When it comes to dining out, I love the flavor profile of Indian food! Cardamom, curry, cumin, and coriander give Indian cuisine a unique, rich, and comforting flavor profile that I often find myself needing. And during a visit to Asheville, I was able to try both Chai Pani and Botiwalla, the acclaimed restaurants from Chef Meherwan Irani. Both were beautifully decorated with a menu that brings flavor out on high. So I was absolutely ecstatic that Botiwalla would be opening up its fourth location, right here in Raleigh. I was able to stop in during its grand opening week along with another visit, and here’s why you should check out Botiwalla, stat!
Botiwalla in Raleigh – Location, Interior
If you’re heading over to Botiwalla, you’re likely familiar with Raleigh Iron Works and its parking options. But Botiwalla sits in the middle of the development, conveniently next to the parking structure at the Forge and across the street from a dirt parking lot. As you approach Botiwalla, you’ll likely be serenaded by some India-Bollywood music. Bold signage with “Botiwalla” in gold lettering greets you from the restaurant’s front fascia. Clamber up the stairs, pull open the door, and you’ll immediately see the front order counter. It’s quick-casual here at Botiwalla, which fits in with its street-food focus.
Peering around Botiwalla’s dining room, you’ll find a large open space with lots of sunlight pouring through the windows. The premium corner spot means you get to watch all the pedestrian traffic walking by at Raleigh Iron Works! Inside, there are nods to Indian and Bollywood culture in the form of murals, prints, knick-knacks, and more.
The signage is bold and bright, in a nod to its Indian roots. It all feels like a refreshed American take on a classic Indian eatery. There’s plenty of seating ranging from 4-tops, to booths and covered patio seating. Every time I’ve come to Botiwalla, I notice something new. There are Indian products throughout the space, pictures on the walls, and lots of things to look at in their dining room.
Botiwalla in Raleigh – Menu, Food
Now let’s talk about the food at Botiwalla! In Indian, “botiwalla” loosely means “kebab guy” so you can expect proteins skewered on a stick and grilled. Botiwalla has wraps, salads, and bowls on the menu along with a handful of chaat (starters), Peering through the short menu it all feels pretty familiar to me, but the types of Indian eats they are offering are more of the hand-held, casual variety. No expansive thali plates here or long list of Indian faves with a choose-your-protein (chicken, lamb, paneer, fish) option.
One of Botiwalla’s most popular starters is their okra fries! Take thinly sliced okra, drop it in the fryer, and then dust it with some tasty Indian flavors. Squeeze some lime on top, and you’re in for a flavor sensation. The Gobi 65 is a crunchy and spicy basket of fried cauliflower served with a ginger-soy sauce, very tasty, and you’ll probably be sniffling after diving into this app. Botiwalla is not afraid to level up on the spiciness of their offerings.
For my hand-helds, I’ve tried the classic chicken tikka roll, which is a buttered, toasted naan wrapped around hearty chunks of white breast chicken and served with Desi slaw, red onions, and green chutney. My favorite is their Maharaja lamb burgers, two large sliders filled with tender lamb patties and topped with slaw and chutney along with a dash of Maggi ketchup (tangy, sweet) underneath. A really hearty offering that will fill you up.
Botiwalla in Raleigh – Service, Conclusion
While it’s a simple quick-casual order setup, service has been fast and thoughtful. The manager does a drive-by to see if you’re happy with your meal. So what can I say? I love my sit-down Indian and Nepali meals, but Botiwalla does a very nice job taking a more modern approach to Indian flavors and food. Usually I do see native Indian people dining there, which makes me confident that the flavors and offerings at Botiwalla are pretty authentic. So definitely stop on by if you’re at Raleigh Iron Works and looking for something different. I guarantee you that you’ll leave Botiwalla happy, full, and maybe sniffling a bit from the spiciness that is delivered here!
A Guide to Food, Restaurants, and Dining at the Raleigh Iron Works