Streed cred

For chef Meherwan Irani, winning a James Beard Award is a crucial step towards putting authentic Indian food on the global map.

- SHARANYA DEEPAK

In the month that Chai Pani opened in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2009, the whole town pitched in by cooking, serving and promoting their new spot. “Kind of like that scene in Kal Ho Naa Ho!” says chef Meherwan Irani gleefully. The food—which included a delightful portion of okra fries (airy, crispy and doused in lemon); the Sloppy Jai, a spicy, juicy burger which was a take on the popular American comfort food; and a quintessential Indian thali—was robust, delicious and honest. Much of it still remains on the menu today.