Oh, so you don't know about Indo-Chinese food? The subcontinent isn't all about buffets, and Indo-Chinese food is growing more popular by fusing their savory flavors. Imagine Southeast Asian stir fries complemented by South Asian spices and starches. It's worth the trip to Hoffman Estates. A second location in Naperville is set to open in early September.

This biryani house with locations on Devon and University Village, is one of the best places for a cheap eat in town, full of delicious rice and curry dishes. Their gyros spicy masala isn't Greek at all, but makes lamb approachable to those who act skittish.

A former Michelin Bib Gourmand winner (until 2020), Sabri has been around for nearly 25 years. They have secured a rare patio space on Devon. This Pakistani restaurant’s signature namesake beef dish is memorable, as is the chicken boti, beef samosas, and lamb chops. Order to-go online.

Annapurna is a quintessential Indian snack shop, and it’s vegetarian. Try the iconic Indian street food dish bhel puri (puffy rice mixed with potatoes, onions) that’s served with chutney. The textures and mix of sweet and savory make it work. The restaurant recently moved and it now offers patio seating.

It's a perpetual struggle for lovers of South Indian vegetarian food: Mysore Woodlands vs. Udupi? Try the Thali at Udupi, the combo platter for veggie delights. And don't forget to sample the deep-fried puffy goodness that is the poori. Make sure there's some spiced potatoes at your disposal, too.

In Lakeview, this modest fast-casual Nepalese restaurant is a momo paradise with the cherished item available in numerous configurations. Food is fresh and flavorful. If dumplings don’t interest, don’t sleep on the rajma.

What started out as a pop-up series in bars has blossomed into a hip restaurant that blends Indian flavors with American applications. Superkhana International isn’t a regional restaurant, but one that specializes in riffs like a butter chicken calzone and a pizza made of Indian flatbread. The dhokla is a can’t miss dish, showing a traditional side. The space is only open for pick-up.

There's probably not a better place for chai in Chicago. Chiya Chai, which opened earlier this year in Logan Square, features a mind-blowing assortment of teas brewed perfectly. There really is something for everyone inside this cute space. And there's the Nepalese food, featuring momos, this starchy and sticky dumplings filled with lamb and other goodies.

The original owners of Rangoli have gone on to open another restaurant. Spice Room takes the traditional Punjabi menu Westerners are so accustomed to with great execution.

Another Nepalese spot that serves great Indian food. This is where to try a momo, a Nepalese-style dumpling that's comparable to Chinese pot stickers.

Guests will here all kinds of languages in this dimly-lit restaurant around the corner from Cabrini-Green. It's popular among cab drivers for hearty portions. The food skews Pakistani with tasty versions of frontier chicken and more. The naan is absolutely delicious and made to order.

Vermillion is a well known quantity outside of Chicago, as Rohini Dey opened a New York location. But the original continues to thrive with sidewalk patio on Hubbard Street in River North. The name of the game is Indo-Latin fusion, with dishes like skirt steak with mole and an eclectic cocktail selection. It’s far from traditional, but still worth a visit.

A spinoff of a San Francisco restaurant, ROOH represents the biggest splash an Indian restaurant has made in Chicago in decades, occupying a prominent location along Randolph Street. Chef Sujan Sarkar has trained across the world and brings a precise touch to modern classics, like butter chicken, but also plays around with ingredients like jackfruit with unique results. Rooh has outdoor dining in a cute alley space.