Chai Pani Wins James Beard Award

from ASPIRE · 2022 · VOLUME 4

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At the 2022 James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago, Asheville’s Chai Pani was named “Outstanding Restaurant,” a recognition honoring the finest establishments and chefs in the culinary industry.

MOLLY MILROY PHOTO

“Our goal is to bring the vibrancy of the streets of India into our restaurant space — we do this by engaging all of the senses. From the rhythm of Bollywood music to the smell of fresh roasting spices to the mouthwatering food, we are taking our guests on an adventure to India.”

Meherwan Irani.

“The honor of this award means so much,” said Molly Irani, hospitality director and co-founder of Chai Pani. “It’s an acknowledgment that belongs to our team who show up every day with the goal of excellence.”

Specializing in intricate Indian street food, Chai Pani has been well known for its delicious and tantalizing cuisine amid a cozy, welcoming ambiance since it opened in 2009 on Battery Park Avenue in downtown Asheville.

“Our goal is to bring the vibrancy of the streets of India into our restaurant space. We do this by engaging all of the senses,” Irani said. “From the rhythm of Bollywood music to the smell of fresh roasting spices to the mouthwatering food, we are taking our guests on an adventure to India. And we execute this adventure around a shared mission of blowing people away with how much we care.”

Alongside her husband, Executive Chef Meherwan Irani, who hails from India, the couple has created one of the most beloved and soughtafter foodie experiences in Southern Appalachia.

“Restaurants are a gathering place. As our world recovers from the strain and trauma of the pandemic, restaurants will be one of the vehicles that brings us back to each other again,” Molly said. “Running a successful restaurant is not an easy task, but there’s nothing we would rather do. We love the energy of a packed house, making amazing food with love, nurturing and growing our team.”

And with the recent Beard Award, Chai Pani also tips its hat to its Asheville culinary colleague, the renowned Spanish tapas restaurant Cúrate, who took home “Outstanding Hospitality” at the ceremony.

“[Curate co-owners] Katie [Button] and Félix [Meana] brought an elevated dining experience to Asheville. We’re over the moon to have two Asheville restaurants celebrated by the James Beard Awards,” Molly said. “We know the passion and attention to detail that they pour into their business, and it shows. We’ve been alongside each other in our restaurants’ journeys, and have called on each other for support and advice over the years. So, it feels extra special to celebrate this accomplishment together.”

When asked about the Asheville restaurant scene being recently ranked as Yelp’s top foodie city in the United States, Molly can’t help but be proud of the constant evolution of inspiration and creativity flowing out the kitchen and onto the table in our region.

“To have the quality of locally-sourced ingredients paired with such talented chefs, makers, and artists in such a small town is incredibly unique,” Molly said. “There’s a spirit of inspiration rooted in the earth here, and in the area’s history, where independent, hands-on businesses thrive and set the tone of our town. It’s an honor to work among the craftspeople, artists, and small business owners here. It’s a community of locals who really show up in support.”