Vajra Menu – Chicago, IL

Type : Indian restaurant

Location : Chicago, IL

High-end restaurant & takeaway serving Indian & Nepalese specialties, plus cocktails. Based on 239 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.4 stars. Price $$

✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ No-contact delivery ✔️ No dine-in

Vajra 60647

Address:
2039 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Phone: (773) 697-4211

Website:

Social Profile:

Hours

Sunday 5–9 PM
Monday

(Labor Day)
5–9 PM

Hours might differ
Tuesday 5–9 PM
Wednesday 5–9 PM
Thursday 5–9 PM
Friday 5–9 PM
Saturday 5–9 PM

Menu

Vajra at Home Dinner Package
Dinner Date For Two
A simple package for that perfect stay in and no frills dinner in the comfort of your own home with your loved one.
$70.00
Family Meal For Four
This family meal is designed to bring the comfort and togetherness without much ado. The package comprises of your most favorite VAJRA hits, and the best part is, you get to enjoy this feast in the comfort of your own home.
$100.00
Family Meal For Eight
This family meal is designed to bring the comfort and togetherness without much ado. The package comprises of your most favorite VAJRA hits, and the best part is, you get to enjoy this feast in the comfort of your own home.
$180.00
The Small Plates
Vegetable Samosa
A classic filo pastry – pea and potato stuffing curiously spiced with Indian spices, anardana (dried pomegranate seeds), and cilantro. A classic Indian staple that has almost everyone in the world in its grasp.
$7.00
Dilliwala Alu Tikka
Deep fried spiced mashed potatoes cakes with spicy lentils filling. Drizzle some Red and Green chutneys. One is not enough, so we made two for you.
$7.00
Onion Bhaji
Shaved onion, chickpea batter, Indian spice mix
$7.00
Samosa Chaat
Smashed potato cones, English peas, gujarati sev & papadi, pomegranate, creamed yogurt, chutneys
$8.00
Alu Tikka Chhole Chaat
Smashed potato cakes, gujarati sev & papadi, pomegranate, creamed yogurt, chutneys
$8.00
Dahi Bhalla
Deep fried and chilled lentil balls swim in the creamed yoghurt with multitude of flavor bombs tossed by red and green chutneys and chickpea pearls.
$8.00
Chicken Keema Samosa
This shortcrust file pastry is stuffed with minced chicken, onion and Indian spices. A super tasty snack.
$8.00
Chicken Chhoela
Tempura boneless chicken breast, garlic, makhani sauce
$12.00
Chicken Momo
Pillowy dumpling stuffed with minced chicken, Nepalese spices, Umami and paired with charred tomato and sesame- szechuan peppercorn sauce.
$12.00
The Chef’s Plate
Malai Kofta
Minced paneer with spices is made into the balls and simmered in the oh-so-good cashew-ey curry sauce. A simple yet decadent offering that can rival any soul or comfort food.

*Vegetarian.

$20.00
Gobhi 65
Tempura cauliflower florets, Indian spices
$17.00
Makhamali Aalu
A simply decadent dish, Makhamali Alu is rich and silky cashew curry sauce and bathes the slightly golden fried Yukon petit potatoes in the warm aroma of garlic.

*Vegetarian.

$17.00
Butter Chicken
The world cuisine, if had a showstopper – it would be Butter Chicken. Handsome boneless morsels of free-range tandoor roasted chicken swimming in the decadent onion-tomato sauce with cashew-y goodness and fresh cream: this one is as good as it gets.
$24.00
Lahsuni Chicken Korma
Enough cannot be said about this one – it is that good. Marinating and roasting in tandoor, the boneless chicken breasts are then simmered in the rich cashew curry sauce with a fragrant waft of garlic that just keeps getting better with each bite.
$24.00
Szechuan Chicken Chilli
Glazed with garlic chilli sauce and soy sauce, these chicken bites are tender and laden with with the onions and capsicums, slivered ginger etc.
$21.00
Chicken Chettinad
Boneless Chicken is cooked in rich coconut flavored curry sauce, tempered with mustard and curry leaves. A classic dish from the Tamilnadu region reimagined.
$24.00
Heritage Goat
A true mountain dish from Nepal, it is one of those heritage Nepalese dishes that is the mainstay of every Nepalese kitchen the world over. A heartier version of Heritage Goat from our previous menu, we have attempted to recreate a bone-in taste without the bones. (The marrows from the bones give this dish the true identity it is supposed to have). Mostly devoured (not an understatement) with basmati rice, there is no other way to have it.
$26.00
Lamb Rogan Josh
This Kashmiri dish has gone through a myriad of iteration within the cultural crossovers in India and the West, but one thing that remained intact was its flavor. We have attempted to stay close to its origin and made it simpler by infusing the essence of Kashmiri Chilli that marries well into with other spices and gives us a hearty bowl of a drool-worthy lamb stew.
$26.00
Lamb Tellicherry Pepper Fry
Succulent lamb curry cooked with an abundance of joy and spices; this dish has got all the boxes ticked with its wholesome flavor and fragrant exuberance of Tellicherry pepper – they are the bigger peppercorns and pack a ton of flavor and aroma, unlike our table black pepper, and it is epic.
$26.00
Goan Fish Curry
This fish curry comes from the way of Goa, an Indian paradise in the Western shores of Arabian Ocean and once a Portuguese colony. While there are many versions, we just stuck with the classic one – charred Scottish Faroe Island Salmon filets are bedded in the rich and silky sauce made of tomato and coconut, with a generous helping of spices.
$28.00
Goan Shrimp Curry
Shrimp cooked in sumptuous Goan style curry with elaborate spices and flavors, honoring the coastal region of Konkani and Goan Heritage.
$26.00
Tiger Prawn Moilee
This delightfully rich and finger licking Keralan curry is a testament of what a paradise Kerala is – strewn with coconut and palm trees, lined with miles of pristine beach and of course abundance of Seafood. Jumbo Tiger Prawns are simmered in the rich coconut sauce tempered with curry leaves and mustard seeds – seamlessly combining the spices and heat of this beautiful dish.
$32.00
The Classics
Cashew Tikka Masala
Cashew cream, onion & tomato sauce. Includes 8 oz basmati rice
$17.00
Cashew Shahi Korma
Cashew & onion, tomato sauce. Includes 8 oz basmati rice
$17.00
Madras
Coconut cream, onion & tomato sauce. Includes 8 oz basmati rice
$17.00
Vindaalu
Potatoes, vinegar, onion & tomato sauce. Includes 8 oz basmati rice
$17.00
Saag
Creamed spinach, Indian spices. Includes 8 oz basmati rice.
$17.00
The Vegetarian Classics
Saag Paneer
A creamed spinach with paneer, the combination never fails to sate our cravings for some soul quenching food. Uniquely the most ordered dish in any given Indian restaurant, this creamy and resplendent dish is a winner in all age groups, and all households.
$18.00
Dal Makhani
The world-famous black dairy dal is the most luxurious black lentil. A mixture of black gram lentils, kidney beans, and a few other usual suspects are cooked for a very long time and effortlessly turned into this rich and creamy saucy dal.
$15.00
Baingan Bharta
A humble hunk of eggplant is roasted with butter and beat (literally) into a pulp; and then fried with onion, tomato and spices – then finished with green peas and fresh cream.
$15.00
Dal Tadkawala
If there is anything cooked in Indian and Nepalese households every day if not two or three times a day – it is dal. There are many kinds of lentils, but Vajra’s tadkawala dal is prepared with yellow lentils and tempered with oil (not butter) and spices. It is vegan, good, and addictive.

*vegan

$15.00
Chana Masala
Garbanzo or chickpeas as it is called, this one packs a ton of protein, flavor, and simplicity. Served in many ways, this dish is a must-have for every meal, is vegan and saucy – and goes well with our tandoori roti or basmati rice; for one hundred percent vegan experience.

* vegan

$15.00
Bhindi Masala
Okra or bhindi as called in India and Nepal, is one dish that has many versions yet universally loved by all. Ours is the simplest version, prepared with least amount of oil and a kick of flavor to this unique vegetable with spices and dried mango powder called amchur.

*vegan

$15.00
Alu Gobhi
A staple of every Indian and Nepalese kitchen, this dish of potatoes and cauliflower florets sauteed in spices – is the simplest recipe and equally loved by all. Cos the flavors are just spellbinding.

*vegan

$15.00
Mushroom Kadhai
This one is for mushroom lovers. We use Crimini Mushrooms for this earthy and savory – smoky in flavor and mildly spice forward. This dish mimics the taste of kadhai sauce (an Indian cast iron pan that inherently provides the unique smoked flavor to any spicy dish)
$17.00
Mushroom Jalfreizie
Button mushroom, broccoli, capsicum, Indian spice
$17.00
Matar Paneer
A Punjabi staple, green peas and paneer are cooked in a simple and earthy sauce – a touch of fresh cream included. A bowl of this and some butter naan – and you are set with your Netflix or Prime !
$18.00
Paneer Chilli Fry
We all like Paneer, that one cheese that does not melt in the heat. Sounds superhero-y. We just gave it some props and dressed it with garlic chilli sauce and spices. The warmth of Paneer and the zing of the sauce hit the right spot, however, we recommend having slight tolerance to heat.
$18.00
The Vajra Biryanis
Mushroom Dum Biryani
Organically grown mushrooms are delicately cooked in the droolworthy combination of spices and long grain basmati rice, this biryani is a just example of Biryani done right. And vegetarians and non-vegetarians will love this one just as much
$23.00
Jackfruit Dum Biryani
A humble morsel of jackfruit has been a perfect replacement for meat for a very long time in India and Nepal. At Vajra, we bring this delicious and savory jackfruit biryani that is delicately melded with saffron rice and cooked with fresh herbs and spices.
$22.00
Chicken Berry Pulau A La Brittania
Chef Thapa’s homage to the uber-popular Iranian cafes in Mumbai, specially Brittania & Company located steps away from the gateway of India – this amazing chicken pulau dish is a perfect amalgamation of spices, cranberries, fresh herbs, and basmati rice.
$24.00
Vegetable Dum Biryani
Assorted vegetables, basmati rice, Mdh bombay biryani spice mix. Includes 4 oz cucumber raita
$17.00
Chicken Dum Biryani
Boneless chicken, basmati rice, mdh bombay biryani spice mix. Includes 4 oz cucumber raita
$21.00
Goat Dum Biryani
Boneless goat, basmati rice, mdh bombay biryani spice mix. Includes 4 oz cucumber raita
$23.00
Lamb Dum Biryani
Boneless lamb, basmati rice, mdh bombay biryani spice mix. Includes 4 oz cucumber raita
$23.00
Shrimp Dum Biryani
Shrimp, basmati rice, mdh bombay biryani spice mix. Includes 4 oz cucumber raita
$23.00
The Tandoori Classics
Chicken Tikka
boneless chicken breast, yogurt-spice blend, makhani sauce
$23.00
Tandoori Beera Chicken
Whole bone-in chicken, mustard oil bath, yogurt-spice blend, makhani sauce. Now available in half and full
$20.00
Tandoori Vegetables
Vegetables medley. Indian spiced marinade. Roasted in tandoor.
$22.00
Tandoori Paneer Tikka
Paneer Cheese. Indian spiced marinade. roasted in tandoor.
$23.00
The Accompaniments
Butter Naan
Leavened flat bread cooked in tandoor
$4.00
Garlic Naan
Garlic topped naan cooked in tandoor
$5.00
Tandoori Roti
Whole wheat flatbread cooked in tandoor.

*Vegan

$4.00
Onion Kulcha
Naan stuffed with diced and spiced onions
$6.00
Mirchi Masala Naan
Spicy green chili stuffed naan
$6.00
Gruyere Cheese Naan
Gruyere cheese stuffed naan
$10.00
Basmati Rice Royale
Long grain basmati rice, cloves, cardamom
$4.00
Saffron Cashew Rice
Basmati rice, cardamom, saffron water, mixed nuts, butter
$9.00
Cucumber Raaita
Yogurt, roasted cumin, mint, cucumber & carrot shreds
$4.00
Tamarind Chutney $2.00
Cilantro Mint Chutney $2.00
Plain Yoghurt $4.00
Raw Onions
Jalapeno, red onion, lemon
$2.00
Pancharanga Achar $3.00
The Desserts
Gaajar Ka Halva
Grated carrots, whole milk reduction, cashew, pistachio, butter
$6.00
Black Forest Gateau
Chocolate cake, fresh red cherries, whipped cream, dark chocolate shavings
$8.00
Mango Mousse Cheesecake
Graham crackers, alphonso mango pulp, fresh mango, cream cheese
$8.00
Paan Coconut Laddoo
Betel leaves, grated coconut, rose jam
$6.00
The Beverages
Mango Lassi
16 oz. Mango pulp, yogurt
$6.00

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Menu Photos

Photo Gallery

Reviews

Abdul Bhatti
Nothing special – your standard “American” Indian food. They clearly cut costs by using the same spice base for all the dishes – dishes mostly taste the same as a result.

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MAHESH MALALAGE
Ordered the chicken Chettinad with saffron cashew rice plus a plain nan. Authentic taste and spice levels just right. Huge portion and the chicken dish came with plain rice anyway.

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Rammy
Last time they missed adding 3 out of 4 naan’s in my package and this time I had to wait about 30 mins after my scheduled pickup time at the store for them to give me my order. They kept telling everyone waling in that it’s taking time for the breads but I didn’t even have any bread in my order. Ridiculous behavior. There were at-least 10 people waiting for food past delivery times that were given to them and some doordash and other app delivery workers even mentioned that food here is never ready on time. The host had audacity to say to other patrons that you can go make the food yourself then we only have 3 people working. This is absolutely ridiculous.

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Anway De
I ordered takeout from this place and the food was actually amazing! I’ve tried quite a few Indian restaurants in Chicago, and I think this was definitely towards the top. We got Chicken Chettinad, Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan and Goat Biryani. It’s rare to find good goat biryani, but this one made me happy, the flavors and the spices were in the right amount. The butter chicken had a good creamy texture and the chettinad tasted pretty good too! Will definitely try more things from here.

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David Pakman
Truly top notch Indian food. The chicken biryani was the best I’ve had. Samosa are really good, slightly different than what you often get. Hard to go wrong.

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Sara Block
This is my favorite Indian food in Chicago. It was recommended to me by a friend and I recommend it to my friends and family. My husband and I (2 people) regularly order the family dinner for 4 and just eat leftovers for days…that is how much I love this food. My neighbor who lived in India for a while likes this food. My dad who lives in the West Loop drives up to Wicker Park for Vajra. I’ve only met one person who prefers another restaurant (Cumin on Milwaukee) to Vajra.

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Aishwarya Patankar
So maybe this place was hyped up a bit too much and that’s probably why I didn’t think it was as amazing as everyone else did. The food was just good. That’s it. It’s maybe my fifth favorite Indian restaurant within the city and it won’t even stand up next to the ones in the suburbs. That being said some of the dishes were pretty well done, like the Chaat, the goat Momo’s, the Paneer Tandoori, the Gruyere Cheese Naan, and the Shahi Korma. I think the Pistachio Paan Kulfi wasn’t even good though. That is not what actual Kulfi tastes like and adding paan to if did not make it better. And my friend said she’s had better Kulfi from Costco. The ambiance was nice, the service was excellent, and the drinks were okay. I would probably give this place a 3.5, but I’m rounding up.

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shakti lenka
One of my favorite Indian restaurant. The food has an authentic Indian taste and not spicy but flavors are great. The ambience is good. The cocktails list is small but good drinks. The food here have authentic flavors to it.

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Selcen Yuksel
Went here with a friend who is kind of snobby about Indian food and we were both BLOWN AWAY. Every single thing we ordered was so incredibly unique and flavorful and so well priced.

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Jenna Cooley
My friends and I went here for brunch this past Sunday. One of my friends is Nepali so we wanted to see if we were getting an authentic experience. While not on the menu, we special requested MoMo since I had never tried them. The kitchen put them in for us and in about 15 they were out. So delicious and my Nepali friend said the sauce was spot on. We also shared the goat skewers, chicken dum biryani, and some garlic naan with tea. While the bulk of the menu focused moreso on Indian cuisine at least for brunch, the service and ambiance was great

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