Rickshaw Pakistani & Indian Street Eats: A Restaurant with a Mission
Bringing Street Eats to Old Irving Park
Faraz Sardharia, owner of Rickshaw Pakistani & Indian Street Eats, has a dream to feed people, even those who can’t afford it. The restaurant, located at 4304 N. Pulaski Road, aims to be a mission-driven place where unhoused patrons can get a filling meal and a hot shower.
Sardharia, who also owns Tandoor Char House, wants to work with Chi-Care, a nonprofit that provides food and other necessities to unhoused people, to feed those in need. He also plans to partner with ShowerUp Chicago, a group that provides mobile showers, to bring hygiene services to the restaurant a few times a year.
“Sno one person, no one organization, no one restaurant can ever solve hunger and the issues surrounding it; it takes a large collaborative approach,” Sardharia said. “I just want to be able to be helpful to the cause.”
The Inspiration Behind Rickshaw
Sardharia grew up around the restaurant business, with his father owning Lal Qila on Devon Avenue and him taking over Edwardo’s Natural Pizza in Lincoln Park at just 18. He conceptualized Rickshaw as a more casual restaurant, focused on street foods. The name “Rickshaw” pays homage to the many rickshaws seen in both Pakistan and India and to Sardharia’s father’s long career as a Chicago cab driver.
A Menu with a Purpose
The restaurant’s menu takes inspiration from Sardharia’s Indian father and Pakistani mother, with marinated and charred meats and rich curries. The prices are kept affordable, and the portions are large. An entree order of chicken karahi, for example, is a generous portion of marinated chicken cooked in a clay oven, served with basmati rice and naan bread.
A Shower of Support
Sardharia plans to work with ShowerUp Chicago to bring mobile showers to the restaurant a few times a year. This initiative aims to provide a vital service to those who often go without access to basic hygiene facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the inspiration behind Rickshaw Pakistani & Indian Street Eats?
A: The restaurant was conceptualized to feed people, even those who can’t afford it, and to provide a welcoming space for the community.
Q: What kind of food can I expect to find at Rickshaw?
A: The menu features a variety of Indian and Pakistani dishes, including marinated and charred meats, rich curries, and other street foods.
Q: Are the prices affordable?
A: Yes, the prices are kept low to make the restaurant accessible to everyone.
Q: How does the restaurant support the local community?
A: Rickshaw partners with local organizations, such as Chi-Care and ShowerUp Chicago, to provide vital services to those in need.
Q: Can I book a private event at Rickshaw?
A: Yes, the restaurant can be reserved for private events and is available for large groups and parties.
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