The reason I knocked it down is because calling is just a terrible experience. They don't pick up the phone sometimes. Last time I tried to call back 5 times to let them know full down the spice. No one picked up and I got my order and it was too spicy. For the city it's solid solely cause it's so cheap but don't expect any sort of service. read more

Yeah. Its cheap. Aaannd you get a LOT of food for your money. That's where the good things about this place stop. I'm Indian and know what good Indian food tastes like. This is not it. I was hoping this place would satisfy my craving for real Indian food... fresh ingredients and untempered spice levels. Unfortunately, both times I have been here have been very disappointing. The food is clearly not fresh or made with care. I guess its OK if you're really drunk and just want something to soak up the alcohol. But if you're sober... I highly doubt Ghareeb Nawaz would be able to satisfy any craving... The restaurant space is also just about bearable and I wouldn't dine in if I could help it. The service is also quite apathetic and the cashier messed up my order and gave me a Chili chicken Biriyani when i ordered a chili chicken. I doubt I'll be back here on my own accord. RATINGS: Chicken Biriyani: 2/5 Chili chicken Biriyani: 3/5 Frontier chicken: 2/5 Ambience: 2/5 Service:2/5 read more

NOT RECOMMENDED!! This is nothing like Ghareeb on Devon. This place serves the poorest quality of food. I had to throw my order away because it was tasteless and it looked gross, the yogurt tasted like it was rotten, the onions were dirty :( I suggest that they change the name to not ruin the original place reputation. read more

We got the butter chicken + rice and the lamb curry bowl. in both dishes the curry was a pretty small portion but the rice was a huge portion. I wish they gave more curry as it tasted so good and there was too much rice. read more

Do not order paratha from this location, it's uncooked, You can still smell the dough, very hard to chew. We are having to recook it on our own pans. I bought it for my parents who live 3 hours away and were so excited to eat paratha's from Ghareeb Nawaz. So disappointed! Devon location is so much better. read more

Ghareeb Nawaz Express - Indian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Today I ordered my dinner from this place, I was surprised why this place has so less prices .. OMG every dish taste YUK, No taste , just eating half cooked veg. Not a goog choice for indian food. not ever again.. read more

The Chicken Biryani, Fish Biryani and Butter Chicken is on point. While the beef biryani was a little bit off. Overall, a place to go to for good and economical subcontinent food ! read more

Ignore the lowball reviewers who don't know Indian fast food, they are comparing mangoes and papayas. This is authentic Thaali style Indian cheap eats at student pricing. It's so authentic, one time when I came here there were a dozen FRESH-OFF-THE-PLANE Indian students, luggage still with the tags on them, huddled around a table eating (by hand Indian style). They didn't even drop their stuff off at the dorm, this was the first place they came, after traveling a long frightening distance from home. Normally when one goes out to eat at an Indian restaurant in a Midwestern city, you need a few friends to dine with you to get a good variety of dishes to share. Eating alone when it's not buffet time can be problematic. Thaali refers to both the fast food combination of a few dishes served to individuals as well as the actual metal tray or dish and bowls service ware that the meal comes on. The biryani here is notably excellent, I'm a big fan of the veg combinations. It's like being in Chennai, only with less flies and beggars (though there are some of both outside in warmer weather). It's a tight, unattractive little corner oddly attached to an excellent bookstore, but compared to any place like it in India, it's clean and spacious. I always ask the counter guy where I can catch a tuk-tuk or auto-rickshaw and for some reason he never thinks this is funny. read more

Ghareeb Nawaz Express - The prices and food quality are excellent. But always packed with engineering and chemistry majors. - Indian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Note to all the people that don't like Ghareeb: give it one more try. I know it's had its problems (hygiene wise) in the past and the food was 'okay' but it's really picked up! The briyani options (chili chicken = A+) are all great and thats like all I get because it LARGE and CHEAP. Oh, and don't forget the paratha or chapatti. It goes well with the curries.The staff is cool and younger than I remember since I've gone last. The bathrooms aren't the prettiest but it's not disgusting. But if you're passing by one day, walk in and get a mango lassi!!! I almost puked because I had 2 and a half of them along with my meal. read more

This place use to be a 5 before the renovation. I'll start with the pros: the cashiers are super friendly, the food is is inexpensive, good portions and I always find free parking next to the local church. Cons: not sure if they're substituting, changing their recipes, or both... Some of the dishes have gotten way too spicy, the rice is harder, the frontier chicken has changed... They must have gotten a new cook. I use to come here often. I returned twice after the renov and Have left disappointed. read more

Not for the faint hearted.. If you've got the stomach strength to deal with food that may call into action all the digestive powers, go for it! I'm not built for this combat. read more

Okay, I have been here 3 times and always get an extra biryani from them so I can take it the next day for lunch. EVERY TIME I TAKE IT OUT OF THE FRIDGE THR NEXT DAY, ITS SPOILED! This has literally been the third time and I called them to ask if they are giving old biryani or something since it never lasts more then a day and they just denied everything. Please spare yourself and go to the one on Devon Ave instead. There food is 10 times better and it lasts so that means it's probably made fresh. read more

I am visiting, but was recommended Ghareeb Nawaz by a local that loves it. I had the meal delivered as it was more expensive to Uber there and back. The driver was timely and respectful when he dropped off the food. The meal was delicious! I got the chicken curry with rice and was pleasantly surprised. I was nervous that it would be spicy, but it wasn't. The serving size was large and could easily feed two people. That or you get leftovers, like myself! I highly recommend Ghareeb Nawaz! read more

For what it is, a cheap Indian joint catering to poor college students, this is an excellent place! Chili chicken biryani is standout dish with great flavors. Yes, the chicken to rice ratio is a bit off. But if you just want chicken, you can order a bowl of it for the same price as the biryani! The mixed vegetables were nicely seasoned, but a little overcooked. The price is... let's just say authentic. :) read more

I always am conflicted on how to rate a place. As an Indian restaurant they may be below par. But serving their target audience of students on a budget they do an incredible job. I had the chicken biryani. OK, there was chicken in it but it was heavy on the rice. I would have killed for a place like this when I was a poor student. The samosa are only 50 cents each but be forewarned, they are small. You could easily pick up a dozen to split between two people. Bottom line, portions of meat are small, quality is average, but the prices are dirt cheap. I'll be back when I'm in the Taylor area and have an urge for some quick, cheap Indian food. read more

I have been getting Chicken Biriyani, Butter Chicken, and potato samosas (limited quantities per day) for years now. Tastewise, never disappoints. Reason I won't give five stars is because they sometimes give me attitude when I ask for yogurt even when offer to pay (which is weird because they used to give on the side for free). Otherwise, it's a bang for your buck. If you are a broke UIC student, this will cover your next 2-3 meals. read more

Prob the WORST Indian food I've ever had. Ordered the butter chicken and it was all fatty brown meat. I couldn't even eat it. The bread was greasy and food came cold. Never again. You get what you pay for and this was super cheap, low quality food. By the way... I got on yelp just to write a review for this place. read more

In a neighborhood that's rapidly being taken over by chains (there are TWO Subways within a couple hundred yards), this is a great place for a quick, cheap, bite. The food was fresh, fast, and really inexpensive - though some of that is because the biryani dishes come with a comical amount of rice. It's a good place for those unfamiliar with Indo-Pak food, because there's pictures on the wall of what everything looks like. It also happens to be a good place for kids. Both of my kids liked the chicken, which wasn't too spicy, and they also like the roti - which is a really kid-friendly food. Plus, they got to have samosas and mango drink. All in all a good experience. read more

This may sound cheesy but it was definitely love at first bite. I got the veggie briyani and the chicken roti parata and they were both amazing. In total it was $6.05 and I could barely touch the briyani after eating the sandwich. Will definitely be coming back here many times. read more

Ok so they have some things that are very good... mostly the chili chicken (either paratha or biyrani) and some things that are bad, very bad (I'm looking at you, 'fish' biryani). Although they are a bit skimpy on the meat, you can't go wrong with ordering the delicious chili chicken. However, do not ever get the fish biryani - way too salty and fish? HA there was no fish! Little tiny pieces that tasted like salt! Blehhh.. What else is good is the chick peas (very spicy!) and the mango drink, yum. I also had the Veggie biryani, it was just okay - not terrible like the fish, but definitely lacking flavor.. and veggies. I also found the gyro a little too salty, but maybe it just wasn't for me because my boyfriend liked it. Staff is always great! Interested in trying the curry and other menu items... however hate to waste the $$ when it's a miss. read more

While visiting Chicago. I ordered from them three times. Omg their food is so good. I order the chicken byrani with bone, daal, palak paneer with rice. Taste delicious And their Prices are reasonable. 5 star read more

I love the food and the restaurant and will continue to visit but I had to update my review. Last time I gave it all 5 stars, but now I have to give it a less then great review this second time because of the inconsistent open hours and food availability. There has been at least 10 times that I have showed up and they ran out of chicken biryani or chili biryani. I now have learned and call before making the travel. This I can deal with and understand biryani is long process to make. The restaurant hours on the other hand, I don't get. It says open until midnight but I know I've seen them close at 11 PM. Once they were closed at 10 PM. Today I showed up at 11:15 AM, which on here says they're open at 11 AM but they were closed. read more

Very solid indian food at an unbeatable price. Lamb curry and Butter Chicken both delicious. Toss in a few samosas, some spicy greens, 2 orders of roti and an order of rice for....$15?? Any sit down place on the north side would charge you more than double for the same order. The mango lassi is also a must-try. Simply delicious. Menu and taste is faithful to the Devon location and very clean inside. I will definitely be back!! read more

Meh, this was all hype I feel, pretty sure we ordered properly, we were two Bengalis from either side of the border and a Punjabi. Came in Friday night right before midnight, was pretty sleepy place. All the goat / lamb biryanis were out do we settled for chicken which was the freshest batch prepared. We got the beef nihari, seekh kabab and shammi kabab and frontier gosht. Biryani was decent Hyderabadi style, spicy - packed a punch. Would order again (but prefer beef, goat). Everything else was crap. Shammi kabab was just wtf awful, seekh kebabs were dry and tasteless, nihari the meat was just not tender. Worst was this frontier gosht, was kind of pulled meat, with a dry chili rub, but was too watery moist - should be like a dry rendang (all water reduced, super tender meat, spices heavily infused). Overall go super wasted and it'll be ok, but don't expect anything more. read more

This place does some things very right: bountiful Indian/Pakistani food, super cheap price, and fast service. However, it falls a little flat in other areas. We ordered the chicken biryani, butter chicken, and aloo palak potato and spinach (that was plenty of food for two). The butter chicken sauce was too thin for my liking. However, my biggest concern was that the biryani had these seeds and small bones that were very hard and inedible. This forced me to eat my food warily which detracted from my dining experience. For those who can't handle spicy, make sure you ask about the spice level of the dishes since they contained some heat. Definitely ask for the yogurt sauce to cool your palate. read more

We stopped here months ago and food tasted fresh but not super spectacular. I stopped by today - omg it's amazing. Chili chicken rice is a huge portion and I ordered spinach something which is really tasty salty spicy creamed spinach. Samosa with potato were soft, flaky and very spicy and so was the chili chicken rice. At last! An Indian/Pakistani restaurant that serves super spicy dishes to their pasty white customers as well. :) I don't know what it is but usually I am asked how spicy I want things and then it's still made bland anyways. This place was different - my food was made in like 5-10 minutes, and when I started eating it at home - it's amazing how much flavor there was. Chicken dish has a ton of chicken with amazing spices and flavors. Samosas were perfectly made and packed a punch. If you like spicy food - you have to go here. Sooo burny. Sooo good. read more

Boneless Beef Biryani it was soooo tasteless. They just mixed white rice with a bit of beef. Wouldn't go there again.

So happy to have discovered this place! Best food, best prices. My go to place, nothing else compares. All the restaurants by me are not as wonderful as this one, and just wish I was closer. I would eat here every single day if I could. They have the best butter chicken and biryani and everything else on the menu. read more

The worst choice I made during a business trip. I came from out of town . Decided to order food delivery from the nearest Pakistani restaurant to downtown where I stayed. I am so disappointed! I ordered 4 grill dishes. Each was horrible. I am about to toss the food away. I am surprised with the good reviews I saw. Probably because the food is cheap compared to the portion size . I was looking for quality, not quatity and got disappointed. read more

Finally, an Indian/Pakistani place near UIC! The food is pretty good especially given the low price point. For $4.99, I got chili chicken biryani. Nicely spicy and the plate was full to the brim with rice. Decent amount of chicken too. I also enjoyed a samosa which featured an excellent buttery crispy crust. The only complaints are that they seem to run out of things often (e.g., ice, Coke, lamb). The ice cream cooler was nearly empty too. I will definitely be back! I'm quite tired of the pedestrian food options in the UIC area. Update: The boneless chicken biryani is quite bland so it's chili chicken from here on out. read more

You find the Cheapest Indian food close to Downtown Chicago here. Most of the times they run out of the Chicken and Lamb. If you are looking for Chicken or Lamb call them. Cost to Quality Cost to Quantity in both cases this place wins. read more

Terrible quality food. The goat biryani was not good, quite flavorless. Served with sour yogurt and not even raita. Tried chicken haleem and it was sour and cold! The only thing this place has going is the cheap price and large portions. But the quality was so bad we could barely finish half of our order. There are much better quality places here. read more

Do not walk in here expecting fine dining. This is a dive. It is a Pakistani/Indian dive and it is awesome. There are a few things that I don't particularly care for, but once you find what it is on the menu that you like, you'll keep coming back. Whenever I go here, I spend about $25 and it keeps 2 people well fed for 2-3 days. It is a massive amount of food. I sometimes joke that buying an order of chicken may be cheaper than going to the grocery store and buying raw chicken and cooking it. If you factor in time, then it for sure is cheaper! Besides the food being very inexpensive, it's also quite tasty. I now have a set order and I don't stray too much. I always order the chili chicken biryani. It is wonderfully full of flavor. Just the right heat while still allowing you to taste the underlying flavors. Chicken can be a little overcooked sometimes, but overall a very solid dish. Frontier chicken is also very tasty, but i have found that it can be inconsistent. I have had it many times and it can be sometimes under seasoned. When prepared properly; very tasty (I should add that I've only received a very under seasoned version once really). Frontier beef is the same as the chicken, but seems to be more consistently seasoned. I always order parathas, and while they are not the traditional kind they are still very tasty. They spinach and chick pea dishes are what I always get as a vegetable (I will try to update with names next time I go) and are also very tasty. Bottom line: for the price, this place simply cannot be beat. I order take out only as the inside resembles a cafeteria. Food is solid and staff is friendly. Cheap, good, friendly- what more could I ask for? read more

I basically eat here everyday during the semester. Financially, it is terribly responsible to eat here because everything is at an awesome price. Proportions are large and the food is great. Everything is spicy, and I don't necessarily mean hot, I mean everything is very flavorful. They do have hot spiced food if that is what you crave like myself. I love this place because I haven't been disappointed by anything on the menu, the staff is consistently awesome, and proportions are huge for the money. The only down side is that it sometimes becomes too busy to find an open seat during lunch hours, but the food still comes out quick if you don't mind taking it to go. read more

As said before, this place is decent. It's nothing extreme to rave for except for the price to food ratio. The pricing is just enough (hovering between $3.50-$5) and comes with a filling portion of food. For myself, I'm a fan of spicy. I usually roll with the Chili Chicken Biriyani, or the Butter Chicken Biriyani - depending on the mood. The Chili Chicken is usually pretty good, but at times the consistency can be pretty off. I've had times where I've ordered and the chicken is drier than usual and almost hard to eat. Othertimes, its not as dry and is well done. The Butter Chicken used to be very good (the first time I came here around 2015) but from the last time I've had it, the sauce seems to be a bit more watered down and not as flavorful. I guess the improvement here could be consistency - you get what you pay for. Not a bad spot for the grub, worth it if you're ready for some quick on the go food. Love the place though. read more

In India and Pakistan, there is a rich fast food/street food culture, but this is hard to find in the states. Ghareeb Nawaz fills this Indian/Pakistani fast food void and it fills it well! The dishes are great and also CHEAP! $1.99 - $5.99 for a typical dish and that fills you up. Try it out. read more

I don't have a lot of experience of Indian food. But I like GNE. Their biryani goes great with everything. The paratha is amazing. What's more, the portion gonna surprise you. I also ordered mango lassi. Firstly it tastes interesting, but later I figured out they might have a lot of milk with the mango flavor. I also tried Palak Gosht Curry and Chana Masala Curry. One spoon made me finished one bowl of rice. read more