Chai Pani Open for Business

Chai Pani, an Indian street food restaurant, opened its doors Friday in the old Watershed space at 406 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.

The restaurant website explains the name: "Chai Pani literally means 'tea and water.' It's slang in India for going out for a cup of tea, a tasty bite, a snack, or 'a little something.' "

The husband and wife team of Meherwan and Molly Irani own Chai Pani. They run a restaurant of the same name in Asheville, N.C.

Meherwan said Decatur and Asheville are very similar. "This is almost like a sister city," he said.

The restaurant will be open Tuesday through Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 to 10 p.m. for dinner.

Menu items include Samosa chaat (an appetizer for two) for $7.99, a grilled paneer salad for $8.99, a tomato and cheese uttapam (kind of a crepe) for $9.99, a Parsi chicken burger with a bowl of lentil stew or a side salad for $8.99 and a chicken tenders for kids at $3.49.

Lunch will be ordered at the counter with table service for dinner.

Chai Pani renovated the old gas station space once occupied by .

The chairs and tables were left over, but walls were repainted and decorated with photos from India and Bollywood movie posters.