Chai Pani Decatur- Indian Street Food

Warning:  The following may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13 and those with sensitive stomachs

We finally made it to Chai Pani after planning and replanning this trip.  The problem is we went prior to going to the PGA Tour Championship.

Note to self, do NOT ever eat spicy Indian
 food when you know you are going to be walking around in 90 degree weather and drinking beers for the next five hours.  But, as Dan said, once I get something in my head, there is no talking me out of if.

But I digress.  Chai Pani lives up to the hype and was absolutely delicious.  It's a great venue and even a greater value.  The decor is modern, but casual in a very non pretentious way.

Believe the Hype

Loved the Bollywood pics adorning the walls.  In true hipster restaurant fashion, you order up front and they bring the food to your table (except on weekends).  The Huffington Post named Chai Pani one of the Top 10 Cheap Eats Restaurants in the Country!

The literal translation is "Bring Tums"

We started with the infamous Kale Pakoras.  It's kale fritters made with a curried chick pea batter.  LOVED the green chutney as well.  This may be in my top 5 appetizers now.

All Hail the Kale.  If all else happens to fail, order the Kale.  (I'm here all week)

We ordered three main dishes.  The Sloppy Jai was great.  It's spiced ground lamb hash with that green chutney again and sweet yogurt.  Great lunchtime item.  It's got a kick to it.  They do remind me a little of the sliders at Hankook/ Yumbi as well.

Sloppy and satisfying.  They should have named it the Lindsay Lohan

My buddy BMac got the Thali with Chicken.  This was both authentic and satisfying.  Almost as good as my man Ajay's mothers Thali.  

And then the Kathi Kabab Roll.  This dish has both the Chicken and the Egg for protein, though I'm not sure which came first.  They also use Tandori and Cilantro spices.  Though I liked the Sloppy Jai better.

Not Surprisingly, Martinez went with the dish that most resembled a burrito

For just $.99 more you can get a side of the Daal.  Do it.  It's like a chicken broth on steroids, but without the needles.

Not to be confused with former Dodgers Pitcher, Omar Daal

http://www.chaipanidecatur.com/

Overall, Chai Pani lived up to the hype I've been hearing about.  If you find yourself in Decatur make sure you have an appetite and give it a shot.  Just don't exercise afterwards.  Oh and bring Tums.

Today's Footnote #1:  The PGA Tour Championship at East Lake is a great event.  They don't let many spectators in, so it is one of the best spectator events in all of sports.  If you ever get a chance to go, do it.  It's right in East Atlanta, so it's extremely convenient.  

But whatever you do, don't walk around with Indian Spices burning up your insides.

East Lakes 17th Green

Final Footnote:  Cadamom Hill is on Scoutmob!  If you want a great upscale Indian Restaurant at a discount, this is your chance!  This is one of the best meals in Atlanta.  I implore you to try it (and get the egg appam with shrimp for an appetizer)  

https://scoutmob.com/atlanta/deals/4594?ref=deal_idx_newest

http://thedryrub.blogspot.com/2013/02/cardamom-hill-wow_3.html