Halal restaurants in Chicago to visit

The crisis seems to be coming to an end this year. The best guesses are by the end of 2021, the pandemic will be over, the virus defeated, and life will come back to normal. It might not be as expected everywhere, but hopes are high for most regions.

My best guess for the period ahead is that most people will be hitting the roads, traveling somewhere new, and celebrating freedom by crossing borders. We have been in constant and occasional lockdowns for so long that we feel as if imprisoned.

To shake off the bad feelings one must spread his wings and fly. With most countries opening up their borders, there shouldn’t be a problem when choosing a destination.

Let’s pick a place and see what we can do to change the mood and celebrate triumph and life. Chicago has been one of my all-time favorite picks. So, let’s take a tour of the city and then drive to one of the best halal restaurants in Chicago and indulge in frenzy festive eating.

Chicago: geography and places to visit

One of the most populous cities in the United States, Chicago rests on the shores of freshwater Lake Michigan. The city is an international hub for education, industry, culture, finance, and technology. This is why it is a desired destination for many people visiting the US.

Besides stretching along Lake Michigan, Chicago has two rivers that flow through it either entirely or partially. Those are the Chicago River and Calumet River. The waterfront of the city hosts the biggest residential and commercial buildings, along with distinguished parks.

Landmarks to check:

I know that someone who has just come out of lockdown and isolation would probably prefer some busy places to visit, but for me, natural havens are a must to check. Nature, after all, is the best source of rejuvenating energy, positive vibes, and peace.

Parks are amazing escapes from the busy town life and noise. Lincoln Park is the largest one in the city and one of the most visited parks in the United States just after Central Park. If you want to stop by you will definitely find something that suits you. It has a zoo, nature reserves, museums, and recreational facilities. The latter include baseball, basketball, a target archery field, a driving range, a beach volleyball court, and several other sports fields.

Grant Park, close to the city’s central business district is a large space that includesMillennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum Campus. Each one of these landmarks is a beauty worth gazing at for a while and exploring.

The park has performance avenues and sports facilities. It witnesses several events and gatherings throughout the year.

Burnham Park and Jackson Park are two other amazing sites to check if you have plenty of time. The various avenues and facilities found in these places will certainly keep you occupied and you will not even feel the time fleeing.

The Navy Pier is definitely an amusement pier and Chicago’s lakefront treasure. It contains gardens, parks, shops, restaurants, and concert avenues. The crystal garden, an indoor botanical garden, is one of the most mesmerizing places to visit. Live theatre performances, 3D films, and much more can be done in this place.

Food and Halal Restaurants in Chicago

Food is part and parcel of a place’s identity. So if you are traveling to Chicago, you will definitely want to try some of the city’s famous dishes.

With twenty-five restaurants received the Michelin Star in 2020, Chicago has all right to be proud of its culinary scene. The city is home to several chain restaurants and independent ones as well.

If you are thinking about what is unique to this city, then here is a quick look. Deep Dish pizza is the most famous iconic recipe in the city. It is definitely the local national dish and it is a must-try one.

Jibarito sandwich, which is a result of the influence of Porto Rican cuisine, is a deliciousprotein — usually steak — with garlicky mayonnaise, fresh tomato slices, lettuce, onions, and cheese in two flat, crispy slices of fried plantain instead of bread.

The Chicago hot dog, pizza puffs, flaming saganaki, and rainbow cone are some of the tastiest dishes to try.

If you are looking for halal food in Chicago, you will have multiple choices as well. Immigrants and Chicago residents from other nationalities have established their own culinary scene and influenced the city’s cuisine.

Different ethnic and religious groups can find their preferred food, especially when it comes to the halal option which needs to adhere to strict religious codes.

The most famous of restaurants serving halal food are the following:

The halal guys: located at Lincoln Park, this Egyptian restaurant brings the Mediterranean specialty to the heart of Chicago. Dishes include shawarma, kebab, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and many vegetarian options as well.

Café Sukur: this Turkish place offers a variety of Turkish recipes and specialties.

Usmania Chinese restaurant: if you are into Chinese food, then this is your ultimate prize. Chinese halal food is served here.Orange chicken, Manchurian chicken, beef fried rice, Mongolian beef, Hakka noodles, and crab Rangoon are some of the must-try dishes.

Rumi Middle Eastern Grill: this restaurant brings the flavors and spices of the east to the diverse food lovers in Chicago. Pay them a visit and you will be treated nicely.

If you want to discover the city on foot, you will definitely come across other halal restaurants in Chicago. Forget about your pressing desire to control what and how much food you eat and indulge yourself in tasty flavorful options.