Fall in Chicago is well underway, ushering in activities like pumpkin patches and corn mazes. The arrival of cooler weather also means a new season of cravings, so the talented kitchens and chefs at Time Out Market are cooking up some delicious bites for you to try. From Bill Kim’s comforting bowls of ramen and QXY Dumplings’ namesake specialties to 2d Restaurant's indulgent mochi doughnuts, here are the best dishes to try at the Market this fall.
Wagyu and black truffle dumplings at QXY Dumplings
Yes, Chicago’s best dumplings can be found at Time Out Market Chicago! The Chinatown stalwart now has an outpost in Fulton Market, where you’ll find a host of delicious offerings. Our favorite is the steamed wagyu beef and black truffle soup dumplings, but you won’t go wrong with any of the fillings. You can also get them pan fried, or mix and match flavors with your order.
Pork ramen at Bill Kim Ramen Bar
For those chilly autumn days, a warm bowl of ramen is just what you need. Chef Bill Kim offers several options, but the pork ramen is a crowd pleaser that fans keep coming back for. Savory pork broth arrives teeming with wavy noodles, kimchi-braised pork, crispy shallots and an egg. You can also sub in tofu noodles or add extras like shrimp if you’re feeling ravenous.
The Messy Bag at Sporty Bird
Art Smith is a fried chicken expert, and he offers it up every which way at the Market. Purists will enjoy the world famous fried chicken served with a side salad and mac and cheese, while sandwich fans can get their hands on stacked creations. If you like your chicken packing lots of flavor (and spice), try the Mess Bag—crispy nuggets and fries are tossed with your choice of spicy orange, barbecue or hot sauce.
German hot dog at Gutenburg
Chef Jorge Kauam draws inspiration from Hamburg at his German-American concept. Though the smash burgers get most of the attention, fall has us hankering for Oktoberfest-y foods, like a German-style hot dog. The sausage is housemade and dressed with special sauce, crispy onions, bacon, cheese sauce and herb oil. We’ll cheers to that!
Mochi doughnuts at 2d Restaurant
There are plenty of doughnut shops around the city, but few can compare to 2d Restaurant. Unlike your typical doughnuts, mochi starch is the main ingredient in 2d’s offerings, which give them a fluffier and chewer texture. And they’re made with organic tofu instead of eggs, meaning they’re vegan-friendly. The ube doughnut is a popular pick, but why not try them all with a box of half a dozen (or dozen)?
Shawafel at Libanais
Shawarma shaved right off a vertical spit is this Lebanese restaurant’s specialty, and you can get either chicken or beef. While both are fine choices, we can’t resist the shawafel. A pita is stuffed with chicken shawarma, crisp falafel, lettuce, pickles, hummus, garlic spread and tahini, and served with fries. Yum.
Goan chicken curry at Bar Goa
Warm yourself up on a cool day with Bar Goa’s goan chicken curry, a bowl featuring tender poultry, spices and coconut milk over basmati rice. The dish is a specialty of Goa, a coastal state in western India known for its sunny beaches and laid-back vibes. Who knows—maybe after a bite, you’ll be inspired to book a trip.