Award-Winning Chef Sujan Sarkar Debuts Fourth Chicago Restaurant, Celebrating India’s Culinary Diversity
Chef Sujan Sarkar, the acclaimed Michelin-starred and James Beard nominated chef of Indienne, Sifr and Swadesi, will open his fourth Chicago restaurant, NADU, on April 3 in Lincoln Park (2518 N Lincoln Ave). Meaning “homeland,” NADU will transport guests on an authentic journey through India’s diverse regional cuisines, where traditional flavors and local ingredients are seamlessly infused with Chef Sarkar’s modern sensibility.
“We want Nadu to reflect the way we truly eat in my home country, India – simple, bold, and full of flavor,” says Chef Sarkar. “Our goal is to highlight the beauty of regional Indian cooking in an approachable way, with flavors people recognize and love.”
Led by Chef Sarkar and Head Chef Sanchit Sahu, NADU’s menu draws inspiration from India’s culinary landscape – from Kerala’s coastal vibrancy to the northern heartland’s rich spices. With an emphasis on local produce and sustainable practices, the menu will feature approximately 24 curated a la carte dishes that celebrate India’s depth and variety. Signature dishes include”
- Banarasi Tamatar Chaat (Uttar Pradesh) $12– Warm tomato chaat with namak para, cashew, and ghee, finished with a sugary syrup.
- Surti Paneer Ghotala (Gujarat) $16 – Layered Paneer Burji cooked in onion and fenugreek masala and Amul cheese; served with buttered Ladi Pao.
- Naga Smoked Chilly Pork Ribs (Nagaland) $18 – Baby back ribs glazed with smoked king chili and pineapple sauce, served with basil chutney.
- Crab Milagu Fry (Kerala) $85 – Whole Dungeness crab cooked with Telicherry peppercorn, garlic, shallot, tomato, and spice blend served with Ney Choru (Ghee rice).
- Baripada Mudhi Mansha (Odisha) $32 – Slow-cooked goat curry cooked with onion masala served with puffed rice and kachumber salad.
- Apricot Delight (Hyderabad) $13 – Vanilla sponge cake soaked in condensed milk and layered with lightly poached apricot and whipped cream, then topped with apricot jelly and almonds.
The beverage program at NADU is thoughtfully crafted to complement the menu, featuring cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks infused with traditional Indian ingredients like turmeric, saffron, chili, ginger, curry leaf, and palm jaggery. The cocktail list will highlight regional spirits such as Old Monk Rum, Cashew Feni, and select Indian gins and whiskeys, offering a taste of India’s rich heritage. The wine list, curated by Tia Polite (Wine Director at Indienne), will feature Indian wines alongside some of her personal favorites, creating a distinctive pairing experience that reflects India’s rich flavors.
NADU will offer a 90-seat dining space where modern elegance meets vibrant energy. The design reflects the bold, contemporary spirit of India, creating an atmosphere that’s dynamic and inviting. A focal point of the space is The Chicago Durbar—a captivating oil painting by Abhay Sehgal, a rising talent and proud alumnus of the Art Institute of Chicago. This striking piece bridges Chicago’s history with the mystique of Indian mythology, setting a powerful visual tone.
An exclusive upstairs dining room overlooks the main floor, offering a more intimate setting ideal for special events. This private space combines elegance with a sense of exclusivity, creating a memorable backdrop for unforgettable gatherings.
The restaurant will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. A four-course tasting menu and Sunday brunch are set to debut this summer, with reservations available on OpenTable.
