Meherwan Irani has spent time as a jewelry importer, car salesman, computer builder, and luxury real estate agent, and is now living his best life as a chef, restaurateur, and spice mogul. Meherwan is changing the perception of Indian culture in America through his spice empire Spicewalla and his obsession with Indian street food, which is on full display at his trailblazing restaurants, Chai Pani and Botiwalla, and in his debut cookbook, No. 1 Best Indian Cookbook in the World. Along the way he’s been named host of bon appetit’s Street Eats: India video series, one of Time’s People Changing the South, a Food & Wine Gamechanger, Southerner of the Year, and has won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. Meherwan grew up in Ahmednagar, a small town in Maharashtra, India, and came to the U.S. at age 20. He now lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with his wife and business partner, Molly, and a minimum of two goldendoodles at all times.
In celebration of Diwali, Molly and Meherwan Irani of Asheville’s celebrated Chai Pani join longtime friend Chef Troy MacLarty for a special evening at Bollywood Theater, featuring dishes inspired by Meherwan’s new cookbook alongside Bollywood Theater favorites.
Authors and acclaimed chefs Molly Irani and Meherwan Irani sit down with renowned chefs and coauthors Sara Mardanbigi and Edgar Rico to discuss their recent publications and experiences building community through food. Joined by moderator and fellow chef, Farideh Sadeghin, both pairs move beyond their recipes to share the cultures, upbringings, and people that inspired their successful businesses.
