PappaRoti Naperville — Restaurant in Naperville

I rarely write reviews, but my experience at Pappa Roti Naperville has compelled me to share my thoughts. Pappa Roti is one of my favorite international brands, and I was thrilled to see it come to Chicago and the suburbs. Sadly, the Chicago location closed, and Naperville also faced its challenges before being taken over by a Pakistani family—Sajjad and his son.

Initially, I found this Naperville location to be hit or miss. With my background in the restaurant and fast-food industry, it pains me to say this: unless you’re here for the original bun and karak chai, I wouldn’t recommend anything else.

The original bun, while not always the perfect shape or form, is consistently delicious, and I’ve been visiting off and on for about 1.5 years under the new ownership. The chai is another story—it’s a gamble. When it’s good, it’s fantastic, but when it’s not, it’s a real letdown. As an international brand, consistency is crucial, especially in today’s competitive landscape with chai spots opening on every corner. Unfortunately, the rest of the menu doesn’t deliver, and the off-menu items are not worth trying.

Service is another major issue. When Sajjad (“uncle”) is present, things run slightly better, but he can be forgetful and difficult to reason with. Without him, when only his son is managing, the experience deteriorates significantly. The son lacks any sense of urgency and seems entirely disinterested in the business, to the point where customers could walk out without him noticing. This lack of management and passion is deeply concerning and will only drive the business further into the ground.

Cleanliness is also a glaring problem. I’ve witnessed raw hand contact with cookies, gloves being used to handle both money and food, and an overall disregard for basic hygiene practices. These issues are unacceptable in any food establishment and need to be addressed immediately.

I genuinely want to support this family and see them succeed, but their unwillingness to improve their operations and adapt is deeply concerning. Without proper training, better management, and a commitment to cleanliness and consistency, their chances of long-term success seem slim.

My hope is that they invest in training, streamline their operations, and take pride in delivering the quality that Pappa Roti’s international reputation demands. There’s so much potential here, but until those changes happen, I can only recommend sticking to the original bun and karak chai—if you’re lucky enough to visit...

We had one of the most disappointing experiences here, and I want to share it clearly so others don’t go through the same. A few days ago, we tried Pappa Roti bread at a friend’s house and instantly loved it. When we visited Chicago recently, we were so excited to finally try it at the restaurant itself. Monday was supposed to be our last day in the city, and after eating here, we planned to leave St.Louis. But on Google.it showed closed on Monday. To be sure, we even went to the restaurant on Monday in person, and yes—it was indeed closed. Because we really loved the bread and didn’t want to miss the chance, we actually decided to extend our trip by one more day, booked a nearby hotel, and planned to come back on Tuesday. Google showed the restaurant would be open on Tuesday, so we thought it would work out. But on Tuesday, when we came again, it once more showed closed on Google. We didn’t want to rely only on the app, so we again went to the restaurant in person—and found it closed yet again. Later, the Google timings even changed to show Monday as open and Tuesday closed, but in reality, both Monday and Tuesday were closed. This was extremely upsetting and caused us unnecessary expense and stress—extra hotel stay, wasted time, and big disappointment. We understand restaurants may have their own schedules, but it is your responsibility to update and maintain correct timings online. Customers plan their visits based on that information, and in our case, it caused a huge inconvenience and disappointment. You might think, “Who would book a hotel just for food?” But we genuinely loved your bread so much, and since this was likely our last trip of the year (with winter coming), we didn’t want to miss the chance. That’s how much we cared about experiencing your food again. We genuinely love what you serve, but this experience left us very unhappy. Please make sure your hours are updated correctly so that other customers don’t face the...

Indulge yourself in a sensory symphony at the newly revitalized PappaRoti location! Under new management, this beloved establishment has undergone a miraculous transformation that will leave you utterly enchanted.

Step into a realm of hospitality where the owner's warm demeanor envelops you like a comforting embrace. The atmosphere exudes an aura of pristine cleanliness, inviting you to immerse yourself in pure bliss.

Prepare to be tantalized by the aromatic delights that await you. With state-of-the-art brewing machines at their disposal, PappaRoti now offers an expanded menu that transcends mere buns. While their signature buns remain a delight, the addition of delectable culinary creations will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds.

But ah, the pièce de résistance— the chai. Prepare to have your senses awakened by a brew that lives up to its name. This karak chai is a revelation, meticulously crafted to perfection. Bid farewell to the overly sweet concoctions of yore; PappaRoti's chai is a testament to authenticity, brewed with a harmonious blend of tea and milk, devoid of any condensed milk imposters.

Whether you seek solace after a grueling day or simply yearn for a sanctuary to unwind, PappaRoti beckons you with open arms. It's more than just a café; it's a haven of tranquility, a sanctuary for the weary soul.

Rejoice, for PappaRoti has been reborn, renewed, and refreshed. Embrace the magic that awaits you at this culinary oasis, and let your senses be transported to a realm of...