Thalaiva's Indian Kitchen

“Authentic and delicious South Indian food.”

Authentic and delicious South Indian food. Probably the only place in the entire Midwest that serves such yummy Tamil dishes. The chicken lollipop, gobi 65, thali meals, parotta combos, and their dosas are so good that they literally transport you to South India!

Cocoa Girl

Jan 2026

“I have been coming to Thalaiva’s for several years now.”

I have been coming to Thalaiva’s for several years now. And with every year their service, flavors and quality improves. Being a south Indian, it is usually difficult to find authentic south Indian food in the Chicago neighborhood. But Thalaiva’s is the closest to Madrasi/Kongunadu food. Oh! And their filter coffee is to die for!! Highly recommend! ❤️

Sonika B

Jan 2026

“Recieved excellent customer service by Mr Vinod.”

Recieved excellent customer service by Mr Vinod! And the Perfectly steamed idlis and crisp dosas made the meal truly enjoyable. The thali was flavorful and wholesome, offering a great variety of traditional South Indian curries.The place also has an amazing ambiance with southern music to enjoy while you eat the food! I do very much recommend going here.

Maliha Fatima

Dec 2025

“Great location, amazing ambience and the food was beyond anything.”

Great location, amazing ambience and the food was beyond anything. We ordered their Veg Thali and it reminded me of our time back in India. They even served us fresh ghee to go with our rice. Every curry was tasty and the sweet was top notch. We will stop by here for sure when we visit Chicago again.

Nikhil Kulkarni

Dec 2025

“I grew up in India but never had authentic Kongunadu cuisine before.”

I grew up in India but never had authentic Kongunadu cuisine before. What a treat! That ginger coffee before the meal, the gobi Manchurian, giant dosa, paniyaram and the mushroom curry. Loved the filter coffee and badam halwa and oh that sizzling fish! Decor is so authentic and service with a smile. @chicagopescetarian

Pooja Naik

Nov 2025

“Ordered egg kothu parota and it is simply superb.”

Ordered egg kothu parota and it is simply superb. Touched old memories of Tamilnadu. Thanks for the amazing food

Vommina Kalyani

Oct 2025

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I went to Thalaiva Indian Kitchen and had such a great experience.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I went to Thalaiva Indian Kitchen and had such a great experience! The food was authentic, flavorful, and truly captured the taste of South Indian cuisine. The staff was professional and welcoming, and the location is perfect. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for genuine South Indian food!

Vidhi Gandhi

Oct 2025

“This place is absolutely outstanding.”

This place is absolutely outstanding! The food here is exceptional, especially the Thalapakattu Goat Biryani – it’s flavorful, perfectly cooked, and a must-try for anyone who loves authentic biryani. The Non-Veg Thali is another highlight, packed with variety and rich taste in every dish. Not only is the food amazing, but the ambience and hygiene are also top-notch, making the whole dining experience extraordinary. Everything from the service to the atmosphere is well thought out, creating a perfect balance of comfort and quality. Highly recommended – I’ll definitely be coming back!

Nandini Durga Kadavakollu

Sep 2025

“Everything in their menu is a must try.”

Everything in their menu is a must try. From Thali to veg kothu parotta, all items tasted super good. Definitely give Curry leaf margarita a try!! (Skip pomegranate raita though)

Swetha Varadharajan

Sep 2025

“They nailed the south indian dishes.”

They nailed the south indian dishes. Being a south Indian and bought up eating dosa and idlies I can attest to it. The non-veg thali also had amazing flavor to all the curries. Recommend to try this place over other places in little india as well. Me and my wife tried this place on a quiet Thursday afternoon. Items Tried: Non-veg Thali: 5/5 Idly Vada: 5/5 Masala Tea: 5/5

mohammed ayub

Sep 2025

“I have only good things to say about this restaurant - food, service and atmosphere.”

I have only good things to say about this restaurant - food, service and atmosphere. Revathi is amazing and helped pick the perfect options for my kids. My daughters shared a chicken fried rice, and my son ordered a aloo gobi masala. The kids loved it. I highly recommend the paneer tikka masala, and the gulab jamun with ice cream was so good we had to order a second one because the kids were fighting over it. Don’t forget to get the garlic naan. I’m glad it’s tea season, and will definitely get the masala tea again. As soon as we left, the kids were asking when we would be back.10/10

Brittney Hantak

Aug 2025

“I ordered Thalaiva’s special chicken Buriyani for dinner which was delicious.”

I ordered Thalaiva’s special chicken Buriyani for dinner which was delicious. They delivered the best as dine-in meal. I’m pretty sure that dine-in experience should be excellent, as we experienced almost similar to the dine-in meal even the food was delivered!! Highly recommend this place!!!

Yohi Sivakumaran

Jul 2025