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Ghareeb Nawaz UIC
Master Critic Review
Ghareeb Nawaz UIC
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
A no-frills Indo-Pak counter built for huge portions, fast pickup, and low-stakes repeatability—especially for UIC-area regulars. It’s at its best when you order one rice anchor and one paratha wrap, leaning into bold, saucy comfort over polished dining-room finesse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter chicken paratha, Chicken biryani (with bone), Boneless chili chicken rice
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Big-portion Indo-Pak comfort food at unusually low prices, fast.
Who should go: Students and locals chasing cheap, filling curry plates
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the quickest counter rhythm
What to order: Chicken biryani, butter chicken paratha, chana masala
Insider tip: Order one rice dish and one paratha—skip piling on extra sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable midday, tougher after 6pm—plan a few extra minutes to circle.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—jeans, hoodies, backpacks all normal.
Noise level: Moderate to loud; constant counter traffic and pickup flow make quiet conversation difficult.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; lines move fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple reliable options like chana masala, dal, and vegetable curries.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—chana masala, some vegetable curries, and plain rice (confirm no ghee).
Gluten-free options: Partial—rice-based dishes are safest; avoid naan/paratha and confirm sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—great food value, but the cafeteria-style setup and noise make it better for casual hangs than first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken; seating is first-come and turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like bold flavors; portions are shareable, but the space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Huge portions, fast service, and rock-bottom pricing compared to most Indo-Pak spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a calm dine-in experience, refined presentation, or date-night atmosphere.