Wazwan Restaurant, once located at 1742 W Division St in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, was renowned for its innovative South Asian-inspired street food. Founded by Chef Zubair Mohajir, Wazwan began as an underground pop-up in 2017, evolving into a celebrated establishment that offered a unique blend of traditional and contemporary South Asian flavors . The Wazwan Restaurant cuisine masterfully combined elements from various South Asian culinary traditions, presenting dishes that were both authentic and inventive. Chef Mohajir’s menu featured items such as Nihari Momos—dumplings filled with slow-cooked beef stew, and Wazwings—spicy chicken wings with a South Asian twist. The restaurant was also known for its THC Sando, a fried chicken sandwich infused with traditional spices, and Vada Pav, a popular Indian street food consisting of a spiced potato fritter in a bread roll .In the summer of 2023, Wazwan transitioned into Lilac Tiger, a collaborative venture between Chef Zubair Mohajir and Chef Ty Fujimura of Arami. Lilac Tiger offers a bar-focused experience with a menu featuring momos and an extensive Scotch selection. Behind Lilac Tiger, The Coach House by Wazwan continues to provide an intimate, multi-course tasting menu that delves deeper into South and Southeast Asian culinary traditions. This evolution reflects Chef Mohajir’s commitment to exploring and sharing the rich tapestry of South Asian cuisine in innovative ways .For those interested in experiencing the next chapter of Wazwan’s culinary journey, visiting Lilac Tiger and The Coach House offers an opportunity to savor the continued evolution of South Asian-inspired dining in Chicago.
