-
Chai Pani
Street Food Indian
Potato-stuffed puris doused in yogurt and tamarind are the opening argument at this Indian street food spot tucked into Union Market. The room is loud and color-splashed in the way that makes you feel like you showed up underdressed no matter what you're wearing. Meherwan Irani, a James Beard Award winner for his Asheville original, brought the concept north, and the DC version has carved out its own following among the city's suddenly crowded field of Indian restaurants.
Two honors, in evidence:
The record strongest first
- James Beard Awards 2026 · Nominee · Outstanding Restaurateur · Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani - Chai Pani Restaurant Group
- Washingtonian #29 · 100 Very Best Restaurants
One number, weighted & current 82
How we scoreThe dishes from the writeups
- SPDP Washingtonian, 2026
- Matchstick okra fries Washingtonian, 2026
Nearby in the record closest first
- Minetta Tavern Bistro French Eat · 62
- Masseria Puglian Italian Eat · 90
- Bar Betsie Eat · 63
- Elcielo Washington DC Eat · 91
- Café Unido Coffee Eat · 79
- Serenata Drink · 80
- Bread Alley Eat · 65
- St. Anselm Eat · 80
Something wrong with this entry? Tell us — closed, moved, miscategorized, we want to know.