Chai-Pani, a new, locally-owned
Indian restaurant

Downtown Asheville has recently seen an influx of globally-influenced restaurants. I had the opportunity to sit down with Molly and Meherwan Irani and speak to them about their new restaurant Chai-Pani, opening Wednesday, September 23, 2009 in Battery Park. The co-owners were lively and passionate about their new restaurant and took pleasure in educating me in the culture of Indian street food.

The goal of Chai-Pani is to offer affordable Indian food that is light and fresh. I was informed that all over the world Indian street food vendors have been serving quick and affordable yet delicious food to patrons much like the American hotdog stand did in the early twentieth century. Chai-Pani is far from a cart on the side of the street, but still plans to offer an authentic street food experience. The interior is decorated with metal work that is painted in a way to reflect the culture on the streets of India. One panel appropriately boasts the phrase, “From Bombay to Buncombe”, which in many ways accurately characterizes the dinning experience at Chai-Pani.

The majority of Indian food one encounters in Asheville finds its roots in the Northern Indian culinary tradition. Co-owner Meherwan explained that only experiencing the Northern culinary offerings of India is much like only eating pizza and claiming to know Italian cuisine. Chai-Pani offers authentic Indian dishes that find their roots all over India. The menu at Chai-Pani draws not only from the Northern tradition but from the less represented East, West and Southern Indian traditions as well. Chai-Pani takes the form of what is referred to as a Chaat House in India. The Chaat House is an establishment that offers quick and casual food for people on the go. Much like Spanish tapas, the portions are kept small in order to allow for a tasting of the different offerings. You will be able to find the amount of food you want for a price that is affordable.

I had the opportunity to go back into the kitchen and watch the new chefs become acquainted with the menu and preparation processes. Meherwan's mother, Amrit, carefully explained proper techniques for mixing spices and preparing the dishes authentically. With over 40 years of experience in cooking home style Indian food, Amrit shared her invaluable secrets for the creation of food that is authentic, healthy and fresh. Amrit is not the only person in the kitchen with notable experience; The sous chef worked for several years at Emril Lagasse's restaurant in New Orleans. The smells emanating from the freshly baked chickens and ground spices in the kitchen made me wish that my camera could capture more than pictures. All the food is prepared fresh from scratch with a careful attention to quality, authentic preparation and quick service.

The name Chai-Pani is derived from a double meaning that the phrase has in India. Literally, Chai-Pani signifies a type of tea and coffee house. The term also refers to a gratuity that one would give to someone in return for his or her services. Also, a little extra money so that one can pick up a small snack. By offering low-priced yet quality foods, Chai-Pani continues this tradition of providing something a little extra. The restaurant also plans to have both indoor and outdoor seating so that your Indian street food may be properly enjoyed on the streets of Asheville.

In keeping with the community-based tradition of Indian Chaat houses, Chai-Pani is also deeply entrenched in the local community of Asheville. In addition to refreshing Indian-style teas and other drinks, Chai-Pani also intends to offer a selection of local beers that will be specifically paired with the food in order to properly compliment the flavors. The restaurant will incorporate both locally-grown produce and humanely-raised local meats into their menu in order to keep their food fresh and interesting. In addition to local beers, Chai-Pani will also be pairing wines by the glass with the different dishes at affordable prices.

One of the main goals of Chai-Pani is to offer an accessible and affordable authentic dinning experience. The food is based on clean, simple flavors that won't leave you with a greasy, overloaded stomach. There will also be a kid's menu that has been kid-approved! The space is intended to provide a lighthearted atmosphere that showcases the Indian-American fusion style. The owners wish to capture the fun experience of encountering a new culture in an affordable and lively environment that is close to home and worldly at the same time.

See the photos of Chai-Pani by Lydia See in the Photo Gallery.

-- Ben Norris,
Contributing Writer