Photograph by Michael Files
Kudos to Meherwan Irani, who sticks to his spicy Indian roots in his six-restaurant mini empire. At Decatur’s Chai Pani, locals crowd the colorful space for street snacks, ranging from matchstick okra fries and puffed flour crisps stuffed with potatoes, onions, and cilantro to a humorously named Sloppy Jai (lamb hash simmered with tomatoes and ginger and served on a bun). 406 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, 404-378-4030, chaipanidecatur.com
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