Wazwan

"A Chicago restaurant run by James Beard Award-nominated chef Zubair Mohajir, known for serving the only halal tasting menu in North America and community service during Ramadan and Eid."

"Zubair Mohajir serves a burger at Wazwan and Lilac Tiger in Wicker Park that’s both halal and has the texture and flavor of a South Asian cutlet." - Ashok Selvam

"To compete along Division Street, a restaurant needs a liquor license. And even though Wazwan, the Indian restaurant that features street food like momos, kati rolls, biryani, and more — was constantly busy, chef Zubair Mohajir felt they needed more." - Ashok Selvam

"This restaurant features an Indian tasting menu restaurant, one that’s attracted attention from Michelin inspectors, the James Beard Foundation, and the Jean Banchets. Chef Zubair Mohajir sources its halal meats from Fatima Foods in suburban Addison. The restaurant is divided into two sections. The front features burgers, momos, fried chicken sandwiches, and Filipino fare like lumpia. The back is reservation only where diners can try a tasting menu with a knockout first course of gourmet Indian flatbreads." - Ashok Selvam, Tasmiha Khan

"Wazwan’s Pinocchio-esque journey began several years ago. This South Asian spot began as a pop-up, moved into now-closed Politan Row, then was in a virtual kitchen, and finally became a real-deal restaurant in Wicker Park this year. Hopefully, this little BYOB counter-service spot is their forever home. The nihari momos are delicately wrapped packages of peppery beef, the mushroom korma is secretly vegan (well, we were shocked considering how rich and creamy it is), and the chettinad masala has the perfect amount of heat. Wazwan also feels like a dive bar, which is ironic because it doesn’t even have a liquor license, but also endearing because Chicago loves a dive. " - adrian kane, john ringor