When you think of street food, do you imagine standing around in the wind and rain, huddled outside a cart or kiosk freezing cold? If the answer is “yes”, then Chai Naasto is here to blow away your preconceptions and quite literally sweep you off your feet!
Having originally opened in Beckenham, Chai Naasto has just opened their second site in London in Hammersmith. Home to the best street food India has to offer, everything at Chai Naasto can be enjoyed whilst sitting down and savouring the atmosphere in a cool and fun environment that takes inspiration from the country’s colourful history and culture. Because great street food, doesn’t have to mean great discomfort!
But what does “Chai Naasto” actually mean? The word “chai” means tea, while “Naasto” means tapas-like snacks. The name was inspired by the beloved Indian tradition of enjoying a delicious snack and washing it all down with a hot cup of tea. However, if you’d prefer something stronger, Chai Naasto have you covered, because alongside a lip-smacking selection of filling and flavoursome street food, there is also a quirky and rustic bar serving a range of refreshingly, original cocktails and craft beer.
Just as India as a country is constantly changing and growing and moving forward, so too is the menu at Chai Naasto. While it is a restaurant that wants you to be able to sit comfortably whilst enjoying the very best in Indian street food, the ever-developing choices on offer are sure to keep you on your toes! The menu is guaranteed to offer up new and tasty surprises every month, from hearty kebabs to scintillating curries, alongside custom offerings for kids, vegan and gluten-free options and a wide range of drinks, teas and truly tasty desserts.
With family playing such an important part in Indian culture, it may come as no surprise to learn that Chai Naasto is a family affair. Run by three brothers, each with a distinct personality and each taking charge of a different aspect of the business, the unique and unforgettably tasty street food they offer takes its cue from the cherished home-cooking of their beloved grandmother, or “Nani”. The brothers have taken this passion for traditional cooking and transported it to a setting that is energetic and forward-thinking.
So next time you desire some exciting and fresh street food, let Chai Naasto transport you to intoxicating India via the wonderful restaurants they’ve created!