Chai Pani is a vibrant and authentic Indian restaurant that brings the flavors and energy of Indian street food to Asheville and Decatur. With a commitment to quality and authenticity, Chai Pani offers a diverse menu that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of India’s bustling streets.
At Chai Pani, the concept of Indian street food takes center stage. These dishes, often referred to as “chaat,” are a beloved part of Indian culture, enjoyed by locals and travelers alike. Chaat encompasses a wide range of savory snacks, from crispy fritters to tangy chaats, each bursting with bold flavors and textures.
The restaurant’s menu is a delightful journey through the vibrant streets of India, with each dish meticulously crafted to transport diners to the heart of the subcontinent’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a newcomer to Indian cuisine, Chai Pani’s menu offers something for everyone, catering to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly options.
With locations in the charming city of Asheville, North Carolina, and the vibrant Decatur neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia, Chai Pani invites you to experience the authentic flavors of Indian street food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Chaat & Street Food
Green Mango Chaat: A tangy and refreshing street food delight, the Green Mango Chaat is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Made with crisp green mangoes, boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and a medley of chutneys, it’s a burst of flavors in every bite. This vegan and gluten-friendly dish is priced at $7.95.
Kale Pakoras Chaat: A unique twist on the classic chaat, the Kale Pakoras Chaat combines the crunch of kale pakoras with the tangy flavors of chaat chutneys. Crispy kale fritters are topped with chickpeas, yogurt, tamarind chutney, and a variety of spices, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Vegan and gluten-friendly, this dish is priced at $8.95.
Matchstick Okra Fries: Crispy and addictive, the Matchstick Okra Fries are a must-try for okra lovers. Thinly sliced okra is lightly battered and fried to perfection, resulting in a satisfying crunch. Served with a tangy chutney dipping sauce, these vegan and gluten-friendly fries are priced at $6.95.
Samosa Chaat: A delightful fusion of flavors, the Samosa Chaat combines the beloved samosa with the vibrant chutneys of chaat. Crispy samosa pieces are topped with chickpeas, yogurt, tamarind chutney, and a variety of spices, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Vegetarian and gluten-friendly, this dish is priced at $8.95.
Disco Bhel: A colorful and flavorful street food classic, the Disco Bhel is a medley of puffed rice, crispy noodles, fresh vegetables, and tangy chutneys. This vegan and gluten-friendly dish is a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and tanginess, making it a delightful snack or light meal. Priced at $7.95.
Indian Sandwiches & Rolls
Vada Pav
The Vada Pav is a quintessential Indian street food delight that will transport your taste buds to the bustling lanes of Mumbai. This delectable sandwich features a deep-fried potato patty (vada) nestled between a soft, fluffy bread bun (pav).
The vada is a perfect blend of boiled and mashed potatoes, infused with a harmonious blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and a hint of chili. The patty is then dipped in a chickpea batter and fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.
The pav, a traditional Indian bread roll, is lightly toasted, providing a delightful contrast in textures. Garnished with a tangy tamarind chutney and a sprinkle of fragrant coriander leaves, the Vada Pav is a vegetarian’s dream. It’s a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more. (Vegan, Vegetarian, $4.95)
Chicken Kathi Roll
The Chicken Kathi Roll is a flavor-packed street food sensation that will transport your taste buds on a culinary adventure. Tender, juicy pieces of marinated chicken are grilled to perfection, infusing them with a smoky aroma and a delightful char.
These succulent morsels are then wrapped in a flaky, warm paratha (Indian flatbread), creating a portable and delightful handheld treat. The roll is generously stuffed with sautéed onions, peppers, and a tantalizing blend of spices that will awaken your senses.
A drizzle of tangy mint-coriander chutney adds a refreshing burst of flavor, complementing the richness of the chicken. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the tender chicken to the flaky paratha and the crunchy vegetables. The Chicken Kathi Roll is a must-try for meat lovers and street food enthusiasts alike. (Non-vegetarian, $7.95)
Uttapams
Mixed Vegetable Uttapam
The Mixed Vegetable Uttapam is a savory, vegetarian pancake that showcases the vibrant flavors of Indian street food. Made with a batter of fermented rice and lentils, it is generously studded with a medley of fresh vegetables, including carrots, bell peppers, onions, and spinach.
The batter is skillfully cooked on a griddle, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying choice. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, the Mixed Vegetable Uttapam is priced at $10.95.
Tomato Cheese Uttapam
Indulge in the delightful fusion of Indian and Western flavors with the Tomato Cheese Uttapam. This unique variation on the classic uttapam features a base of fermented rice and lentil batter, infused with the tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the creamy richness of melted cheese.
The batter is cooked to perfection on a griddle, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior that envelops the flavors of the fillings. This dish is a perfect choice for those seeking a vegetarian option with a twist of indulgence. Priced at $11.95, the Tomato Cheese Uttapam is a must-try for cheese lovers and adventurous palates alike.
Main Courses
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy curry dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. Tender pieces of marinated chicken are simmered in a velvety tomato-based gravy infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
The dish gets its signature buttery richness from the addition of cream and a generous dollop of ghee (clarified butter). Served with fragrant basmati rice or naan bread, Butter Chicken is a beloved classic that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is gluten-free, but contains dairy. Price: $14.99
Chili Chicken
Chili Chicken is a tantalizing Indo-Chinese fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of Indian spices with the sizzling heat of chilies. Boneless chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a medley of spices, then stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and a generous kick of dried red chilies or chili sauce.
The result is a delightfully spicy and savory dish that strikes a perfect balance between heat and flavor. Chili Chicken is a gluten-free and dairy-free option, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Price: $13.99
Gulab Jamun
Chai Pani’s Gulab Jamun is a traditional Indian dessert that will delight your taste buds with its rich and indulgent flavors. These soft, spongy balls are made from milk solids and soaked in a warm, sugary syrup infused with aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron.
The Gulab Jamun at Chai Pani is prepared with care, using high-quality ingredients to ensure an authentic and delectable experience. The milk solids are skillfully kneaded and shaped into perfect spheres, then fried to golden perfection. The syrup, a harmonious blend of sugar, rose water, and warm spices, is carefully crafted to create a symphony of flavors that will linger on your palate.
This dessert is suitable for vegetarians and can be enjoyed by those following a gluten-friendly diet. It’s the perfect way to end your meal at Chai Pani, offering a sweet and satisfying conclusion to your culinary journey.
Price: $6.00
Drinks
Mango Lassi
A refreshing and creamy yogurt-based drink, the Mango Lassi at Chai Pani is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Made with fresh mango puree, yogurt, and a touch of cardamom, this beverage is a delightful accompaniment to any meal. It’s a vegan and gluten-friendly option, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences. Priced at $4.95, the Mango Lassi is a must-try for those seeking a refreshing and authentic Indian drink.
Hot Chai
Chai Pani’s Hot Chai is a traditional Indian tea that captures the essence of aromatic spices and robust flavors. Brewed with a blend of black tea leaves, milk, and a carefully curated mix of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, this beverage is a comforting and warming treat. Whether you prefer it sweet or spicy, the Hot Chai can be customized to your taste. It’s a vegan and gluten-friendly option, priced at $3.95, making it an affordable and authentic Indian tea experience.
Kids Menu
For the little ones, Chai Pani offers a delightful kids menu with two delicious options:
Kids Rice & Daal
This comforting dish features steamed basmati rice accompanied by a flavorful daal (lentil curry). The daal is prepared with a blend of lentils, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, providing a nutritious and kid-friendly meal. It’s a vegan and gluten-free option, ensuring that it caters to various dietary needs. Priced at $6.
Kids Cheese Paratha
A delightful treat for young palates, the Kids Cheese Paratha is a flatbread stuffed with a generous amount of melted cheese. The paratha is made with whole wheat flour and cooked to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior. This dish is vegetarian-friendly and priced at $7.
Conclusion
Chai Pani’s menu is a delightful exploration of Indian street food, offering a diverse array of flavors and dishes to tantalize every palate. From the tangy and refreshing chaats to the savory and spice-laden main courses, each item is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or an omnivore, Chai Pani caters to all dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can indulge in the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. The gluten-friendly options further enhance the restaurant’s inclusive approach, making it a welcoming destination for diners with various dietary needs.
With locations in Asheville and Decatur, Chai Pani invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Indian street food. Embark on a culinary journey by visiting one of their establishments or ordering online, where you can savor the flavors of meticulously crafted dishes without leaving the comfort of your home.
Indulge in the tantalizing aromas, vibrant colors, and bold flavors that Chai Pani has to offer. Treat your senses to an unforgettable experience and discover the true essence of Indian street food at its finest.