Chef behind Asheville's Chai Pani to open Botiwalla in Raleigh

Botiwalla, a much-anticipated Indian street food restaurant from the chef of Asheville's acclaimed Chai Pani, will open in Raleigh Iron Works next Tuesday, June 2.

Why it matters: This is the fifth Botiwalla location for chef Meherwan Irani, who won the James Beard Foundation's "most outstanding" restaurant award in 2022.

• Botiwalla also has locations in Asheville, Charlotte and Atlanta, and Irani is still in the running for the 2026 Outstanding Restaurateur award from the James Beard Foundation.

What to expect: The Botiwalla concept is an homage to Irani Cafes, which are popular in many cities in India.

• The Persian-inspired eateries are known for their tea and late-night foods, and Botiwalla's menu includes dishes like okra fries, lamb burgers, kebab rolls and salad and rice bowls.
• It will also serve a collection of fizzy drinks, slushies, hot chai and lassis, a cold yoghurt-based drink.

Zoom in: The Raleigh location is 4,000 square feet and has 80 indoor seats and 30 seats on its patio.

Location: 2221 Iron Works Dr., Ste. 120, Raleigh, NC 27604

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11am-9pm

• Friday through Saturday, 11am-10pm.
• Monday hours are coming later.