Cafe Bethak is a cozy, community-focused chai café in Lombard, IL, where every cup is made with traditional Pakistani flavors. Our space is designed to feel warm and familiar a place where you can unwind, meet friends, study, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a fresh cup of doodh patti or elaichi chai. We serve classic desi snacks, including samosas, parathas, rolls, and other homestyle favorites that bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick break or spending time with loved ones, Cafe Bethak offers an inviting atmosphere, friendly service, and a genuine taste of home for anyone who misses authentic chai culture. We proudly welcome guests from Lombard and nearby communities throughout the Chicago
ibrar hanif
If you are looking for an authentic Pakistani vibe, this is the place to be! Cafe Bethak offers incredible value for money without compromising on quality.
The snacks are the perfect accompaniment to their absolute standout—the awesome desi chai. It’s easily some of the best tea in the area. Great atmosphere, delicious food, and a truly authentic experience. Highly recommended!
… moreOlivia Ilie
Came to this cafe for brunch and was so impressed!! The menu was very diverse and had both sweet and savory options. We went with the club sandwich and cajun pasta, both of which were SO FLAVORFUL- juicy chicken and incredible sauces. Also tried the tiramisu french toast, which tased exactly like tiramisu but not overly loaded with sugar!! The pancakes were so fully and again, did not taste like pure sugar, but instead tasted homemade! THE MATCHA was AMAZING- ceremonial grade and a perfect blend of sweetness. My favorite drink was the rose Dalgona coffee, I’ve never had such a good rose latte before!!
There is so much room to sit inside and enjoy with friends and/or family, plus they have board games you can play- 10/10 vibes all around. The owner was so incredible and helpful, truly one of the nicest people I’ve met! We will definitely be back!
… moreNicholas P
I finally got a chance to come here. It’s been listed as Chicago’s first Pakistani-themed cafe. I like that they have long hours. There is a ton of parking available. I really like the look of the inside, it’s very aesthetic and will likely appeal to these young American Tik Tok/IG girls. However, as Chicago’s first Pakistani-themed cafe, I was hoping for a more authentic experience. I know their menu is half American and half Pakistani. I think 95% Pakistani would have been better. The pancakes, French toast, chicken cajun pasta, and chicken club sandwich, people can get that literally anywhere. The Pakistani food you can’t.
I ordered the paratha smash burger and honey cardamom matcha hot. The honey cardamom was great, not very sweet at all. The paratha was crispy and the smash burger was juicy. I really enjoyed the sauce on top of the burger. I would definitely come back here for that. Service was very friendly and helpful. I would give this place a 4. I would really love to see more Pakistani food on the menu as well as advertised on your social media. The Americanized food catering to Americans doesn’t do the Pakistani culture justice.
… moreAzhar
Cafe Bethak, located in Lombard, Illinois, has quickly become a standout destination for those seeking an authentic yet modern South Asian cafe experience. Originally starting as a viral pop-up in 2023, it has evolved into a permanent “community hub” that blends traditional Pakistani street food with a chic, vibrant atmosphere.
The Vibe & Ambiance
The cafe is widely praised for its visually stunning decor. The interior is a mix of rich colors, intricate traditional patterns, and cozy, modern seating. It is designed to feel like a bethak (a traditional South Asian sitting room or gathering space), making it an ideal spot for long conversations, late-night hangouts, or a casual date.
Menu Highlights
The menu focuses on elevated street food and “fusion” comfort dishes.
* Signature Chai: This is the heart of the cafe. They offer everything from the classic Doodh Patti (strong and milky) to adventurous blends like Junoon (a chai-coffee fusion) and Sona Chai (topped with saffron and 24k gold flakes).
* The Bun Kabab: A staple of Karachi street food, their version features a shami kabab (daal and beef) with green chutney and onions.
* Fusion Hits: The Paratha Smash Burger and Chicken Cajun Pasta are fan favorites for those looking for a modern twist on classic flavors.
* Small Bites: Their Samosa Chaat and Beef Haleem are frequently cited in reviews as must-try savory items.
Summary of Reviews
| Pros | Cons |
|—|—|
| Authenticity: Captures the true flavor of Pakistani “chai culture.” | Wait Times: Can get extremely crowded on weekend nights. |
| Late Hours: Open until 11 PM or Midnight, filling a gap for late-night halal spots. | Sweetness Levels: Some diners find certain sauces (like in the bun kabab) a bit too sweet. |
| Aesthetics: Highly “Instagrammable” and welcoming. | Price Point: Slightly higher than traditional “hole-in-the-wall” Desi spots. |
Practical Information
* Location: 471 E Roosevelt Rd, Lombard, IL 60148.
* Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons for a quiet vibe; weekend nights for a lively, bustling atmosphere.
* Special Features: They offer “High Tea” experiences and have a “Live Chai Cart” available for private events.
… moreMadiha Khan
We had lunch at Cafe Bethak on Saturday and tried the Smash Paratha on a suggestion from the front desk employee. It did not disappoint! The patty was incredibly juicy and tender, while the parathas were perfectly soft yet crunchy—not chewy at all. It was such a hit that we’re already planning to go back for it. My husband even regretted not getting an extra order to take home for dinner, lol!
We also had the Chana Chaat, which was very good and came in a huge portion. I’m looking forward to trying their pasta soon!
Also the vibes and the music playing were 10/10
… moreRobin Thomas
From the decor to the service to the food, my sister and I had an incredible time at the colorful and stunning Cafe Bethak! We decided relatively last minute to do the South Asian high tea experience. I informed the team there that I have a nut allergy and my sister has a soy intolerance. Nimra and her team immediately called me to ask about the allergies and go through every snack and dessert’s ingredients to make sure we were able to enjoy the experience fully. When I’d say I couldn’t eat something but my sister can, Nimra said she’d make something else! She ensured us that every piece of food would be enjoyable by both of us, taking her time and being so careful!! All the food was freshly made and so cutely presented! My sister and I thought it’d be a few snacks and that we’d have to get dinner after, but it was SO filling with great flavors and a wide variety. We ended up even taking some of it home in boxes because of the amount of food. They also have a small bazaar which I bought some hand painted coasters from!Cafe Bethak will definitely be seeing me again!!
… moreHannah Ilie
I really enjoyed my experience Sunday afternoon at Cafe Bethak! I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for great, real drinks and food. We ordered their fun flavored Matchas (biscoff and salted caramel) and got a few of their brunch items (strawberry banana pancakes, tiramisu French toast, and Cajun chicken pasta). I was very pleased with how good everything was!! The quality of their ingredients and the fact that everything (from the cold foam and whipped creams to the pancake batter and syrups) is made in house really shows! Our food and drinks were delicious without being overly sweet, so we could actually taste the flavors. Definitely worth coming back!
… moreShiraz Khan
I had an amazing experience at Cafe Bethak. From the moment we walked in it felt were warm and welcoming. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting perfect for a relaxing dinner.
I ordered the Paratha Crispy Burger, and it was absolutely delicious, perfectly seasoned and beautifully presented. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable for the quality.
What really stood out was the attention to detail and how attentive the service was without being overbearing. You can tell the team genuinely cares about their guests.
Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for great food, excellent service, and a wonderful dining experience. I’ll definitely be coming back!
… moreRabia Faridi
A week ago I went to Cafe Bethak with friends and we ended up trying so much from the menu. The bun kababs were delicious, pani puri and dahi puri were bursting with flavor, and the club and salad sandwiches totally stole the show. Chai was just perfect, but the highlight of the night was definitely the sohan halwa(it was gone before i could take the pictures). From the vibe to the food and service, everything was spot on !! Such a memorable experience!
… moreSaheed Lawal
The vibes and the food in here were amazing!!! We ordered a variety of foods such as the Chicken Cajun pasta , Club Chicken sandwich , and the Smash burger. All so flavorful 10/10 Def coming back to try their other options IA
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