Washingtonian 100 Very Best · Indian Street Food · Union Market
By Monty Khas, Anonymous Critic. Pays every bill.
In 2022, a cheerful chaat house in Asheville, North Carolina, won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, beating out some of the country's most celebrated dining rooms. That restaurant was Chai Pani, and its Washington outpost at Union Market brings the same joyful energy to the capital.
The people
Chai Pani is the creation of Meherwan Irani and his wife, Molly Irani. Meherwan grew up in India and built the brand around the snacks he missed most: the chaat, rolls and street-side bites that people eat standing up, laughing, with friends. The DC location opened in 2025 and was soon ranked No. 29 on Washingtonian's list of the 100 Very Best Restaurants.
The room
The space is big, about 4,000 square feet, and designed to feel like a Mumbai street festival. Hand-painted murals and bursts of color cover the walls, and the noise level says everyone is having a good time. It's the kind of place where kids, grandparents and first dates all fit in.
What to eat
Start with SPDP, crisp puris stuffed with potato and drenched in yogurt and tamarind chutney. It's sweet, tangy and crunchy, and the plate disappears fast. The matchstick okra fries are a must, thin, crisp and spiced so well they turn okra skeptics into fans. Kale pakora chaat swaps the usual onion fritters for crispy kale, then piles on yogurt and chutneys.
From the sigri, the charcoal grill, the blistered okra skewers are smoky and simple. The Sloppy Jai, a spiced take on the diner classic, has its own fan club, and methi malai paneer is the rich vegetarian pick. If you can't decide, a family-style thali gives you a little of everything.
Before you go
Chai Pani is at 1325 5th Street NE, in the Union Market district. Parking can be tight on weekends, so the Metro or a rideshare is easier. Book ahead for prime time, or come early for lunch.
Why it matters
Chai Pani is proof that street food deserves the same respect as fine dining. It's playful and affordable, and it makes Indian flavors feel welcoming to anyone who walks in. For many diners, it's the best first step into Indian food, and for desi diners, it tastes a lot like home.
The Quick Fix
What to order: SPDP; matchstick okra fries; kale pakora chaat; something off the sigri grill; a thali; chai to finish
Pricing: Mid-range. Great value for a crowd.
Best for: Families, groups, first-timers to Indian street food, lunch and casual dinners at Union Market
How it compares: The most fun chaat in town; more polished than Bombay Street Food; less of a cocktail scene than Tapori; the best intro to Indian street food for non-desi friends
See where Chai Pani ranks: The Best Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi Restaurants in Washington D.C.: Our Top 10 for 2026
The food was always this good. We're just paying attention.