Devon Avenue Sees South Asian Boom
Chicago's Devon Avenue has become the epicenter of a South Asian restaurant explosion, with nearly one in three or four new restaurant openings in the city being South Asian over the past five years. The concentration is even higher in suburbs like Naperville and Schaumburg, offering everything from traditional Pakistani and Indian fare to modern fusion concepts.
- The commercial strip of Devon Avenue is also known as "Little India" and is home to one of the largest concentrations of South Asian businesses in North America. Portions of the street have been honorarily named after Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Sheikh Mujib Rahman to reflect the diverse South Asian communities present. - The foundation for this commercial hub was laid in the 1970s with the opening of pioneering businesses like the India Sari Palace in 1973 and the first Patel Brothers grocery store in 1974. - While Devon Avenue remains a cultural and commercial anchor, there has been significant growth of South Asian communities and businesses in Chicago's suburbs, including Naperville, Schaumburg, and Skokie. - The recent "boom" is characterized by an increasing number of restaurants specializing in regional Indian cuisines, moving beyond standard North Indian fare. For example, restaurants are now focusing on the specific culinary traditions of regions like Kerala. - A new wave of chefs is driving innovation with "third-culture cooking," creating fusion concepts that blend South Asian flavors with other culinary traditions. Notable examples in the broader Chicago culinary scene include the Michelin-starred Indienne and restaurants like Mirra, which combines South Asian and Mexican influences. - The West Ridge neighborhood, which Devon Avenue runs through, is one of the most diverse communities in Chicago. This diversity is reflected in the mix of South Asian, Jewish, Russian, and other ethnic businesses that line the street. - Beyond restaurants, Devon Avenue is a major destination for South Asian shopping, offering everything from traditional clothing and jewelry to groceries and sweets, attracting visitors from across the Midwest. - The culinary scene on Devon includes a wide range of options, from long-standing, traditional Pakistani and Indian establishments like Sabri Nihari, which received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2017, to newer, casual spots.
