One of the country’s most groundbreaking restaurants is helping DC end the summer with a bang. Chai Pani, the celebrated concept from Chef Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani, fundamentally changed the face of Indian cuisine in America and will be bringing its paradigm-shifting menu to the Union Market District.
Chef Vishwesh Bhatt will be overseeing the restaurant’s 1325 5th Street NE location. The 4,000 square foot eatery will have space to accommodate up to 150 customers, alongside a 1,500 square foot kitchen. While a precise opening date has not yet been announced, a press release provided to What Now DC states that Chai Pani will be making its District debut in August.
The Iranis launched Chai Pani in Asheville in 2009. The concept, with its focus on “showcasing everyday Indian culture and its underestimated street food”, garnered immediate acclaim, culminating in earning the title of the country’s most outstanding restaurant from the James Beard foundation.
While Chai Pani’s DC location will carry on the restaurant’s established practice of serving authentic Indian street food, it will also allow Chef Bhatt to inject some of his own touches to the cuisine. The press release states: “While we’re staying firmly in our street food lane, Chai Pani D.C. menu will feature Gujarati snacks and small plates, American South–meets–Western India dishes reminiscent of Vish’s Snackbar menu, as well as an expanded sigri (grill) section. Vish’s commitment to sourcing local and seasonal produce will shine through the entire menu.”
