Chicago is one of America's most populous towns, enjoying a rich history full of highlights for everything from regional pizzas to jazz music. The imposing buildings and cozy, sprawling suburbs make it a classic urban American landscape, a place where the quintessential dream comes true for many, and there's always a place to go when it eludes you. It's no wonder, then, that Chicago supports a thriving Desi community; as with many modern and large American cities, Chicago is host to scores of citizens from India, Pakistan, and other areas of South Asia, and many generations of their families. From glorious places of worship to tantalizing restaurants, the physical imprints of the Desi community make a strong impression on the city itself. One of the best and most enjoyable ways to experience Chicago's Indian culture is to take a tour of its specialty stores. If you're not familiar with the city or you're not sure where to start, this sample of specialty shops can help point you in the right direction for a fun and fashionably Chicago Indian community excursion.


If you're planning on spending the day shopping and taking in Chicago's Indian sights, you'll need to fill up with a bit of warmth and energy, and there's no better place for that than Sukhadia's Sweets. Conveniently located on West Devon Avenue, Sukhadia's is the Desi community's tasty answer to the classic donut shop, offering delectable treats for a jumpstart breakfast, a quick snack, or a serious desert for family and friends. With traditional ingredients and culinary mastery, the chefs produce little treasures of flavor and satisfying texture, recalling the nourishing sweets of India. Favorite offerings include burfee, poori, halva, matka, and penda, with a wide variety of fruits and nuts in various combinations. Wholesale and catering options are available, as are a small selection of sugar free treats. A great stop for any time to refresh and reveal a bit of India's treasures.


Just down the street, Patel Bros grocery is a great choice for your next stop. With lots of fresh, dried, and frozen items lining clean and well-stocked shelves, the store is a virtual mecca for specialty Indian grocery items. With classic favorites and staples like coconut milk and regional masala mixes, to exciting new finds such as blended ice creams and savory sauces, Patel Bros' inventory is sure to offer something you'll be glad to add to your kitchen or pantry. The store also carries a great selection of kitchen utensils, health and beauty products, devotional items, and quality, beautiful pieces like statuary and tapestries for your home. A bevy of vegetarian and non-vegetarian along with masala recipes is posted online for inspiration, and a glossary of terms and names can help connect you with the right products for the dishes you've been dreaming of creating. With such a great range of items on offer, Patel Bros is an excellent one-stop shop for everything your kitchen needs.


Head out and take advantage of Chicago's Indian specialty stores, whether for a quick bite, a bit of window shopping, or a full-out haul for your home. Bring a bit of India to your house, even when it's covered with the city's signature snow!