Chai Pani DC
Restaurant · Capital City Market
1325 5th St NE Suite A, Washington, DC 20002
Highlights
Indian street snacks, family meals, okra fries, sesame martini
Indian street snacks, family meals, okra fries, sesame martini
"You don’t have to look too hard for goodIndian foodin DC.Rasikahas the fine-dining market cornered,Pappeis great for takeout, andDaruserves things like chicken tikka tacos that you won’t find anywhere else in town. Chai Pani in Union Market is the latest addition to this bustling scene." - Jonathan Smith
"The original Chai Pani revolutionized the dining scene in Asheville by giving the star treatment to Indian street food. It’s since expanded to become one of Atlanta’s best restaurants as well. Now a second offshoot is slated to open at the foot of an apartment complex in DC. Even though it’s in a neighborhood that’s now practically overflowing with new, buzzy restaurants, we anticipate this one is still going to draw long lines for its okra fries and kale pekoras." - allie conti
"The original Chai Pani revolutionized the dining scene in Asheville by giving the star treatment to Indian street food. It’s since expanded to become one of Atlanta’s best restaurants as well. Now a second offshoot is slated to open at the foot of an apartment complex in DC. Even though it’s in a neighborhood that’s now practically overflowing with new, buzzy restaurants, we anticipate this one is still going to draw long lines for its okra fries and kale pekoras. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Allie Conti
"The James Beard Award–winning Indian standby from Asheville and Atlanta is opening a Union Market location; chef‑restaurateur Meherwan Irani flew up to serve one of his hit sandwiches, the Sloppy Jai: open‑face pav topped with a spicy lamb hash, sweet yogurt, and green chutney—an aromatic bite that pairs perfectly with an ice‑cold beer. The restaurant group is also expanding elsewhere in the District, with a Botiwalla fast‑casual branch slated for Tenleytown." - Emily Venezky
"The lunch buffet is legendary: for about $20 you can get unlimited saag paneer, butter chicken, naan, and uttapam (a savory semolina-and-veggie pancake). A lesser-known highlight is the sesame martini, made with gin fat-washed with roasted sesame oil in-house; it’s a savory cocktail that “smells like lo-mein” and is praised as brilliant with Indian food. You can order it as-is or as a dirty version with a splash of olive brine." - Henna Bakshi
