Indian street food restaurant inspired by tea and kabob houses opens in Charlotte
Optimist Hall’s upstairs restaurant wing is now open with Botiwalla, an Indian street-food restaurant inspired by kabob and tea houses.
If you’ve heard of Botiwalla, it may be because it has another location. James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef Meherwan Irani opened the flagship location in 2016 in Atlanta’s Ponce City Market. Irani also owns Chai Pani, with locations in Decatur, Georgia, and Asheville, Buxton Hall in Asheville and Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken in Asheville. Irani also has a retail spice shop, Spicewalla, in Asheville.
“My mission with Botiwalla is to bring the streets of India to life — the glowing charcoal sigris, the sizzling meats, the aromas of chaat masala — in the most delicious way possible,” Irani said in a statement. “I’m excited to bring this passion to Charlotte at our new location within Optimist Hall.”
The menu includes grilled chicken, lamb, and paneer wrapped in hot naan with fresh herbs, smoky Lamb Burgers, chaat such as SPDP (Sev Potato Dahi Puri) and Masala Smashed Potatoes and its famous Desi Salad. You can also find boozy slushies, afternoon high tea, and retail items including Spicewalla’s spices.
Botiwalla will operate under limited hours (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) until its grand opening on Thursday, Dec. 17, where it will will be open for regular lunch and dinner hours every day (11 a.m.-9 p.m.).
The restaurant will join other Optimist Hall retailers Archer Paper, Ava Pizzeria, Bao & Broth, Billy Sunday, Botiwalla, Boxcar Betty’s, Collier Candy Co., Dumpling Lady, El Thrifty Social Club, Felix Empanadas, Fonta Flora Brewery, Harriet’s Hamburgers, Honeysuckle Gelato, Papi Queso, Pet Wants, Spindle Bar, Suárez Bakery & Barra, Undercurrent Coffee, Velvet Taco, Village Juice and Zukku Sushi. Other spaces opening soon include Mezeh and Xiao Bao.
Botiwalla
Optimist Hall, 1115 N. Brevard St.
Instagram: @Botiwalla
Delivery will be available beginning next week.
This story was originally published December 15, 2020 at 10:21 AM.
