Chef Sujan Sarkar is someone in the Chicago culinary scene you want to get to know. The acclaimed Michelin-starred and James Beard-nominated chef has made a name for himself through his work at Indienne, Sifr, and Swadesi—all featured on our best restaurant list with singular menus we can’t stop raving about.
Now, we’re getting ready to add one more place to the list, as Chef Sarkar is set to open his fourth restaurant in Lincoln Park next week.
NADU, which means “homeland,” will take you on an authentic journey through India’s diverse regional cuisines. Each dish will provide a taste of traditional flavors and local ingredients, all presented with a modern twist.
Chef Sujan Sarkar said:
We want NADU to reflect how we truly eat in my home country, India—simple, bold, and full of flavor. Our goal is to highlight the beauty of regional Indian cooking in an approachable way, with flavors that people recognize and love.
At NADU, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into India. The restaurant’s interior captures the spirit of the country. An impressive oil painting, “The Chicago Durbar,” will be in the center of the restaurant, connecting Chicago’s history with Indian mythology.
Yet the interior is just one aspect of the NADU; the menu draws inspiration from India’s culinary landscape, ranging from Kerala’s coastal flavors to the northern heartland’s rich spices. With a focus on local produce and sustainable practices, the menu will feature approximately 24 curated à la carte dishes that celebrate the depth and variety of Indian cuisine.
What’s on NADU’s Menu?
Banarasi Tamatar Chaat (Uttar Pradesh) $12 – Warm tomato chaat accompanied by namak para, cashews, and ghee, finished with a sugary syrup.
Surti Paneer Ghotala (Gujarat) $16 – Layered Paneer Burji cooked in onion and fenugreek masala with Amul cheese; served with buttered Ladi Pao.
Naga Smoked Chilly Pork Ribs (Nagaland) $18 – Baby back ribs glazed with smoked king chili and pineapple sauce, served with basil chutney.
Crab Milagu Fry (Kerala) $85 – Whole Dungeness crab cooked with Telicherry peppercorns, garlic, shallots, tomatoes, and a spice blend, served with Ney Choru (ghee rice).
Baripada Mudhi Mansha (Odisha) $32 – Slow-cooked goat curry with onion masala, served with puffed rice and kachumber salad.
Apricot Delight (Hyderabad) $13 – Vanilla sponge cake soaked in condensed milk, layered with lightly poached apricots and whipped cream, and topped with apricot jelly and almonds.
Along with the menu, the beverage program at NADU is crafted to complement the dishes; you will find cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks infused with traditional Indian ingredients such as turmeric, saffron, chili, ginger, curry leaf, and palm jaggery.
Additionally, the wine list, curated by Tia Polite (Wine Director at Indienne), will feature Indian wines alongside her personal favorites, creating a unique pairing experience that reflects Indian flavors.
When will Nadu open?
NADU opens on April 3rd. The hours will be from Tuesday through Saturday, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Where is NADU located?
The address is 2518 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, and you can make reservations on OpenTable.