(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
ASHEVILLE – The opening of an Indian street food eatery’s newest location comes in a milestone year for its sister restaurant, Chai Pani.
On Oct. 4, Botiwalla by Chai Pani – Downtown Asheville will open at 11:30 a.m. at 22 Battery Park Ave., the original location of the Chai Pani.
Chef Meherwan and Molly Irani introduced the 2022 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Restaurant on Sept. 23, 2009.
Chai Pani relocated to a larger venue at 32 Banks Ave. in the South Slope brewing district in May.
On Sept. 23, the Chai Pani team and diners celebrated the 15th anniversary of the flagship restaurant as they prepared to open its third Asheville establishment.
“That one moment, that leap of faith and courage, would change our lives forever,” Molly Irani, who’s also the chief hospitality officer, wrote in a newsletter published on Sept. 23. “We’ve come a long way in these 15 years, but one thing remains the same ― the gratitude Meherwan and I feel for getting to work alongside such big-hearted people. The reality that this is what we get to call our work is one of the greatest blessings of our lives.”
Botiwalla – Downtown Asheville and beyond
Chai Pani set the course for the Asheville-based multi-brand company, which now has several eateries across the Southeast.
CPRG also owns the Spicewalla spice brand.
Botiwalla – Downtown Asheville, a fast-casual, counter-service concept, will be the fourth from Chai Pani Restaurant Group.
Two Botiwalla locations are planned to open next year in Washington, D.C.
Botiwalla debuted locally at 697 Haywood Road in West Asheville in August 2023.
The restaurant group’s expansion is a part of the company’s initiative to change how Indian food is perceived in the U.S.
Botiwalla, inspired by Irani cafés ― or tea and kabab houses ― in India, celebrates India’s late-night food scene where diners could easily find “glowing charcoal sigris and sizzling meats.”
Botiwalla’s menu allows guests to customize dishes like rice bowls and naan wraps stuffed with grilled chicken, lamb, paneer or steak and fresh herbs. Other popular options include lamb burgers, desi salad and chaats.
Botiwalla Downtown will have the same hours as West Asheville, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Follow the Citizen Times for updates.
Botiwalla by Chai Pani – Downtown Asheville
Where: 22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville.
Opening: Oct. 4.
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Info: For more, visit botiwalla.com and follow @botiwallaasheville on Instagram.
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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and covered the arts, entertainment and hospitality in Louisiana for several years. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Botiwalla by Chai Pani’s opening date announced for downtown Asheville
