
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Chai Pani? Check out our FAQ’s below.
Didn’t see an answer? We’re here to help. Contact us!
What hours are you open?
Asheville
Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Mon-Sun
Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm every Sun-Thurs and till 9:30 on Fri and Sat nights
Decatur
Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Mon-Sun
Dinner 5:00 pm - 9pm Sun-Thurs and till 10:00 on Fri and Sat nights
D.C., Chai Pani @ Union Market
Lunch 11:00 am - 2:30 pm Mon-Sun
Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Mon-Thurs and till 10:00 on Fri, Sat and Sun nights
Can I make a reservation?
In D.C., Chai Pani @ Union Market accepts reservations via OpenTable and are highly encouraged! We do keep a few tables for walk-ins, but booking ahead is your best bet. Please include all guests, including the little ones, in your reservation count so we can plan accordingly. No tables available? Hit the “Notify Me” button on OpenTable, and you’ll be the first to know when a reservation opens up.
In Asheville, NC, and Decatur, GA, we don’t take reservations, but our hosts are happy to add your name to the waitlist. We can fill up quickly, come hungry, and we’ll get you take care of you.
Can we bring a large party?
We love it when friends and family eat together, the more laughter, the better! Each Chai Pani can accommodate groups of up to 12 guests. For parties larger than that, we’ll do our best to seat you nearby, but we can’t guarantee one big table. Wait times for large groups may be a little longer than average
In D.C., limited reservations for groups of 7–12 are available on OpenTable. If you don’t see availability, we’re likely booked for that time.
Please note that a 20% service charge is added to parties of 6 or more.
Do you have parking?
Asheville: Free street parking throughout the South Slope neighborhood, plus nearby paid lots and garages (closest is on Coxe Ave).
Decatur: Parking in the lot around our building and on nearby streets. After 5:30 PM, you can also park in the Sharian Rugs lot a few doors down.
D.C., Chai Pani @ Union Market: Several parking options nearby. It can get busy on nights and weekends, so it's best to add 15 minutes before your reservation to find parking.
Do you have a kids’ menu?
We sure do! We’ve got kid-friendly favorites, and little ones are welcome to order from the main menu too.
Can you accommodate strollers and wheelchairs?
Absolutely. We’ve made sure our spaces are accessible and welcoming for everyone.
Do you have highchairs or booster seats?
Yes indeed! We’ve got both. If you’re visiting Chai Pani DC @ Union Market, please include the littles in your reservation guest count so we can plan seating accordingly.
Do you have outdoor seating?
Decatur: Yes, we do! Check in with the host first, and they will get you seated outdoors or indoors, your choice!
Asheville and D.C: Indoor seating only
Are pets allowed?
Service animals are always welcome at every location. Non-service animals aren’t permitted inside, but in Decatur, well-behaved furry friends are welcome to join you on the patio!
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! We’ve got plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal diets. All of our meat, except ribs, is halal. Just ask your server for guidance or check out our menus online.
Do you have a full bar?
Yes, indeed! Each Chai Pani features a full bar with craft cocktails, beer, wine, and creative non-alcoholic beverages.
Can I order takeout or delivery?
Yes! Order online for in-person pickup or through DoorDash and Uber Eats delivery services. Please note that you can order through the delivery services from our Decatur restaurant during dinner only, and during lunch only at our Asheville restaurant.
During peak busy hours, online ordering I may be turned off so we can focus on our in-house guests’ experience. We do take in-person orders, but not phone orders.
Do you do catering?
Yes, we love feeding your crowd!
Asheville: Catering info here
Decatur: Catering info here
DC @ Union Market: Coming soon!
Can I book a private event?
Sure can! Asheville has its own private dining room. Check it out here
Decatur & DC: Limited options, but drop us a line at info@chaipani.com and we’ll see what’s possible.
Can I buy a friend a gift card?
Yes! You can grab gift cards online or in person at any Chai Pani.
They’re valid for dine-in and online orders, just not orders through DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Can I buy Chai Pani merch?
You’ll find cool hoodies and tees right inside our restaurants, plus a limited selection online. And to bring big flavour home with you and season fearlessly, we’ve got Chef Meherwan’s line of Spicewalla, or visit www.spicewallabrand.com for the full lineup.
When will your cookbook be out?
We’re this close to two big, mindblasting moments. Pre-order Service Ready by our very own co-founder & Chief Hospitality Officer, Molly Irani, detailing the journey of food, heart, and mindblasting hospitality done the Chai Pani way! Follow @MollyIrani for book tour dates.
And stay tuned for Chef Meherwan’s cookbook, dropping soon!
Follow @MeherwanIrani for release updates and sneak peeks
How can I learn about employment opportunities?
We’re always looking for people who want to bring more joy into the world with mindblasting hospitality. Check out our Jobs Page to see openings across all Chai Pani locations.
Do you make charitable donations?
We love doing good with good food. Giving back is part of who we are. We tend to focus on food insecurity & childhood hunger, restaurant worker support and local schools that are located within a few miles of one of our locations.
How can I provide feedback?
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to info@chaipani.com and we promise to get back in touch.