CHARLOTTE, N.C. – It’s a crash course in cuisine, that is also a crash course in culture.

Botiwalla is the newest tenet of Optimist Hall, bringing Indian street food to the Queen City.

The restaurant is focused on grab-and-go style options familiar to a native-Indian palate, while making it accessible to American tastes.

“This is an Indian food that’s kind of fresh in its own way because it’s born in the U.S.,” Culinary Director Daniel Peach says.

Owner Meherwan Irani came from a family of restaurateurs in India, and Botiwalla is the 4-time James Beard-nominated chef’s first restaurant in Charlotte.

“Someone who’s never had Indian food in their life can walk in here, understand what’s going on, and have a great experience,” Peach says. “And someone who just moved here from India can come in and be immediately transported back home.”

Botiwalla is located at 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, N.C. It is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Halal-friendly options are available. Visit Botiwalla's website, Instagram, and Facebook.