Chaatwala — Restaurant in Herndon

Finally I think my search for Desi style Chaat is now over. Just visited ChaatWala in Leesburg (they are located inside Chef Scape) and got Bhel Puri, Gol Gappay (aka Paani puri), Pappri Bhalla chaat.

We started with Gol Gappay and they were decent. Not super amazing but better than everywhere else I’ve had. The water was home made and not typical packet paani masala you get at most places. The puris were surprisingly good, it’s didn’t feel off the selves.

Our fav was their Bhel Puri and Pappri Bhalla chaat. Bhelpuri again had sauces made in house. The ingredients were missed fresh and was not soggy. The sauces was spread such that it looks pleasing to eyes. Mix the bhel and there u have once authentic “Indian” Bhel taste. I think they may have missed the chopped onion in it but it still was delicious. The Pappri Bhalla chaat was something else. The best of the best. The Dahi (yogurt” had right amount of sweet and salt in it. The papris were long and tasted fresh. Had channa (not over load, just the right amount). The bhala chaat actually reminded me of chaat I used to have in uae and karachi.

The owner was very friendly and welcoming. He helped us decide on what to get and was very easy to talk to. They are from Delhi and definitely got taste right from there. Masala chai was ok as I like strong tea and for me it was slightly on the lighter side, and you can ask them to make 3 servings out of two chais (the owner suggested that to us). They also have entree items on their menu and the meat they have is 100% halal (not sure if it’s machine cut or hand slaughtered).

My parents enjoyed the chaat as much as I did and we sure will be regular there. So good to have a nice authentic chaat place right here in Leesburg near ashburn (it’s in the wegmans area across atomic trampoline, inside...

Declining Standards and Disappointing Experience

I’ve been a regular at Chaatwala for over a year based on a recommendation from a family. While the food has always tasted good and the owner is exceptionally friendly, engaging with patrons and creating a welcoming atmosphere, my recent experiences have left much to be desired.

Positive Aspects: Friendly Owner: The owner’s personable approach and conversations with customers add a warm touch to the dining experience. Good Food: The taste of the food has been consistently satisfying.

Negative Aspects: Presentation and Cleanliness: The food presentation is lacking, and the restaurant could benefit from better cleanliness. Reduced Portion Sizes: On my last visit for a pick-up order, I noticed that the portion sizes had been significantly reduced. Despite being assured over the phone that the portions had not changed, my experience suggested otherwise. For example, they insisted they always used half a chili for the mirchi bajji, which was contrary to my numerous previous orders. Quality Control Issues: The items we received were overcooked and burnt, indicating a lapse in quality control. Poor Customer Service: The conversation about the portion sizes was unpleasant, and the call was abruptly disconnected. Although we eventually received a refund, the process was unnecessarily difficult and frustrating.

Given these issues, It makes it hard to recommend Chaatwala. While the scarcity of chaat places in the area might still draw patrons, reducing portion sizes and misleading customers is not acceptable. A better approach would be to adjust prices transparently to manage inflation rather than compromising on trust, experience, portion sizes...

I recently visited the Indian street food restaurant Chaatwala's newly opened location and I have to say, it was an absolute delight. The food was authentic and absolutely delicious, the service was great, and the ambience was perfect for a casual dining experience.

One of the highlights of my visit was the owner and staff. They were really friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The owner was very passionate about the food and it was evident in the quality of the dishes.

What's more, I was impressed to learn that Chaatwala started as a small eatery inside another restaurant, but because of the quality of the food, they quickly grew and opened a standalone restaurant. The prices were also very reasonable, which made it even more appealing.

Another great aspect of the restaurant was the small play area for kids. This was a great feature as it allowed adults to eat in peace while kids enjoyed playing. They are also adding more healthier options including gluten free and sugar free ice creams, which is going to be great for those who have dietary restrictions.

Overall, I would highly recommend Chaatwala for anyone looking for authentic Indian street food. It's a hidden gem that is definitely worth a visit. If you are looking for the best Indian street food, this is the...