Chai Pani Asheville

Indian chaat (street snacks) plus homestyle platters (thalis) in a funky, laid-back space.

Chai Pani literally means “tea and water.” It’s slang in India for going out for a cup of tea, a tasty bite, a snack, or “a little something.” In Downtown Asheville (and now in Downtown Decatur) it means innovative, fun, affordable and delicious Indian cuisine. We’d go so far as to say it’s “mindblasting.”

Some of the best food of any country is its street food, and Chai Pani features chaat – crunchy, spicy, sweet, tangy, brightly flavored Indian street snacks. And because there’s nothing more comforting and delicious in any culture than a home cooked meal, Chai Pani also brings you thalis – traditional family meals highlighting India’s amazing culinary diversity.

The New York Times was particularly taken by our “fresh, cilantro-strewn takes on Indian street food,” GQ Magazine lauded our “Indian street food with a twang,” and New York Magazine called us “a star in downtown’s dining scene.” The Huffington Post had us on their list of “Top 10 Cheap Eats in the US,” and even Fox News called us the “hit of their Asheville trip.” (We’re just glad we could get them all to agree on one thing)!

We’ve made it from Bombay to Buncombe, so step off the sidewalk and into the street – Indian Street Food that is. (Couldn’t resist!)