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Reviews for Punjabi Dhaba are mixed, with some patrons praising the buffet and authentic flavors, while others have raised concerns about cleanliness and food quality. The restaurant has been reported as permanently closed.

Punjabi Dhaba: A Taste of North India in Chicago's Little India District 

Located at 2525 West Devon Avenue in Chicago's vibrant Little India neighborhood, Punjabi Dhaba was a beloved destination for lovers of authentic Punjabi and North Indian cuisine. Known for its unpretentious ambiance and a menu that highlighted classic tandoori meats and rich, flavorful curries, it offered diners a genuine taste of India’s diverse culinary heritage. Its popular lunch buffet, featuring fresh naan and hot plates of tandoori chicken, made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike seeking hearty Indian fare in a casual setting.

 adored Punjabi Dhaba’s lunch buffet, especially the unlimited fresh naan and tandoori chicken that arrived piping hot. Beyond the buffet, the menu featured vegetarian-friendly dishes, ensuring that food lovers with all preferences could enjoy authentic flavors made with traditional spices and cooking techniques. The casual dining experience allowed guests to relax and savor each dish in a welcoming environment.

The community sentiment around Punjabi Dhaba was mixed. While many praised the authentic flavors and value of the buffet, some reviews raised concerns about cleanliness and food quality. These differing experiences highlight how dining perceptions can vary widely. Unfortunately, Punjabi Dhaba has been reported as permanently closed, leaving a gap in the Little India culinary scene where it once thrived as a casual Indian dining spot.

 No, Punjabi Dhaba has been reported as permanently closed.

What are the operating hours of Punjabi Dhaba?

 Punjabi Dhaba operated daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM before closing.

 Yes, Punjabi Dhaba offered a buffet option popular among its guests.

North America

United States

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little India in Chicago, **Punjabi Dhabha** is a culinary gem that invites you to experience the authentic flavors of North India. This unpretentious eatery is renowned for its hearty tandoori meats, rich curries, and a delightful buffet that keeps patrons coming back for more. With its warm ambiance and friendly service, Punjabi Dhabha is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Indian culture and cuisine.

At Punjabi Dhabha, the menu is a delightful journey through traditional North Indian cuisine. Start your meal with their **Tandoori Chicken**, marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, then grilled to perfection, offering a smoky flavor that dances on your palate. For a vegetarian option, the **Paneer Butter Masala** is a must-try, featuring soft paneer cubes swimming in a creamy tomato sauce, perfectly paired with fluffy naan.

  
- **Tandoori Chicken**: Juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection.
- **Paneer Butter Masala**: Creamy and rich, a vegetarian delight.

  
- Enjoy a variety of dishes with unlimited refills, perfect for those looking to sample multiple flavors.

Conveniently located at **2525 W Devon Ave**, Punjabi Dhabha is surrounded by the vibrant sights and sounds of Little India. After your meal, take a stroll through the neighborhood to explore local shops offering spices, textiles, and Indian sweets. The nearby **Devon Avenue** is a cultural hub, perfect for immersing yourself in the rich Indian heritage of Chicago.

  
- It is known for its authentic North Indian cuisine, especially the tandoori dishes and buffet options.

  
- Yes, Punjabi Dhabha offers a lunch buffet that is popular among locals.

  
- Punjabi Dhabha accepts debit cards and cash.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Punjabi Dhabha promises a memorable dining experience filled with authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Come and indulge in the rich culinary traditions of North India—your taste buds will thank you.

Unpretentious Indian spot offering classics like tandoori meats & curries, plus a buffet option.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMwZ2JQOWRnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJHeEpcN7RD4gRoGeCy2eDt4Q/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMwZ2JQOWRnEAE

Worst buffet ever. Not even worth $1. The food is very bad. Don't come here. This restaurant is not even worth 1 star. The Gulab jamun is like some hard balls dipped with some liquid. There is no paneer in their so called paneer curry. Please avoid it.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMwNGN1aWhBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJHeEpcN7RD4gRoGeCy2eDt4Q/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMwNGN1aWhBRRAB

Highly recommend this place in the Devon strip if you're looking for solid Punjabi / North Indian food. The lunch buffet is a favorite - with refills of fresh naan and a hot plate of Tandoori Chicken. Hands down a favorite treasure of mine among so many other good places around here.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURNd3NhekpBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJHeEpcN7RD4gRoGeCy2eDt4Q/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURNd3NhekpBEAE

I use to love this place, have been coming to this place with my family for 12 years. But the place is run down and so dirty. I don't even want to imagine the kitchen. Sorry to say but this place definitely needs to be inspected. The salt n pepper shakers were disgusting, the basket had grime from years of never been washed.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMwODVlNm1BRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJHeEpcN7RD4gRoGeCy2eDt4Q/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMwODVlNm1BRRAB

Authentic flavors of the North. Casual style of eating means you can relax and enjoy the meal. Very good and a little spicy !

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNJcDRtSnNRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJHeEpcN7RD4gRoGeCy2eDt4Q/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNJcDRtSnNRRRAB

I dont know why people are saying its worst place .. it's super worst piece of land on earth . Posted pics of food also. Gulag jammun was uncooked n stale.
In the name of chicken biryani there were yellow uncooked rice with boiled piece of crow I guess. The length of drum stick was my finger. The only good thing was butter naan. Me n my husband wanted to eat something vegetarian but had so much disappointment.  We ended up  having argument .

Punjabi Dhabha: Authentic North Indian Cuisine in Little India, Chicago

Punjabi Dhaba was a popular Indian restaurant located at 2525 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, known for its buffet and authentic flavors. It has been reported as permanently closed.

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Little India along West Devon Avenue in Chicago, Punjabi Dhaba was a beloved Indian restaurant renowned for its authentic Punjabi flavors and buffet offerings. Located at 2525 W Devon Ave, this establishment became a go-to destination for lovers of North Indian cuisine seeking genuine tandoori meats, rich curries, and fresh naan, all served in a casual and welcoming atmosphere.

Punjabi Dhaba was celebrated for its dedication to delivering classic Punjabi dishes that captured the essence of Northern India’s culinary heritage. Signature specialties included tandoori chicken, flavorful paneer curries, and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet that delighted visitors with unlimited refills of buttery naan and a variety of spicy, aromatic dishes. This unpretentious spot earned a loyal following among locals and foodies exploring Chicago’s diverse cuisine scene.

Despite its reputation for authentic dishes, Punjabi Dhaba faced criticism over time related to cleanliness and food quality, as reflected in some customer reviews. These challenges affected its standing in the competitive Chicago restaurant market. Ultimately, the restaurant was reported as permanently closed in 2025, marking the end of its chapter in the city’s rich tapestry of Indian dining options.

Punjabi Dhaba remains remembered as a significant part of Chicago’s Little India culinary scene. Its focus on traditional Punjabi cooking and buffet style dining made it a pioneering spot for Indian food enthusiasts. The restaurant’s presence contributed to West Devon Avenue's reputation as a cultural and gastronomic destination, attracting visitors eager to experience authentic Indian flavors.

Punjabi Dhaba was reported as permanently closed.

Takeout

Delivery

Good for Children

Serves Vegetarian Food

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Serves Coffee

Punjabi Dhabha is an unpretentious Indian spot in Little India, Chicago, offering classics like tandoori meats and curries, plus a buffet option. This modest eatery is a gateway to the rich tapestry of Punjabi cuisine, where every dish tells a tale of heritage and flavor.

Punjabi Dhabha

Authentic Indian cuisine featuring a variety of appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages.

Samosa

Shami Kabab

Milajhula (Chef Special)

Chicken Pakora

Vegetable Pakora

Kadak Reshmi Kabab

Paneer Pakora

Delicately Spiced Chicken Soup

Tomato Soup

Lentils and Vegetable Soup

Mixed Vegetarian Curry

Paneer Jalfrazie

Aloo Gobi

Mutter Paneer

Malai Kofta

Frontier Vegetable

Vegetable Jalfrazie

Saag Paneer

Eggplant Bhartha

Shahi Paneer

Dal Makhni

Chana Masala

Bhindi Masala

Butter Chicken

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Saag

Chicken Curry

Frontier Chicken

Chilli Chicken

Chicken Vindallo

Egg Curry

Lamb Curry

Karhai Gosht

Lamb Saag

Frontier Gosht

Lamb Vindallo

Boti Kabab Masala

Fish Curry

Shrimp

Chicken Tandoori

Murgh Malai Kabab

Chicken Tikka

Mixed Grill

Seekh Kabab

Boti Kabab

Peshawari Boti

Fish Tikka

Tandoori Paran

Chicken Biryani

Lamb Biryani

Peas Pulao

Shrimp Biryani

Vegetable Biryani

Plain Rice

Naan

Roti

Onion Kulcha

Aloo Parantha

Chicken Naan

Parantha

Pudina Parantha

Garlic Naan

Keema Naan

Gajjar Halwa

Gulab Jamun

Mango Kulfi

Kheer

Pista Kulfi

Lassi

Mango Lassi

Indian Masala Tea

Coffee

Soda

Mango Shake

Mango Juice

Iced Tea

Punjabi Dhaba Menu

Located in Chicago's vibrant Little India on West Devon Avenue, Punjabi Dhaba serves up authentic North Indian cuisine celebrated for its bold flavors and traditional recipes. This unpretentious spot offers a delightful blend of classic Punjabi dishes, perfect for food lovers craving hearty, aromatic meals.

Begin your culinary journey with a variety of flavorful appetizers that showcase Punjabi Dhaba's dedication to traditional spices and textures. Crispy samosas bursting with seasoned potatoes and peas provide a familiar favorite, while the shami kabab features tender ground lamb mixed with lentils and aromatic herbs. For those seeking a diverse tasting experience, the chef’s special Milajhula offers an enticing platter of samosa, pakora, shami kabab, kadak reshmi kabab, and papadum. Other tempting starters include crispy chicken pakora coated in spiced gram flour batter, vegetable pakora made with spinach, potatoes, and cauliflower, and the creamy-rich delicately spiced chicken soup to warm your senses.

Samosa with vegetables, seasoned potatoes, and peas

Shami Kabab combining ground lamb, lentils, herbs, and spices

Milajhula chef special platter with samosa, pakora, shami kabab, kadak reshmi kabab, and papadum

Chicken Pakora: tender chicken strips in spiced gram flour batter

Vegetable Pakora featuring spinach, potatoes, and cauliflower

Punjabi Dhaba’s mains span a generous array of vegetarian and meat dishes, each crafted to showcase the rich culinary heritage of North India. Vegetarian delights include the creamy Malai Kofta with cottage cheese and potato balls in a nutty, spiced sauce, Saag Paneer featuring fresh spinach and paneer cheese enveloped in a silky cream, and the richly spiced Dal Makhni made from slow-cooked lentils. For meat lovers, options range from the buttery, tangy Butter Chicken to the bold and spicy Chicken Vindallo and tender Lamb Saag simmered with spinach and cream. A standout is the Mixed Grill platter, an enticing assortment of tandoori chicken tikka, boti kabab, seekh kabab, fish tikka, and reshmi kabab, perfect for those wanting to sample a variety of robust flavors.

Malai Kofta with cottage cheese, potato balls, nuts, and fruits

Butter Chicken made with tandoori chicken, butter, tomato sauce, and spices

Chicken Vindallo with chicken, onion, tomato, potatoes, and spices

Mixed Grill featuring tandoori chicken tikka, boti kabab, seekh kabab, fish tikka, and reshmi kabab

Treat yourself to traditional Indian sweets that provide a perfect balance of richness and sweetness. The Gulab Jamun, soft dough balls soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, and the mango-infused Kulfi, a creamy frozen dessert with succulent mango pulp and nuts, are crowd favorites. Other delights include the nutty Gajjar Halwa made from carrots and milk, the fragrant pistachio and saffron Pista Kulfi, and the comforting Kheer, a rice pudding garnished with almonds and pistachios.

Mango Kulfi: creamy frozen mango dessert with nuts

Gajjar Halwa with carrots, milk, sugar, and nuts

Savor authentic Indian flavors at Punjabi Dhabha in Chicago's Little India. Enjoy vibrant dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Visit today!

Punjabi Dhabha: Authentic North Indian Cuisine in Little India, Chicago

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