Nihari is Pakistan's national breakfast, and Ghareeb Nawaz's version uses goat — more flavorful than chicken or beef. The meat is so tender after hours of simmering that it shreds with a spoon. The gravy is thick, tangy from tomato, and warmed by cumin and cinnamon. Served with naan or roti for scooping.
Tips from diners
This is peak comfort food at midnight — rich, warming, and meant for close friends.
The signature dish and the one reviewers cite as proof of the value proposition. A single order arrives overflowing with rice, enough to comfortably feed three to four people. The chicken is tender, the rice is fragrant with cardamom and cinnamon, and the portion is legendary in food communities. Reviews consistently mention 'bargain of the century' and 'one order feeds four.'
Tips from diners
Order one biryani for two people — the portion is massive and flavors deepen as you eat through.
The classic starter — light and crispy exterior, warm potato filling inside. The chutneys are made fresh and provide both sweet and spicy balance. Reviewers mention the samosa as reliably done right.
Tips from diners
Order 4-5 samosas to share before the mains arrive — they're gone in minutes.
A standout dish that combines carb and protein elegantly. The paratha is crispy outside, flaky inside, and the chicken is marinated and grilled with char. Served with fresh onion on the side. It's a complete, handheld meal.
Tips from diners
Order this as a handheld meal if you want to eat and leave — everything is wrapped and portable.
A crowd-pleaser that introduces newcomers to Indian food. The sauce is balanced between acidity from tomato and richness from cream and butter. The chicken is cooked gently enough to stay tender. Reviewers note the bold flavors and comforting nature of the dish.
Tips from diners
Order this with naan — tear off a piece and scoop the sauce, which is the whole experience.
Mohammed Bashir founded Ghareeb Nawaz in 1993 with a simple philosophy: 'Nobody goes hungry.' The Rogers Park location on Devon Avenue remains the original and flagship, featuring a 600-item menu where portions are legendary and prices are budget-friendly ($10-20 per person). The restaurant has expanded across Chicago, but the Devon location maintains its no-frills, late-night service character. Reviewers consistently praise the generous portions, bold flavors in biryani and nihari, and the fact that a single biryani order comfortably feeds a party of four.
Open until 2am on weeknights, 3am Friday-Saturday — this is Chicagoland's late-night Pakistani stop.
Portion sizes are intentionally generous — one entrée feeds 1.5 people. Plan accordingly and split.
The menu has 600+ items — ask your server for a recommendation based on your spice tolerance and preferred protein.
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