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There's no other way to say it... this restaurant SLAPPED! I absolutely loved our experience here and would highly recommend it. Starting off with the best part of the night: the service! Our waitress Ariana was kind, attentive, and hilarious. She gave great recommendations and kept us laughing all night. The food rocked! I loved the kale chaat, the kfc sandwich, and the parle g ice cream. Some of the dishes, like the butter chicken and paneer, were good too - pricier than what you'd get at an Indian takeout place, but still tasty if not a tad bland. The interior is GORGEOUS! I love the flowers everywhere. Check this place out!
The atmosphere here is 10/10. If you are having a bad day, make a reservation here, and your mood will instantly be lifted. The vibrant colors and music are tastefully intense. Indian street food is one of my favorite cuisines. I fell in love when the first wave of this type of restaurant hit the West Coast -- Bollywood Theater (Portland) and DOSA (SF- RIP). Chai Pani is a more Gen Z version of those restaurants. The menu has all of the classics, and you'll want to order everything (but don't, because the food is very rich). We enjoyed all of the chaats we ordered, the Disco bhel being my favorite. The one main we shared, lentil dahl, was so spicy it was hard to eat. It was absolutely local Thai or local Indian spicy. I've lived in Asia and eaten all the street foods, and this was in the top 10 spiciest things I've eaten. The carrot halwa dessert was fantastic, so don't skip dessert even if you're full. While I didn't think the food was leagues above similar options that are already available, the vibe of the restaurant makes it worth a visit!
Had dinner here while visiting DC. I was very surprised at how good everything we ordered was and that it had a great taste. The butter chicken was particularly good. We had reservations which are highly recommendeded and got seated immediately. The drink and food menu selection is great, and service is friendly and fast. Dine in area is nice with colorful decor. Overall, we had an excellent experience.
Just walking up to this place, it was absolutely adorable with all the flowers and charming atmosphere. Inside, the music wasn't too loud, which made it easy to relax and enjoy the experience. I definitely recommend making a reservation. We didn't have one, so we were offered a seat at the common table or outside. Since it was a beautiful day, we chose to sit outside. Our server was training someone, and they were both fantastic. They gave great recommendations and were attentive throughout the meal. The food came out at the perfect pace, and everything was delicious. We shared two small plates, along with the fried chicken sliders and the butter chicken. The butter chicken had the perfect amount of spice and was incredibly flavorful. There were two of us, and sharing four dishes was just the right amount of food. We had a wonderful experience and will definitely be back!
When I first laid eyes on Chai Pani, which is located right next to Union Market, I knew I had to go. The space is so colorful and vibrant, it beckons you in. We made a lunch reservation on OpenTable and made our way to the highly anticipated Chai Pani. Once we were seated, the waitress greeted us and asked if we had dined at Chai Pani before. Since it was our first time, she gave us an overview and explained that the dishes are great for sharing. They also had some specials - the magic masala tomato chaat and grilled swordfish were being featured. We started with the kale pakora chaat ($15) and SPDP ($13). We loved the kale pakora chaat! My standard for a kale chaat is Rasika's signature palak chaat. Chai Pani's kale chaat holds their own. This chaat is more frittery than loose kale pieces, which made it easier to serve and share with the group. The flavor and texture were on point. The addition of the grapes and melon seeds gave the dish more sweetness, freshness, and great presentation. I would definitely order this again. The SPDP (puffed puris) were yogurt-laden, which made them less appealing. When they were brought to the table, the waiter instructed us that they are meant to be eaten in one bite. I appreciate the instruction, but the puris are a little big (it would be easier to eat in two bites). I didn't really taste the other ingredients other than the puri shell overloaded with yogurt. For the entrees, we ordered the butter chicken ($22) and lamb kala masala ($34). Both came with a small bowl of jeera rice. The lamb shank was excellent! I've had the lamb shank at the Michelin-rated Rania, and Chai Pani's lamb shank is better! The meat was tender and moist. It fell off the bone - always a sign of great cooking. The butter chicken was solid but was not a standout dish. This curry definitely had some heat to it, but the portion felt small for the price. It had a smoky flavor to it and used white breast meat, so it was on the dry side. We also got a side of naan which was pretty standard but great for sopping up the curry. Service was kind and bubbly. It started out strong, but it waned as the meal went on. We were checked on when the starters came out, but not necessarily checked on when the mains came out. She was knowledgeable of the menu and did check if we wanted to order any more drinks. The table was set with a water carafe, so we were able to take care of our own water cup refills. Bottom line - I would come back here again. I think the chaats and street food dishes are where Chai Pani really shines, and the lively, upbeat ambiance adds to the enjoyment. Chai Pani is a lovely addition to the Union Market neighborhood - definitely check it out!
The ambiance and decor is truly breathtaking, from the outside to the inside! Food is absolutely amazing and is served family style, a great way to try multiple things. Service was also great, our waitress was super friendly and gave us suggestions! Definitely a must visit, I'll be back!
Upscale, elevated Indian street food with some fusion twists. The menu is varied and there's a little something for everyone. I had the lamb chop which was a very sizable portion! Servers were nice and helpful with the menu, although another staff member bringing drinks to a nearby table accidentally spilled one all over my friend's foot. No harm done but they also didn't acknowledge the accident and barely offered to help until we asked for some napkins.
Very cute restaurant. Lots of indoor seating. ADA accessible with ramp. Vibrant decoration of Indian culture (beautifully done). The prices for food were slightly higher. The food was good. For someone who doesn't handle spice well it was a good amount. The butter chicken my friend ordered had more lemon than tomato acidity. The pan puri had so much yogurt we could barely taste the other ingredients... They took while to bring us naan. Don't think I'd come back though. The service was sweet.
My husband & I stopped by Chai Paani in the Union market area during our trip to DC. The restaurant is conveniently located in the middle of a bustling neighborhood. We were promptly greeted & seated since we made a reservation prior to showing up at the restaurant. However, walk-ins do have to wait for a bit before being seated (because of how popular and crowded this restaurant is). I cannot say enough good things about the food, it took me right back to my time in India. All the flavors were authentic & hit the right spots! I wish I lived in DC so I could come here often!!!!
Finally got a chance to eat here! The space is BEAUTIFUL! Very thoughtful and intentional with the design. You walk in and it smells delicious, getting you ready for an amazing meal. Definitely recommend making a reservation. We walked in and got lucky to have two seats at the bar available for us, but don't risk it like us. We ordered the aloo tikki chaat and disco bhel to start. The aloo tikki chaat was amazing! So flavorful. We then shared the lamb which was incredible. The meat literally fell off the bone. I had a mango lassi on the side to balance the spice, which I recommend. And to end the night, we had to order the gulab jamun. Amazing!!! Ugh the warmth and sweetness is exactly what we needed. Amazing meal, can't wait to come back and try more from the menu!
Even though I had heard great things about this spot, we had been by it many times without going in. It looked like it might be a tourist trap, given the decor, but I was so wrong. The food was phenomenal. The chili chicken was spicy, crispy, filling, and a hearty portion, we ended up taking some home. There is a kids menu, high chairs, and super friendly service. I also loved the iced chai! We will be back for sure!
In-FREAKING-credible! You may have read my poor experience at an Indian restaurant the other day, but this restaurant more than makes up for it. My friend and I dined here after abandoning two other Indian spots in Noma as options. This place was eye-catching from a block and half away, humongous, like a warehouse, tall, festooned with color and visual tour de force. The service was phenomenal. The host, our server, the other servers, the food deliverer--every single one happy, friendly, conversational, and warm. They seem to love their job and want to share their energy with guests. The appetizer was a large portion of the sabudana vada tots, which were deep-fried tapioca root vegetable pearls with green chiles, served with a delicous tangy-sweet dip. SO SO AMAZING. Not a 5/5, a 10 of a 5. I can't explain my logic. We were also thoroughly impressed with the two utthapams we ordered: one mushroom and one cheese. The portions were huge, every bite as amazing as the last. The dipping sauces (coconut chutney and cilantro chutney) were described when delivered and tasted fabulous. The vibe. The ambiance. The food. Chef's kiss. Home-freaking-run! I will come back a thousand times. You oughta too.
This restaurant offers everything you'd love: 1- Amazing hospitality from the door to the table. 2- Breathtaking scenery, providing pure cultural vibes with rich vibrant colors and festive music. 3- The BEST Indian street food, every dish was carefully prepared and told a story on the plate. 4- A place where ALL of your guests can enjoy a great meal. Jumping into my experience. I didn't make reservations and the hostess was so kind to accommodate me and inform me of other great opportunities to visit, one being their Pani Puri experience. Needless to say, I'll be back! I sat at the bar and received A+ service from Amanda who was supported by Renee. Amanda's personality is what you'd appreciate in a bartender, she knew the menu top to bottom and was excellent with recommending dishes and cocktails. Drinks: Kaapi Martini- a rich flavored Chai espresso martini. This drink, while delicious, was more on the creamy side and needed a half ounce more of liquor to take it from latte to cocktail. Other than that, the rich Chai taste was certainly divine but I like to have a break from sweetness or milky drinks when enjoying cocktails. Malabar- the STAR! This smokey drink was made with elite status in mind. It's the type of drink with a perfect credit score and a few properties in the Maldives-gosh this was amazing! The tequila stirred with Campari, fresh lemon, rose, and mezcal were paired together so beautifully, each supporting the other without canceling out in taste. It was the perfect balance and the smokiness added a mysterious flavor to the mix. I absolutely loved it! Golden Hour- another divine drink. Its bright color brought a festive vibe to the atmosphere and the vodka shaken with herbal liqueur, Indian turmeric, sweet pineapple, and fresh lime balanced well. It wasn't too sweet but it carried the right flavors with the turmeric and pineapple setting the tone with a citrus/warming feel. Food The Chaat and Street Food section: SPDP-toasted puffed up puris stuffed with potato, red onion and cilantro and topped with sweet yogurt, tamarind, and green chutneys. The final component was sev added on top, which is crunchy chickpea noodles. This dish, while messy to eat, is exactly what you want to order. IT WAS AMAZING! Let's explore the flavor profiles on this dish....first, the balance of sweet and spicy was insane! Imagine taking a bite and your mouth is hit with some sweet heat, that's what the sweet yogurt and tamarind offered all while the green chutney cooled down your mouth. It was ridiculously flavorful and divine! The Pav section: KFC sandwich aka Kashmiri Fried Chicken sandwich- the BEST chicken sandwich in town! As someone who adores a good chicken sandwich, there is a lot to be said about one whose flavor profile sweeps you off your feet with just one bite. The chicken breast was the juiciest and most perfectly seasoned!!!!! Brined to perfection, this chicken breast was amazingly juicy. Placed on a sweet toasted buttery bun and topped with Maggi-mayo and sweet pickles, I was stopped in my tracks by how delicious this was-my goodness! Sweets Gulab Jamun- This is the way to conclude a beautiful culinary experience. The Gulab Jamun was impeccable in taste and I tried a scoop of their ice cream on the side, sending my sweet tooth on the wild side. Both were perfect. Would I return? YES! You probably can't keep me away from this place!!!!! Do I recommend? ABSOLUTELY! Please support businesses that take the time to make their customers feel good all while painting a beautiful story through their dishes.
Chai Pani completely blew me away and is easily going on my must-visit list every time I'm in DC. This was such a fun celebration of Indian street food, with every dish delivering incredible flavor. We ordered the sloppy jai (lamb sliders), lamb skewers, SPDP (sev puri/dahi puri), vada pav, chai with Parle-G biscuits, and jal jeera. Everything was fantastic, but the chai with Parle-G was pure nostalgia and brought back so many memories! The lamb dishes were flavorful and perfectly cooked, while the street food favorites were packed with the kind of bold flavors you'd expect from a great Indian chaat spot. Service was exceptional. The staff were attentive, friendly, and I especially appreciated that the servers actually pronounced the Indian dishes correctly--a small detail that made the experience even better. The vibe is lively, colorful, and incredibly welcoming. We went for lunch with a reservation, and I'd definitely recommend making one. They also have a pani puri stall on weekends, which is another reason to come back. Absolutely loved this place and can't wait to return the next time I'm in DC! read more
13 days ago
I'd honestly rate chai pani at a 3.5/5! I would definitely come back and get the disco bhel, summer veg uttapam, vada pav & mango lassi. my friends really liked the paneer entree & gulab jamun as well! definitely recommend making a reservation as it can get busier, especially close to dinner time! there's a decent amount of sitting inside and the decorations are so cute!! the SPDP was good and unique but a bit too yogurt-y. the chili chicken was definitely a miss as it was overly salty and lacked the "indi chinese" flavor. the uttapam was amazing but definitely heavy on the corn, so would not recommend if you don't love corn. our waitress was nice, but she didn't check up on us and kept having to flag her down to order items or get the check which was a bit odd as it wasn't overly busy! read more
There's no other way to say it... this restaurant SLAPPED! I absolutely loved our experience here and would highly recommend it. Starting off with the best part of the night: the service! Our waitress Ariana was kind, attentive, and hilarious. She gave great recommendations and kept us laughing all night. The food rocked! I loved the kale chaat, the kfc sandwich, and the parle g ice cream. Some of the dishes, like the butter chicken and paneer, were good too - pricier than what you'd get at an Indian takeout place, but still tasty if not a tad bland. The interior is GORGEOUS! I love the flowers everywhere. Check this place out! read more
1 month ago
The atmosphere here is 10/10. If you are having a bad day, make a reservation here, and your mood will instantly be lifted. The vibrant colors and music are tastefully intense. Indian street food is one of my favorite cuisines. I fell in love when the first wave of this type of restaurant hit the West Coast -- Bollywood Theater (Portland) and DOSA (SF- RIP). Chai Pani is a more Gen Z version of those restaurants. The menu has all of the classics, and you'll want to order everything (but don't, because the food is very rich). We enjoyed all of the chaats we ordered, the Disco bhel being my favorite. The one main we shared, lentil dahl, was so spicy it was hard to eat. It was absolutely local Thai or local Indian spicy. I've lived in Asia and eaten all the street foods, and this was in the top 10 spiciest things I've eaten. The carrot halwa dessert was fantastic, so don't skip dessert even if you're full. While I didn't think the food was leagues above similar options that are already available, the vibe of the restaurant makes it worth a visit! read more
Had dinner here while visiting DC. I was very surprised at how good everything we ordered was and that it had a great taste. The butter chicken was particularly good. We had reservations which are highly recommendeded and got seated immediately. The drink and food menu selection is great, and service is friendly and fast. Dine in area is nice with colorful decor. Overall, we had an excellent experience. read more
2 months ago
Just walking up to this place, it was absolutely adorable with all the flowers and charming atmosphere. Inside, the music wasn't too loud, which made it easy to relax and enjoy the experience. I definitely recommend making a reservation. We didn't have one, so we were offered a seat at the common table or outside. Since it was a beautiful day, we chose to sit outside. Our server was training someone, and they were both fantastic. They gave great recommendations and were attentive throughout the meal. The food came out at the perfect pace, and everything was delicious. We shared two small plates, along with the fried chicken sliders and the butter chicken. The butter chicken had the perfect amount of spice and was incredibly flavorful. There were two of us, and sharing four dishes was just the right amount of food. We had a wonderful experience and will definitely be back! read more
When I first laid eyes on Chai Pani, which is located right next to Union Market, I knew I had to go. The space is so colorful and vibrant, it beckons you in. We made a lunch reservation on OpenTable and made our way to the highly anticipated Chai Pani. Once we were seated, the waitress greeted us and asked if we had dined at Chai Pani before. Since it was our first time, she gave us an overview and explained that the dishes are great for sharing. They also had some specials - the magic masala tomato chaat and grilled swordfish were being featured. We started with the kale pakora chaat ($15) and SPDP ($13). We loved the kale pakora chaat! My standard for a kale chaat is Rasika's signature palak chaat. Chai Pani's kale chaat holds their own. This chaat is more frittery than loose kale pieces, which made it easier to serve and share with the group. The flavor and texture were on point. The addition of the grapes and melon seeds gave the dish more sweetness, freshness, and great presentation. I would definitely order this again. The SPDP (puffed puris) were yogurt-laden, which made them less appealing. When they were brought to the table, the waiter instructed us that they are meant to be eaten in one bite. I appreciate the instruction, but the puris are a little big (it would be easier to eat in two bites). I didn't really taste the other ingredients other than the puri shell overloaded with yogurt. For the entrees, we ordered the butter chicken ($22) and lamb kala masala ($34). Both came with a small bowl of jeera rice. The lamb shank was excellent! I've had the lamb shank at the Michelin-rated Rania, and Chai Pani's lamb shank is better! The meat was tender and moist. It fell off the bone - always a sign of great cooking. The butter chicken was solid but was not a standout dish. This curry definitely had some heat to it, but the portion felt small for the price. It had a smoky flavor to it and used white breast meat, so it was on the dry side. We also got a side of naan which was pretty standard but great for sopping up the curry. Service was kind and bubbly. It started out strong, but it waned as the meal went on. We were checked on when the starters came out, but not necessarily checked on when the mains came out. She was knowledgeable of the menu and did check if we wanted to order any more drinks. The table was set with a water carafe, so we were able to take care of our own water cup refills. Bottom line - I would come back here again. I think the chaats and street food dishes are where Chai Pani really shines, and the lively, upbeat ambiance adds to the enjoyment. Chai Pani is a lovely addition to the Union Market neighborhood - definitely check it out! read more
The ambiance and decor is truly breathtaking, from the outside to the inside! Food is absolutely amazing and is served family style, a great way to try multiple things. Service was also great, our waitress was super friendly and gave us suggestions! Definitely a must visit, I'll be back! read more
3 months ago
Upscale, elevated Indian street food with some fusion twists. The menu is varied and there's a little something for everyone. I had the lamb chop which was a very sizable portion! Servers were nice and helpful with the menu, although another staff member bringing drinks to a nearby table accidentally spilled one all over my friend's foot. No harm done but they also didn't acknowledge the accident and barely offered to help until we asked for some napkins. read more
Very cute restaurant. Lots of indoor seating. ADA accessible with ramp. Vibrant decoration of Indian culture (beautifully done). The prices for food were slightly higher. The food was good. For someone who doesn't handle spice well it was a good amount. The butter chicken my friend ordered had more lemon than tomato acidity. The pan puri had so much yogurt we could barely taste the other ingredients... They took while to bring us naan. Don't think I'd come back though. The service was sweet. read more
My husband & I stopped by Chai Paani in the Union market area during our trip to DC. The restaurant is conveniently located in the middle of a bustling neighborhood. We were promptly greeted & seated since we made a reservation prior to showing up at the restaurant. However, walk-ins do have to wait for a bit before being seated (because of how popular and crowded this restaurant is). I cannot say enough good things about the food, it took me right back to my time in India. All the flavors were authentic & hit the right spots! I wish I lived in DC so I could come here often!!!! read more
Finally got a chance to eat here! The space is BEAUTIFUL! Very thoughtful and intentional with the design. You walk in and it smells delicious, getting you ready for an amazing meal. Definitely recommend making a reservation. We walked in and got lucky to have two seats at the bar available for us, but don't risk it like us. We ordered the aloo tikki chaat and disco bhel to start. The aloo tikki chaat was amazing! So flavorful. We then shared the lamb which was incredible. The meat literally fell off the bone. I had a mango lassi on the side to balance the spice, which I recommend. And to end the night, we had to order the gulab jamun. Amazing!!! Ugh the warmth and sweetness is exactly what we needed. Amazing meal, can't wait to come back and try more from the menu! read more
3 months ago
Even though I had heard great things about this spot, we had been by it many times without going in. It looked like it might be a tourist trap, given the decor, but I was so wrong. The food was phenomenal. The chili chicken was spicy, crispy, filling, and a hearty portion, we ended up taking some home. There is a kids menu, high chairs, and super friendly service. I also loved the iced chai! We will be back for sure! read more
In-FREAKING-credible! You may have read my poor experience at an Indian restaurant the other day, but this restaurant more than makes up for it. My friend and I dined here after abandoning two other Indian spots in Noma as options. This place was eye-catching from a block and half away, humongous, like a warehouse, tall, festooned with color and visual tour de force. The service was phenomenal. The host, our server, the other servers, the food deliverer--every single one happy, friendly, conversational, and warm. They seem to love their job and want to share their energy with guests. The appetizer was a large portion of the sabudana vada tots, which were deep-fried tapioca root vegetable pearls with green chiles, served with a delicous tangy-sweet dip. SO SO AMAZING. Not a 5/5, a 10 of a 5. I can't explain my logic. We were also thoroughly impressed with the two utthapams we ordered: one mushroom and one cheese. The portions were huge, every bite as amazing as the last. The dipping sauces (coconut chutney and cilantro chutney) were described when delivered and tasted fabulous. The vibe. The ambiance. The food. Chef's kiss. Home-freaking-run! I will come back a thousand times. You oughta too. read more
This restaurant offers everything you'd love: 1- Amazing hospitality from the door to the table. 2- Breathtaking scenery, providing pure cultural vibes with rich vibrant colors and festive music. 3- The BEST Indian street food, every dish was carefully prepared and told a story on the plate. 4- A place where ALL of your guests can enjoy a great meal. Jumping into my experience. I didn't make reservations and the hostess was so kind to accommodate me and inform me of other great opportunities to visit, one being their Pani Puri experience. Needless to say, I'll be back! I sat at the bar and received A+ service from Amanda who was supported by Renee. Amanda's personality is what you'd appreciate in a bartender, she knew the menu top to bottom and was excellent with recommending dishes and cocktails. Drinks: Kaapi Martini- a rich flavored Chai espresso martini. This drink, while delicious, was more on the creamy side and needed a half ounce more of liquor to take it from latte to cocktail. Other than that, the rich Chai taste was certainly divine but I like to have a break from sweetness or milky drinks when enjoying cocktails. Malabar- the STAR! This smokey drink was made with elite status in mind. It's the type of drink with a perfect credit score and a few properties in the Maldives-gosh this was amazing! The tequila stirred with Campari, fresh lemon, rose, and mezcal were paired together so beautifully, each supporting the other without canceling out in taste. It was the perfect balance and the smokiness added a mysterious flavor to the mix. I absolutely loved it! Golden Hour- another divine drink. Its bright color brought a festive vibe to the atmosphere and the vodka shaken with herbal liqueur, Indian turmeric, sweet pineapple, and fresh lime balanced well. It wasn't too sweet but it carried the right flavors with the turmeric and pineapple setting the tone with a citrus/warming feel. Food The Chaat and Street Food section: SPDP-toasted puffed up puris stuffed with potato, red onion and cilantro and topped with sweet yogurt, tamarind, and green chutneys. The final component was sev added on top, which is crunchy chickpea noodles. This dish, while messy to eat, is exactly what you want to order. IT WAS AMAZING! Let's explore the flavor profiles on this dish....first, the balance of sweet and spicy was insane! Imagine taking a bite and your mouth is hit with some sweet heat, that's what the sweet yogurt and tamarind offered all while the green chutney cooled down your mouth. It was ridiculously flavorful and divine! The Pav section: KFC sandwich aka Kashmiri Fried Chicken sandwich- the BEST chicken sandwich in town! As someone who adores a good chicken sandwich, there is a lot to be said about one whose flavor profile sweeps you off your feet with just one bite. The chicken breast was the juiciest and most perfectly seasoned!!!!! Brined to perfection, this chicken breast was amazingly juicy. Placed on a sweet toasted buttery bun and topped with Maggi-mayo and sweet pickles, I was stopped in my tracks by how delicious this was-my goodness! Sweets Gulab Jamun- This is the way to conclude a beautiful culinary experience. The Gulab Jamun was impeccable in taste and I tried a scoop of their ice cream on the side, sending my sweet tooth on the wild side. Both were perfect. Would I return? YES! You probably can't keep me away from this place!!!!! Do I recommend? ABSOLUTELY! Please support businesses that take the time to make their customers feel good all while painting a beautiful story through their dishes. read more
Chai Pani was mildly underwhelming. The service was definitely a strength, including the host/hostesses. But the food left me underwhelmed. I got the chili chicken, which I expected to be spicy and it was. I also tried the okra which was cooked very creatively for a dish that is hard to make good. I ended with the lamb shank, the quality of the meat and how it was cooked was very good, but the sauce it came it was so spicy it made it hard to enjoy the dish. I love Indian food and Indian food fusion, and I'm used to the spice that comes with it, but between the chili chicken and lamb shank it felt like they were spicy for no reason, the spice didn't seem to enhance the flavor experience. I will say the drinks were solid, including the mango lassie. Overall, good spot and I recommend it - it just didn't quite meet expectations but the expectations were very high. read more
My wife and I recently ordered for a takeout dinner the okra fries, dal makhani, naan, and the cheese uthappam. While the delivery person through a third-party app took a while, the food was still warm when it arrived. The okra were quite salty, although deliciously crispy and seasoned. The cheese uthappam was the star dish-extremely flavorful, the perfect amount of cheese, amazing texture, and the coconut sauce was an ideal complement. The naan was rich and buttery, and the dal makhani was smoky, well-seasoned, and nicely salted. I highly recommend Chai Pani and I look forward to having Chai Pani again! read more
29 days ago
Really enjoyed Chai Pani overall. The disco bhel was one of my favorites and genuinely reminded me of bhel in Mumbai. The butter chicken was tangy instead of overly sweet, which I loved. The chili chicken and sabudana tots were also good, while the paneer tikka was just okay. For dessert, the bhapa doi was the standout, though the ginger cake shahi tukra was good too. The restaurant has a fun, colorful atmosphere, but the service felt rushed. Our 8:30 p.m. reservation was the last slot, and the server pushed us to order and tried to clear plates before we were finished. I understand it was the last reservation of the night, but guests should still be able to enjoy their meal without feeling rushed. read more
The photo experience begins before you enter the restaurant. The decorations add to the cheer inside. Chai Pani is location close to Union Market. We visited as soon as the place opened at 11:00am. The place fills quickly. If you are visiting for dinner, make a reservation. Parking is sometimes available nearby. When we see a spot, we grab it. There were tons of choices. The toasted SPDP was chilled, but accurately described. I didn't carefully read the description. It is full of powerful flavors. The Vada Pav looks like sliders. It is vegetarian. The mint chutney is good. The fried chilis are not hot. The Daal Makhani was a religious experience. The lentils are topped off with yogurt. They are baked overnight. Just delicious! The rice was a nice touch. It was a flavorful meal. The restaurant is colorful and fun. We'll be back. read more
This has been on my list to try since I saw them building it and well worth the wait! The decor on the outside is fun, whimsical, and whisks you away to India. The same bright colors and style follow through inside. As soon as you walk in, you're enamored with the most delicious scents that automatically get your stomach growling. We had a reservation and were seated promptly. Our waiter came over shortly and went through the menu concept and gave us her recommendations. Since they use a shareable plates style, it allows you to try many options. We started off with the chai tea which was a strong start. We decided to get the chili chicken, KFC chicken sandwich, and the lamb as our main entree. WHEW. Everything was a hit. The chili chicken was fried perfectly and paired well with the rice. The KFC sandwich was amazing. Crisped to perfection and the sauce on top took it over the edge. The lamb?! Tender to the touch. Every time we tried to pick it up to divide it, it kept falling apart. Definitely looking forward to coming back. read more
A fantastic experience from start to finish. We came for brunch and here are our hits and misses: Chai: elaichi (cardamom) chai, which I enjoy but fair warning if you don't like elaichi In your chai. Came piping hot with two parles and after coming in from a brutally cold walk it was the perfect thing to warm me up. A hit! Cardamom old fashioned: my husband wasn't sure he would enjoy cardamom in this drink but was pleasantly surprised -- it added sweetness but didn't overwhelm. For a whiskey fan, a hit! Sweet potato chaat: so I knew it would be sweet given the name and main ingredient but I had hoped the other chutneys/flavors would provide balance. Still ended up too sweet when chaat is supposed to be all the things -- sweet, savory, spicy, etc.. A miss for me. Sabudana vada tots: crunchy exterior with loads of flavor from the curry leaves and soft, chewy interior -- love that they gave us Maggie! Absolutely a hit for us both. Vada pav: you get two, just FYI. Pillowy buns, crisp Vada, loads of garlic chutney which is a must for me. I really loved it. Lamb Kala masala: tender falling off the bone, divine. Spoon some extra sauce/gravy on top and devour like my husband did. Rice isn't really needed but naan is. The entryway and interior is basically a floral explosion, but somehow it's still fun and not overwhelming. Cute touches throughout like a pani puri cart, merch wall, etc.. Servers are busy on weekends because there is quite the rush but they were pros under pressure and never missed a beat. Looking forward to bringing friends and family here! read more
Vibrant decor, friendly staff and delicious food. Nice options on their menu too. I have food allergies and our server was helpful with recommendations. *Sweet Potato Chaat- delicious! The pomegranate brings it all together well *Disco Bhel- was flavorful *Lamb- nothing stand out, but ok We'd definitely come back. There were several menu items we'd love to try next time, and the excellent customer service makes it even better. read more
Booked far in advance, I got to snag a table at the brand new Chai Pani in Union Market DC. Immediately, I was taken by the beautiful and extravagant decor. The vibe is insane and I love it. From the music walking you in, the cheerful lights and colors outside, and even a photo-op by the front door. I loved the massive chandelier above the check-in, the pani-puri cart (that was out of commission when I went), and the thoughtful cricket accents on the back wall (and there's even a merch wall!). We started with a raspberry lime Rickey and a tamarind cola to drink - both super unique and delicious. For an NA option, I highly recommend!! The food was great and shareable, which made it easy to share several dishes. Lots of bold flavors came from the SPDP (a fan favorite puri puff), the cheese uttapam (a little more pancake than I was expecting, was hoping for more of a flaky texture), the tamarind-glazed spare ribs (my #1!!!), and the yummy butter chicken. I wish I had more room to add in a paneer and a KFC sandwich, but this was actually the perfect amount of food for 2. We finished with a bhapa doi which I loved - a sweet custard dotted with garnishes. Our service was extremely attentive, we got great recommendations, and the food was served quickly. I'd definitely recommend stopping by and I look forward to going back and trying more of the menu! read more
6 months ago
I've been here twice and the food was hit or miss for me. For instance, our friends raved about the okra fries but I didn't find them flavorful - just salty. I did like their eggplant dish, which they recently took off of the menu. I also recently had their tots, which are made with tapioca and delightful when paired with the spicy ketchup sauce. Their grilled paneer is also plated beautifully and absolutely delicious! Service is ok. Everyone is nice but out of every 3 people we interact with, only 1 is particularly responsive. Hopefully that'll only get better and better with time. read more
3 months ago
While I've been to the Asheville location I've been dying to try out the new D.C. location since it's my hometown. Gotta get there early if you don't have a reservation, but it's worth it. KF C sandwich was excellent, as were the cocktails and atmosphere. Will definitely come back read more
Ambiance and vibes are nice. It wasn't my favorite Indian spot, I went with a couple of my brown friends and they said the same. It's an Americanized Indian spot. However, it doesn't mean it wasn't a good spot and worth another visit. Just set your expectations, it's not super authentic tasting. We tried booking a reservation a week in advance, but they were completely booked. They do allow walk-ins, which we did. We arrived at 11:10 am right around the time they opened. People were already going in to get seated. We were able to get a table, but only for 1 hr. Staff were kind enough not to rush us since food and drinks took some time to come out. They said the food comes out as made. So we all waited for everyone to get their food before we ate. Can be weird to start eating while others watch you.... The table ordered: Butter chicken 3.5/5 (super sweet, weird added taste to it like it was sitting in the fridge and reheated) Naan 2.5 / 5 (tasted like the Firestone Costco brand) Vttapam 3.5/5 my friend said it wasn't bad, but not authentic tasting KFC Sandwhich 4/5 solid, just another chicken sandwhich, but wasn't anything crazy Lamb Kala Masala 4.5/5 amazinggg fell off the bone and well seasoned!!! Chai 4/5 great flavor and loved the traditional cookies it came with. Mango Lassi 5/5 flavor and consistency was perfect! Perfect amount of sweetness too Drinks - aesthetic and good. Overall, it was a fun experience. If someone says they really want to go there I wouldn't be opposed to it. I would try something new or get the Lamb Kala Masala. read more
7 months ago
4.5 stars. Come with a big group to share! Lots of Indian street foods that are very shareable. Very fun and colorful decor and also merch! Reminds me of Dishoom a bit. It's pretty spacious, but still recommend making a reservation. Our server was very friendly and had very fun energy. They have an amazing list of drinks here - non-alcholic and cocktails! It was very hard to choose, but my favorite was definitely the chai (hot one comes with a Parle-G cookie)! The Tamarind Cola was a little too sour for me. My favorite food items are basically the Chaat category: SPDP (pani puri), Disco Bhel, Desi Salad, Matchstick Okra Fries, and Kale Pakora Chaat! All had amazing flavors and texture!! Other things we tried that were solid, but not the star: Chilli Chicken, Tamarind-Glazed Spare Ribs, KFC Sliders, Sloppy Jai (lamb sliders), and Butter Chicken. These items were not bad, but I probably would not order them again and try other things. I actually really liked the Parsi Shrimp Patia. I don't get to eat a lot of Indian seafood dishes, so this was really nice. I would skip the Cheese Uttapam. I didn't like it at all. Near the end of our meal, management had to apologize since they neede to move us to outside since another table was waiting. They gave us all free dessert and every single person a mango lassi (7 of us LMAO) We enjoyed the mango lassi and the Parle-G ice cream a lot! The Gulab Jamun was solid too since it wasn't too sweet. The Bhapa Doi was okay, but not sure if I would get again. Overall, a fun time and would come back more good times!! read more
Wow! Exceeded the hype! Located in Union Market, Chai Pani draws you in with its colorful decor and upbeat Indian music. The inside had such a cool design with a large bar, booths, and tables. Everywhere we looked, something caught our eye. Service was fast and friendly with great explanations of the dishes. They packed a lot of flavor into the dishes and while we sampled 6 or so, we are already looking forward to our next visit. Our favorite was the kale pakora chaat and chili chicken, and the fried okra was also very good. The spicy dish for $4 was a great addition if you wanted to spice up your dishes. They have creative takes on cocktails with the tamarind old fashioned being really tasty and the mango lassi was also delicious. They get crowded so book ahead or swing by during the lunch hour if able! read more
OMGGG SOOO GOOD! Felt like I was walking into someone wedding festivities and ready to start dancing hahah their music playlist legit has all the classic wedding dance songs! Oh and the decor was WOWW! Def takes you to an Indian wedding vibe and just makes you excited to try the food. Make sure to get the masala chai cuz wow someone finally got it right with the perfect amount of ginger and spice. We enjoyed the mango lassi, butter chicken (naan was ok.. could be better) and then the kale chaat was delicious! The food is all halal too which was awesome. Make sure to save room for desert and get gulaab jammun. Can't wait to be back! read more
6 months ago
Amazing!! Can't rave enough about the flavors and food here at Chai Pani. I went with two of my girlfriends and the service was superb, I wasn't a fan of my first cocktail and our server was kind enough to switch it for another and was so lovely about it. We asked her about her thoughts between 2 dishes we wanted to share and she ended up sending one of those dishes on the house. Really exceeded expectations on all fronts. Large restaurants with amble seating and while it was very busy we did not feel crammed and enjoyed our evening catching up with each other. My favorite dish was their kale fritter dish (not pictured) it was so flavorful and crunch, unexpected favorite of the night. Followed by their spare ribs, perfect sweet and tangy profile. We definitely will be back! read more
I haven't had Indian food in a long time. Chai Pani fulfilled my cravings and then some! I didn't have a reservation but I magically snagged a spot for two. My friend and I split the butter chicken and kfc sliders. It's a different kind of delicious folks!! I'll gladly return here !! read more
I dined at Chai Pani the night before Thanksgiving with my big bro and big sis, and it was such a wonderful experience! I'm so happy this restaurant is in my neighborhood, and I can't wait to dine there again! Drinks: We started with the Cardamom Old Fashioned and the Tamarind Margarita -- both so flavorful and unique. The perfect way to kick off the night! Food: We ordered a little bit of everything: Sweet Potato Chaat, Chilli Chicken, Tamarind Spare Ribs, the KFC Sandwich, and the Methi Malai Muttar Paneer. We shared it all (minus the ribs since I don't eat pork ). My absolute favorites were the Sweet Potato Chaat and the Chilli Chicken -- SO good! Service: Our server was fantastic and offered great recommendations so we could try a variety of dishes across the menu. After dinner, we moved to the bar for another round and ended up closing the place down. The bartender was super kind and didn't rush us -- even when giving us the gentle "it's time to go" heads-up . Ambiance: From the outside it looks larger than it is, but the space is cozy, colorful, and beautifully decorated. The tables near the hostess stand would honestly make great additional bar seating, and there's room for one more table. The vibe fits the cuisine perfectly -- warm, vibrant, and full of personality. Pricing: Prices are pretty standard for the Union Market area, so don't expect it to be cheap. The portion sizes could be a bit larger for what you pay, but they weren't too bad overall. Pro Tip: Make a reservation well in advance -- this place stays busy, and walk-in wait times can get long. A delicious, lively, and memorable night. So glad to have this gem right in my neighborhood! read more
Finally made it out here, and it's a cool mix of modern and traditional Mumbai vibes. The ambiance alone makes the trip worth it. You feel like you're transported straight to India. Had the bhel, dahi puri, and vada pav, and all were really tasty. Prices are a bit on the higher side, but you're paying for the experience, so it's understandable. The staff was attentive, and I appreciated the good recommendations they gave. I'm definitely planning to come back for a special occasion, but it's not really the kind of place I'd hit up all the time. Luckily, I scored reservations, so I was able to finally check it off my list. Glad I made it! read more
8 months ago
This place is a real treat! Great energy and vibrant decor when you walk in. The hostess Julia was very welcoming and friendly and talked me through Pani Puri (the street cart/station) at the front to have something to nibble on while you wait. Genius ideas. It was a crunchy crisp ball filled with chickpea and a tamarind sauce and spicy sauce which you can top with jalapeño or onion. It was delicious and a great intro to what awaited. All their cocktails are made in batch. I had golden hour which had turmeric. It was very sippable throughout the meal but for $16 I didn't need 2. Our waitress Anisha was an absolute delight! Friendly personable and really helped elevate the dining experience. The kale chips are addicting and a much. Imagine kale tempura-like fried sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and drizzled with 2 creamy sauces. Salty and sweet with a hint of fruitiness. The butter chicken and naan was perfect. The kabob was pricey for the portion but the meat was cooked exquisitely and melted in the mouth. The chilli chicken was good but you can get that anywhere. I would recommend for a picky eater. It's a safe bet. We did the spicy plate which is good for those that need some heat. It was a pretty spicy sauce and some peppers. Love this place and may be a staple whenever I am in DC read more
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Chai Pani - indpak - Updated August 2026
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