Botiwalla Opens Monday at Ponce City Market; What You Need to Know [Updated]

Another space inside Ponce City Market's Central Food Hall is coming to life. Botiwalla, the Indian street food venture from the folks behind Chai Pani, officially opens to the public on Friday Monday, representatives for the market tell Eater Atlanta.

Update: Reps originally said the restaurant would open Friday, but the launch date has been changed to this Monday, April 11.

"We are excited to see the dream of Botiwalla turn into a reality," Chai Pani executive chef Meherwan Irani said in a prepared statement. "Introducing bold flavors to the community is something we take a great pride in, and Ponce City Market is an ideal home for our mind-blasting creations."

When Boti begins service, here's what diners can expect:

• The space takes inspiration from India's open-air street cafes. The Chai Pani team partnered with DeCarlo Architecture to create "a vibrant mishmash of design cues stemming from the humor and vibrancy of the streets of India." Look for hand-painted signs, posters, and "authentic Indian relics."
• An open kitchen with a large charbroil grill and tandoori oven serve as the restaurant's centerpiece.
• The menu focuses on tandoori and kebabs. Grilled meats — such as skirt steak marinated in vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chilies; chicken tikka with tandoori spices; lamb seekh kabab with cream, mint, and pistachio — are served on housemade naan, parathas (flaky flat bread), and pav (soft roll). Vegetarian kababs, salads, and snacks are available too.
• Boti boasts all-natural and sustainably sourced meats — chicken, fish, lamb, pork, and steak.
• The team is still working on acquiring a liquor permit, and once it's in hand drinks include non-alcoholic and alcoholic cocktails. The menu was developed by beverage pros at Chai Pani's Decatur and Asheville outposts, along with those at sister restaurant MG Road Bar & Lounge. Diners can quench their thirsts with an assortment of lassi shakes, rickeys, large-batch and bottled cocktails, and local beers.
• "Indian-style high tea" is served during afternoons.

Botiwalla is located on the first floor of the Central Food Hall, between Dub's Fish Camp and Jia. Regular hours and a full menu weren't immediately available. Eater Atlanta has reached out for more information.

Update: With final inspections passed, Botiwalla will officially Monday evening at 6 p.m.