FARAZ SARDHARIA

Tandoor Char House, Rickshaw Pakistani & Indian Street Eats

Faraz Sardharia is the founder and Executive Chef of Elevation Hospitality Group, bringing his South Asian heritage to Chicago's culinary scene through celebrated concepts like Tandoor Char House and Rickshaw Pakistani & Indian Street Eats. Tandoor Char House, born from family recipes and years perfecting the art of the tandoor, has grown into a beloved Lincoln Park institution known for its slow-marinated, char-grilled meats and warm hospitality. Rickshaw's Zabiha Halal menu, meanwhile, has set a new bar for authenticity in the city, blending tradition with bold, creative street food flavor. Beyond the kitchen, Faraz is a dedicated community advocate. As a board member of Chi-Care, he has helped deliver hundreds of thousands of meals to unhoused Chicagoans and new arrivals, donating food and building meal routes with local business partners to make sure nourishment reaches the people who need it most. He continues to champion food access citywide, and serves on the boards of the Illinois Restaurant Association, Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, West Town Chamber of Commerce, Wrightwood Neighbors Association, and the Chicago Police Foundation. A connector at heart, Faraz is always cooking up his next idea, from Chicago street food brands for festivals beyond the city to inventive meal programs for local shelters and community kitchens. Whether he's plating dinner for guests at Tandoor or coordinating a citywide donation drive, Faraz's philosophy stays the same: great food is always in service of bringing people together.