Opening on Thursday, December 17

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 third opening of a Botiwalla, with other locations in Atlanta and Alpharetta (temporarily closed at the moment). This will be the first restaurant tenant for space.

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