Karak Café — Restaurant in Lisle

9/28/25 update:

I wanted to revisit this place since I had a very positive initial experience. This time I got the karak cheesesteak and grilled tandoori chicken sandwich. I also got a mango refresher.

-karak cheesesteak 5 - it is so difficult trying to find a good place that makes cheesesteaks. The one by me skimps on the meat. However, here as in the picture, you can see they were very generous with the meat. The meat was very tender and flavorful. I like that they put their own spin on the sandwich with their spices. Not spicy. -grilled tandoori chicken sandwich 5 - I gobbled this up within minutes. The chicken was very succulent. The spices and the sauce made it very tasty. -mango refresher 5 - very refreshing drink. Good size cup.

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I would say this is like an Indian cafe. It’s different from the other Muslim and Yemeni cafes I’ve been to. This is kind of a short introduction to Indian cuisine if you’ve never experienced it before. When we walked in, there was a white couple that talked to the owner like they never had Indian food before. They do have coffee, teas, refreshers, as well as sandwiches that Americans are used to. However, they have more Indian food/drinks like the lassi’s, roti rolls, chaats, etc.

We ordered bun kabab, beef kofte roll, samosa chaat, bun pistachio & Nutella, mango lassi, and rabdi falooda. Prices were fair. Good size portions. 7-8 tables. It’s still kind of unknown so it doesn’t get super busy. Shared parking lot. The owners were very friendly and helpful. Overall 4.5.

-bun kabab 5 - patty was cooked medium rare. The red and green chutneys give your taste buds that extra kick. I would say it’s mildly spicy. Highly recommended. Also French fries are very crispy, not soggy or tasteless. -beef kofte roll 4 - this is like a beef wrap. It’s good but I think more sauce can bring out the flavors more. -samosa chaat 5 -bun pistachio & Nutella 5 - the bun is soft and there is more bread to even out the sweetness of the pistachio and Nutella combo. -mango lassi 5 - just get this drink. You won’t regret it. It’s very smooth and creamy. -rabdi falooda 5 - traditional Indian dessert. It has jellies, falooda noodles, rose syrup, sabja seeds, rabdi, ice cream, whipped cream, rose petals, etc. It’s neither sweet nor salty. It has a...

If you’re Muslim or familiar with South Asian/Muslim culture, you’ll likely feel right at home here. It’s got a warm, homely vibe with simple decor, but some elegant touches here and there that make it feel thoughtfully put together.

The space is pretty minimal, just seven square tables with four seats each so I imagine they do a lot of takeout.

But honestly, it’s a lovely spot to sit down and have a chai. We tried the karak chai and saffron chai both were solid, with the saffron chai being a nice, aromatic twist.

Food-wise, we went for the bun kebab and papdi chaat. The bun kebab was packed with flavor - juicy, spiced just right, and totally satisfying. Papdi chaat was also really well done - fresh and balanced.

One slightly unusual thing: they have a men’s bathroom and a family restroom, but no dedicated women’s bathroom. It might be a cultural decision, which I kind of get, but it might come off as odd to some visitors.

The background music was chill - sounded like slow, instrumental tunes from the Pakistan region, which added to the relaxed atmosphere. The staff were incredibly attentive and kind, very traditional in a good way.

It’s easy to see why they’ve racked up so many five-star reviews. They’ve clearly put a lot of heart into the place, and it shows.

Definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re craving a solid chai and a cozy, culturally...

The food is good. The lady working at the counter is extremely CHEAP! I BELIEVE SHE IS THE OWNERS OR THE OWNERS WIFE. The service is terrible! The lady at the front counter is so rude. Gives you so much attitude when you ask her for a cup to share things with your friends. I’m not going to drink Lassi in the same cup as my friend. And the small cups for water are too small to drink Lassi in! We are friends but we are not spouses so obviously we will not be drinking from the same cup. Also, she does not want to give to go boxes, do you expect me to take my left overs in those paper plates? Also, the cafe has a lot of flies and is not aesthetic at all. Such a rude lady, they should replace her if they want customers to come there. Never putting foot inside this place! She embarrassed me in front of my friends. Will never be going back to this cafe. Definitely do not recommend this place based off the service that...