Chai Pani Decatur
Indian restaurant · Decatur
406 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
Highlights
Indian street snacks, platters, lassis & draft beers in a colorful space
Indian street snacks, platters, lassis & draft beers in a colorful space
"This Indian restaurant is a feast for your eyes (and palate). A kaleidoscope of colors from string lights to bright orange garlands mirrors the colorful dishes packed on every table. Plates like lightly fried okra sliced thinner than a penny, a saucy saag paneer dusted with garam marsala, and creamy butter chicken only sit on the table for a few minutes before being hastily devoured. From the perpetually present crowds to the polished-clean plates at the end of dinner, it all backs why this has remained the top Indian restaurant in the metro for well over a decade." - juli horsford, jacinta howard, nina reeder
"Husband-and-wife Meherwan and Molly Irani are the duo behind this colorful, hip Indian street food-focused space on West Ponce. The interior space is open and inviting with bright colors and beautiful imagery of real Indian street vendors. The menu is brimming with brightly flavored street snacks, like Bhel Puri, Chaat, Tandoori, and Uttapam, which are savory crepes made with rice and lentil batter. A huge part of Chai Pani is the commitment to the innovation and evolution of food along with sourcing local ingredients. They roast and grind all of their own spice blends, and make all of their chutneys and sauces in-house. Fun Fact: Chai Pani translates to “tea and water” and means a small drink or snack. It’s slang in India for going out for a cup of tea, a tasty bite, a snack, or “a little something.”" - Staci Janik
"A Decatur favorite for meetings with contractors, architects, and local industry folks; it can get busy at lunch but quiets down after about 1 p.m., and the atmosphere is described as homey and familiar." - Henna Bakshi
"For light and buttery naan and a rotating daal of the day, order from Chai Pani. This Decatur staple is one of the best affordable restaurants with ample options. From chutney-topped sliders to spice-filled lamb hash, light bites are also plentiful for lunch or late-night snacks. Don’t forget an extra order of chapati and a classic mango lassi, too." - Molly Harris
"Every single dish at Decatur's Chai Pani could compete for best bite of the night—even the free pani puri they offer as you wait for a table (they don’t take reservations). And the kale pakoras fried with a light curried chickpea batter, saag paneer doused in a warm garam marsala, and incredible butter chicken are all dishes that’ll make you wonder if you’ll ever taste a better version in the city. You won’t. Doesn't matter if you stop by their daily lunch buffet ($21 on weekends, $17 on weekdays) or their la carte dinner. The experience is always great, and the place is always lively. Just soak in the dining room’s kaleidoscope of colors, from string lights to bright orange garlands strung from every surface. And breathe easy knowing whatever winds up on your table will be excellent." - juli horsford, jacinta howard, nina reeder
