“We make Indian food fun, approachable, and representative of the breadth and diversity of cuisine in the subcontinent. We are trying to change the perception of Indian food in America. The best compliment we ever received was from an Indian gentleman who said that Chai Pani made him proud to be an Indian!“

Kale pakoras; sloppy Jai; corn bhel with corn, coriander, mint, cucumber, tomato, and salad tossed in cumin-lime dressing.

Meherwan Irani, chef and owner of Chai Pani, honors pan-Indian cuisine for mostly American palates. The restaurant brings a festive energy to sharing regional variations of Indian street food (many dishes can be made vegan and gluten-free). Irani interprets his native country through fresh eyes, delighting visitors with food that’s lush with storytelling and soul. The restaurant also partners with a local nonprofit once a month to raise awareness and donate ten percent of the day’s sales to the organization.

“Kudos to Meherwan Irani, who sticks to his spicy central and south Indian roots at Chai Pani restaurant in Decatur. Locals crowd the colorful space for street snacks, ranging from okra fries and puffed flour crisps stuffed with potatoes, onions, and cilantro to a humorously named “Sloppy Jai,“ lamb hash simmered with tomatoes and ginger and served on a bun. Even kale haters will happily eat their greens once Irani gives them the fritter treatment.” Atlanta magazine