James Beard-Nominated Chef Opens Popular Indian Restaurant Botiwalla in Charlotte

Asheville-based chef Meherwan Irani (of Chai Pani fame) will officially open Indian street food restaurant Botiwalla on Thursday, December 17, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Located in the multi-use complex Optimist Hall, this will be the second Botiwalla, with another spot in Atlanta. This will be the first tenant for in the upstairs restaurant wing of Optimist Hall.

The new location from the James Beard-nominated chef will offer tandoori and kebab wraps, lamb burgers, Desi salads, chaat, and other foods inspired by tea and kabab houses of India.

In 2018, Irani told Eater Atlanta that he wanted to expand the concept to up to 50 locations. He wanted to open something fast, fun, approachable, and affordable without being a full, sit-down, “chef-driven” restaurant like his Decatur and Asheville-based Chai Panis.

Irani opened Indian restaurant Chai Pani in Asheville in 2009, and it was an instant hit with locals, and the media quickly took notice. He has since expanded with a Chai Pani location in Decatur, Asheville-based Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken, Asheville barbecue restaurant Buxton Hall, and multiple Botiwalla restaurants.

Take a look around the Charlotte location here.

Night Watch Crew

Night Watch Crew

Night Watch Crew

Night Watch Crew

Night Watch Crew

Night Watch Crew

Botiwalla will open for lunch and dinner every day from 11:00am – 9:00pm.

• Botiwalla [Official]
• Meherwan Irani Plans to Expand Indian Street Food Empire [EATL]