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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.
The awards strongest first
- James Beard Awards 2026 · Nominee · Outstanding Restaurateur · Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani - Chai Pani Restaurant Group
- The Infatuation #24 · Top 25: The Best Restaurants In Washington, DC
- Washingtonian #29 · 100 Very Best Restaurants
One number, weighted & current 85
How we scoreThe dishes from the writeups
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Sloppy jai
“The Sloppy Jai, made with spiced lamb, green chutney, and sweet yogurt, is a staple of the Asheville restaurant, and it’s served here as two small pav sliders, ideal for sharing.”
The Infatuation -
Kale pakora
“order a spread of chaat like the excellent kale pakora, with a batter so light and crispy you’ll swear they found a way to deep-fry air”
The Infatuation -
Matchstick okra fries
“No meal is complete without snacks like SPDP—potato-stuffed puris with yogurt and tamarind—and matchstick okra fries.”
Washingtonian, 2026 -
SPDP
“No meal is complete without snacks like SPDP—potato-stuffed puris with yogurt and tamarind—and matchstick okra fries.”
Washingtonian, 2026
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The neighbors closest first
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- Masseria Puglian Italian Eat · 90
- Bar Betsie Eat · 63
- Elcielo Washington DC Eat · 91
- Café Unido Eat · 79
- Serenata Drink · 80
- St. Anselm Eat · 80
- Bread Alley Bakery Eat · 65
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