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. GQ Magazine lauded our “Indian street food with a twang,” and New York Magazine called us a star in downtown’s dining scene.” Chai Pani’s Meherwan Irani has been nominated for James Beard ‘Best Chef SouthEast’ four times, and Chai Pani was named one of the 50 Most Exciting Restaurants in the US by the New York Times in 2021.
Indian chaat (street snacks) plus homestyle platters (thalis) in a funky, laid-back space. Based on 3 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.4 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Delivery ✔️ No takeout
Address:
22 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 254-4003
Website: https://www.chaipani.com/
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Thursday |
11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Friday |
11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Saturday |
11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Sunday |
11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 5:30–9:30 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday |
11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday |
11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 5:30–9:30 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Eesha Barua
INCREDIBLE!! Wait time to a table was 25 minutes, but the food and service exceeded my expectations entirely. We were a 11 person party seated outside and our server, Jen, was so patient and gracious of our huge order. Every one of the dishes was more authentic Indian food than I’ve had in America yet. The okra fries and kale pakora were standout winners, and the other dishes were super flavorful as well. Definitely coming back, this restaurant is worth the wait.
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Sai Ravula
No wonder this place is voted the best Indian restaurant in the US. The wait was for a while to get a table and seated. But, the taste was worth the wait though. Okra fries, SPDP and lamb burgers were highlight and goes well with the cardamom old fashioned. Would definitely recommend this place for a quick bite with family and friends. The wait times might seem crazy at time depending on when you arrive at the location. But, TRUST ME! THE TASTE IS DEFINITELY WORTH THE WAIT! YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED.
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Sea Fogarty
Worth the wait when there is one!
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Scott D
Wait time was limited and despite the surrounding construction, they moved through seating everyone very quickly. We waited perhaps 10-15 minutes and it was well worth the wait. The food was excellent, very different than what we normally experience. This is a must visit for anyone that loves Indian food. Had the Vada Pac and Chicken Kathi Roll, both very tasty. Also had the coffee which was also very good.
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Pravallika Chimmiri
We couldn’t even get in the name for the waitlist at 2 while the restaurant closes at 3:30. We ordered a take out.
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Maria Southard
Our favourite spot in Asheville by far. Yes, the line is worth it.
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Kenneth Croft
Definitely worth it. The food and service was perfect. I arrived at 7:25pm on a Monday and was told there was a 40-min wait. They take your name and number and text you when your seat is ready. No fuss. There are dozens of restaurants/bars/shops in the area to walk around and pass the wait.
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Ronnie Cole
This place packs out, so expect a wait. I ended up at the bar where I had bourban with peach. I tried several things to eat. They were all fantastic. I had the paneer tikka roll, butter chicken, and tomato and cheese uttapam. My server was the bartender and his service was excellent.
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Mark DePalma
The food here was delicious. One of my favorite meals of the entire trip. The tomato and cheese uttapam was probably my favorite thing we ordered. Drinks were delicious as well.
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Anna Szatkowski
Really enjoyed my lunch today at Chai Pani! The Maharashtrian Standoff cocktail was a nice and refreshing, yet well balanced cocktail. Matchstick okra fries were exactly as remembered from several years ago and perfect. Enjoyed the chicken pakoras, loved the cool green chutney with it. Standout and new item for me this trip was the mixed veggies uttapam, with its wonderful ginger hit. Very very accommodating of my dairy allergy. Service terrific. My kiddo is too young for kids meal but the kids options looked great.
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