Nov 17, 2025 - Food and Drink
Obama Roll in Chatham delivers a full meal
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The Obama Roll from Tastee Rolls in Chatham. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
For most of the 20th century, Eng family Chinese restaurants made Chicago-style egg rolls stuffed with pork, cabbage, shrimp and (the secret ingredient) peanut butter.
- But in the last 20 years, a new style of Chicago egg roll has bubbled up featuring veggies, gyros, Italian beef, jerked meats and more.
The dish: One of the most intriguing entries in this genre is the 12" Obama Roll ($12) at Tastee Rolls in west suburban Bellwood and Chatham on 79th.
The verdict: This hefty, fried pastry delivers a hearty meal with its combination of jerk steak, jerk chicken and giardiniera filling.
- But it also packs a little too much salt for this diner.
- Instead, I vote for the garlic, parmesan chicken roll ($4.50) and the peach cobbler roll for dessert ($6).