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.” Chai Pani can also mean a small bribe just enough to get a bite to eat. Well at Chai Pani Decatur, you won’t have to bribe us for innovative, fun, affordable and delicious Indian cuisine.

Some of the most tasty, fun and affordable food of any country is its street food and Chai Pani features chaat – crunchy, spicy, sweet, tangy, brightly flavored Indian street snacks. And since there is 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.

On the first day, a hallowed voice did say, “Let there be Chaat!”

When Chai Pani Asheville first opened its doors in 2009, we couldn’t close them for several hours . . . literally. There was a line of expectant customers out the door, blocking the sidewalk, and wanting food most of them had never heard of. We can’t be sure Vishnu himself gave Chai Pani the nod of approval, but to those customers who wept over the bliss they experienced while eating a potato uttapam, what other conclusion can be drawn?

Hop in a rickshaw, your home away from home awaits.