Botiwalla to bring grilled Indian street food to Raleigh Iron Works

Axios

29-07-2025

Botiwalla, a grilled Indian street food restaurant from the chef of Asheville's Chai Pani, will open in the Raleigh Iron Works development early next year.
Why it matters: This is the fifth Botiwalla location for chef Meherwan Irani, who is also the co-owner of Chai Pani, which won the James Beard Foundation's"most outstanding" restaurant award in 2022.
Botiwalla also has locations in Asheville, Charlotte and Atlanta.
What to expect: The Botiwalla concept is an homage to Irani Cafes, which are popular in many cities in India.
The Persian-inspired eateries are known for their tea and late-night foods, and Botiwalla's menu includes dishes like okra fries, lamb burgers, kebab rolls and salad and rice bowls.
It will also serve a collection of fizzy drinks, slushies, hot chai and lassis, a cold yoghurt-based drink.
What they're saying: "The Triangle area has long been at the top of our list of cities to open in," Irani said in a statement. "It has a special connection with Asheville as well as a passionate and diverse culinary scene, food-obsessed locals, and a vibrant Desi community."
The big picture: It's also another coup for the growing food scene at Raleigh Iron Works, which was completed in 2023 and has added a range of restaurants, shops and office tenants.