Chai PanivsSunny Point Cafe
Chai Pani and Sunny Point Cafe are both endorsed by professional reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, Chai Pani scores marginally better than Sunny Point Cafe. Chai Pani comes in at #6 in Asheville with positive reviews from 3 publications like Fodor's, Lonely Planet and Frommer's.
Chai Pani
Fodor's
Condé Nast Traveler
Frommer's
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
The Infatuation
Bon Appétit Condé Nast Traveler
National Geographic Condé Nast Traveler Show All Reviews
22 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, NC 28801-2715
From $5/night
Fodor's "In a pleasant small space with photos of India on the walls, enjoy classic snacks like bhel puri or green tomato pakoras fried in a curried chickpea batter." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "What were your first impressions when you arrived?
Chai Pani is a blast of color, street art, and music that resembles a dizzying ride down one of Mumbai's crowded streets." Full review
Frommer's "Named one of the "Top 10 Cheap Eats in the US" by Huffington Post...since the food is all based on meals that are whipped up on the street corners of India in minutes, service is super-speedy. " Full review
i
Be sure to try the bhel puri, an addictive mix of puffed rice and chickpea noodles in a tangy tamarind chutney.
Travel + Leisure "Don’t miss the James Beard Award-winning restaurant Chai Pani, which serves mouthwatering Indian street food like chicken tikka rolls, crispy pakoras, and butter chicken in a colorful space"
The Best Food Cities in the U.S.
March 19, 2023
Travel + Leisure "Irani’s first restaurant, Chai Pani, which opened in 2009, shows off the biggest hits of his childhood: uttapam, a pancake made with a rice-and-lentil batter; chicken pakora, juicy yet fried crisp"
The Infatuation "One step inside Chai Pani is enough to make you feel like you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole. With its sky-high ceilings, pink and blue walls, and neon murals and garlands, this..." Full review
Bon Appétit "Meherwan Irani's Chai Pani in Asheville, North Carolina, was named Best Restaurant"
Condé Nast Traveler "Chai Pani is serving Indian street food in an expanded space with exciting new dishes—but don't worry, their beloved matchstick okra fries are here to stay—and chef Meherwan Irani is..."
National Geographic "Vegan-friendly Chai Pani steers diners away from the wedding banquet cuisine of more classical Indian restaurants toward the colorful, texture-rich delights of Bombay street food. "We..."
Condé Nast Traveler "Meherwan Irani owns the James Beard Award–winning Chai Pani, located on a hill in downtown Asheville, which escaped the worst of the storm, allowing Irani to swiftly respond to the crisis..."
Sunny Point Cafe Fodor's
Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide The Infatuation
Lonely Planet
626 haywood rd, Asheville, NC
From $0/night
Fodor's "Sunny Point is the quintessential West Asheville eatery: food is simple, delicious, and not too expensive; dogs are welcome; herbs and some veggies come from the restaurant's organic garden next door; and there's almost always a line." Full review
Afar Magazine "Want a great breakfast or brunch? Then make sure to give yourself plenty of time to visit Sunny Point Cafe in West Asheville." Full review
i
Then make sure to give yourself plenty of time to visit Sunny Point Cafe in West Asheville.
Travel + Leisure "Known for its all-day comfort meals made with local ingredients and a farm-to-table approach...the coffee is bottomless and the bloody mary is spicy"
The 15 Best Breakfast Spots in the US
May 19, 2023
i
Try the chipotle cheddar cheese grits or the carrot hotcakes topped with sweet cardamom cream cheese and maple syrup.
Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand
"Serving up heaps of comforting breakfast fare since 2003, Sunny Point Café is indeed a warm and genial spot. Located in West Asheville, the café offers plenty of outdoor seating, as well..." Full review
The Infatuation "The lines at this brunch spot are absurd, but Sunny Point’s garden courtyard and picnic tables turn the wait into an event of its own. You should occupy yourself with generously-poured..." Full review
CNN Lonely Planet "Breakfast on the patio at Sunny Point Café is a recommended start to the day"
5 Asheville neighborhoods you need to visit now
September 15, 2021
