New Zaiqa
Pallavi Bhoite · 115 Google reviewsNew Zaiqa — an indian spot in Old Town. Classic neighborhood feel, nothing here chasing trends. The kind of cooking that doesn't need to explain itself. Saniya Khan: "Easily one of the best Chicken 65 I’ve had in the USA—crispy, flavorful and perfectly spiced" [$$]
What 350 diners keep saying
What 350 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“A good place to have food .🍱 flavorful and tasty. They do have musalla. We can pray salaah in basement.”
“New Zaiqa isn’t about the dining experience—it’s more of a takeout spot. But if you’re craving that old Hyderabad city vibe, you can definitely sit down and enjoy your meal there. Must-Try Dishes: ⭐ Chicken 65 – This is a rare treat, usually available on Saturdays (Call ahead). Easily one of the best Chicken 65 I’ve had in the USA—crispy, flavorful and perfectly spiced. ⭐ Ginger Chicken – A solid favorite with just the right balance of spice and heat. ⭐ Aachari Chicken – If you love bold, tangy flavors, this one won’t disappoint. ⭐ Biryani (Lamb/Goat & Chicken) – Their biryanis are packed with rich flavors and paired with their Mirchi ka Salan takes it to another level. ⭐ Tea – A simple but satisfying way to end the meal. If you’re not a fan of the dine-in setup, just order takeout and enjoy an authentic Hyderabadi feast at home. Definitely worth trying!”
“Nasty Very bad experience. The food was terrible, the service was slow and unprofessional, and the restaurant was not clean. I definitely would not recommend this place. If i had a choice i wont even put one star मेरा अनुभव बहुत खराब रहा। खाना बिल्कुल अच्छा नहीं था, सेवा बहुत धीमी और गैर-पेशेवर थी, और रेस्तरां साफ़ भी नहीं था। मैं इस जगह की बिल्कुल सिफारिश नहीं करूंगा।”
“Fantastic spot! The owner is very nice, he helped me pick out some cologne they have for sale”
“We were staying in Downtown Chicago, and were craving some good halwa puri, nihari and some good Pakistani chai. This restaurant had it all. I honestly was hesitant to come here because we saw there was a couple of 1 star ratings but I am so glad I opened google and read the one star. People are so ignoring that they gave this business a 1 star because they didn’t want to pay for their yogurt. I would give this restaurant 6 star overall. The halwa puri was amazing, and the nihari tasted great! So glad we checked it out! Definitely a gem in the Chicago downtown!”
“We chose this place for a small wedding function last Sunday (around 30–35 guests), and they handled the event far better than expected. What stood out most was how well everything was coordinated. The setup, timing, and overall flow were managed without confusion, which made things easy on us as hosts. Food quality was solid across the board, and guests had no complaints - which says a lot. Service was consistent and respectful, not the kind where you have to keep calling staff for basics. Also worth mentioning -the pricing is fair for the level of service and quality they provide, especially for a private gathering. Good option if you want a straightforward, well-managed event without overspending”
“Hosted a small wedding gathering here last Sunday (30-35 guests), and the overall execution was impressive. The food stood out-well-prepared, consistent, and served on time, which is critical for events like this. The banquet arrangements were organized and efficient, with good attention to detail. Service was professional and responsive without being overbearing. What also makes this place stand out is the pricing it offers strong value for money without compromising on quality, which is rare for event venues. Credit to Wasi bhai and bhabi for overseeing everything smoothly. Their involvement made a noticeable difference in how well the event came together. A solid choice for anyone looking to host a well-managed, intimate function.”
“I recently visited New Zaiqa in Chicago with friends during a wedding get-together, and honestly, the food did not disappoint. The mutton biryani was the highlight—rich, flavorful, and very close to authentic Hyderabadi taste. You can really tell they know how to get the spices right without overdoing it. The kebabs and other dishes were also fresh and well-prepared, and the portions were generous, which made it perfect for a group. Service was decent and staff were friendly, even though it got a bit busy. Overall, if you’re looking for genuine Hyderabadi food in Chicago, this spot is definitely worth trying. Great food, good portions, and a solid choice for late-night cravings or group dinners.”
“It's a good place to grab something to eat quickly. Also the Musalla below the restaurant is very efficient and well maintained for Muslim brothers to pray.”
“Large, generous dishes. Really flavorful food. We tried lagan chicken, achari chicken, and potato samosas. All exceeded expectations and were really good! I will note they had limited menu items, and some things on the menu we wanted to try were not available.”
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