Chef Jacob Dela Cruz is a chef and owner known for his work in the Chicago culinary scene. He is the chef/owner of A Bar Called Bobo, Muhajir Chicago, and Sarima Cafe, and is also associated with Lilac Tiger and The...
Insights
Highlights
Insights are still being generated for this restaurant. In the meantime, check the latest reviews below.
Words fall short to describe this meal but here goes an attempt. This was, without exaggeration, the best meal of my life thus far. My husband and I have had Chef Zubair’s cooking for years and it’s always been phenomenal but this was…special. We asked chef to bring us whatever he recommended and he started with the most interesting first bite - an incredible hamachi crudo with a fast follow of the thaali with interesting spreads inspired by a multitude of regions and the freshest heirloom tomato and peach salad. We then had the prawns and branzino followed by the most perfect beef cheek nihari. As South Asians, we’re quick to judge household staples like nihari and this one did. Not. Disappoint. Chef absolutely nailed the classic flavors while dialing up the volume with the tenderness from the beef cheek. The black garlic naan was also absolutely insane. Our final savory course (yes we came hungry and yes we were stuffed by this point and yes we still wanted more) was the duck experience and good God what an experience it was. The skin was so crispy and delicious and the flavors so warm that it was the best bear hug you’ll ever get during a meal (or otherwise). Despite having a sweet tooth I never usually order dessert after such a heavy meal but I had to see what chef had on the menu and we finished our meal with an unbelievable palette cleanser consisting of white chocolate, strawberry, and pistachio. I’m not one to gush about anything really and find people that say “this moved me to tears” quite contrived but…tears were had. This entire meal was something special and honestly I feel privileged to have been able to experience it. Enjoy the pics! #NotAI #IMissItAlready #YayLeftovers
Muhajir was absolutely amazing! The food was delicious, and our server, Steve, was wonderful—friendly, attentive, and made the experience even better. They also have excellent vegetarian options. We will definitely be coming back. Highly recommended!
4
Had a good experience at Muhajir! The service was great, we had both a server and the manager checking in on us. The place was nice and had a cozy feel to it. It was a little warm though, not sure the air conditioning was working properly. The food was good - we tried the thali, batata, beef cheek (very tender), fish (very flavorful with a crispy skin), and the bone-in ribeye (seasoned and cooked well). Muhajir is definitely worth a try!
5
Wow! Wow! Wow!!!!!!! The chef, beverage director, and the rest of their team of dreamers made a beautiful thoughtful space. Filled with some of the best food I’ve had in a long time. It felt like sitting in someone’s home, eating food that someone’s grandmother had made with love. We tried the dip combo (thaali), salabat salad, grilled fish on the half shell, escargot (nathai varuval), & beef cheek nihari. Every single dish has the perfect play of texture, acid, depth of flavor. Can’t wait to come back and try the rest of the menu! Ps. Silk Road cocktail was the perfectly paired cocktail to the heartier fare!
Also got a sneak peek of their pop up bar, Bobo’s. Great concept, style & cocktails!
5
Unbelievable meal that exceeded my expectations! This is my second time dining here and I continue to be impressed by the imaginative menu, the well-balanced and creative cocktails, and the vibrant flavors with a beautiful smokiness throughout. I couldn’t decide between the mussels and the clams as starters, so I ordered both and I am so glad that I did! The fish on the “half shell” was tender, delightfully smoked and with a crispy skin. The Biryani was another standout with generous portions imbued with warm spices, fresh raita and tender goat. The warm hospitality and lively atmosphere added to the experience! Another win for Chefs Zubair and Jacob!
