For those of those who’ve lived in LA, [Zankou needs](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zankou_Chicken) no introduction. I think about that garlic sauce at least once a week.
For those who don’t know, it’s a chain Armenian-owned LA-based fast casual chicken place with this incredible garlic sauce I’ve yet to have anywhere else. They’re known for their chicken and meat plates. Also great shawarma.
Does anyone know where I can find a similar restaurant (at least somewhere that serves similar garlic sauce) in Chicago?
by SleazyAndEasy
5 Comments
Not Armenian, but have you tried Naf Naf? Chain fast casual with hummus, shawarma, pickled veg, and a great garlic sauce.
As an Armenian from LA, I’m following this thread with great interest but not a lot of hope.
I”ve found that the toum (garlic sauce) in a lot of Chicago restaurants tends to be creamier, less heavy, and less lemony than Zankou’s tangy abrasive goodness. In that regard Zankou stands on its own, even in LA.
It also may have something to do with differences in ethnic background. A lot of the “Middle Eastern” restaurants here in Chicago are Lebanese, Turkish, Syrian, etc. but as far as I know there’s only one explicitly Armenian restaurant within city limits, Sayat Nova. I’ve been meaning to try Siunik out in the north suburbs, but it seems like their focus isn’t really on rotisserie chicken in the same way that Zankou’s is.
It’s an entirely different concept, but I’ve found that Chicken Planet satisfies my rotisserie chicken cravings. Obviously no garlic sauce tho
TLDR I’ve yet to find a place that combines Zankou’s focus on rotisserie chicken, their delicious garlic sauce, and their other authentic Armenian cuisines. Would love to hear suggestions though!
Edit: To be a bit more helpful, Middle East Bakery in andersonville has a pretty good garlic sauce in their grocery area. Not really matching Zankou by any means but still the closest I’ve found here
I’ve really liked the toum at Middle East bakery on Foster, but can’t speak to it’s Zankou-ness
Lord the garlic sauce! It calls to me!
You won’t find zankou in Chicago. Nothing near that good. I do go to pita inn on Dempster, but not the same.