Chauhan Ale and Masala House — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

Recently stopped to feast at the Chauhan Ale & Masala House on a family trip to Nashville! The overall experience was inviting, unique, and allowed our group to expand our food palette!

First things first, our waiter was incredibly knowledgeable, which was a huge plus. Once he knew it was our first time, he gave us a brief overview of the restaurant’s history and concept. He took us through the menu explaining various items on the menu and made recommendations along the way on appetizers and entrees. The ambiance of the restaurant was great - it felt very cozy and inviting! Perfect for a group of 6, like us, who wanted an opportunity to relax while chatting and listening to one another.

For appetizers, we ordered his three recommendations: the whipped paneer, gol guppa shots, kale pakora, and chicken kababs. Out of these 4, the Kale Pakora was my absolute favorite. I am not a big fan of kale, but these were delectable at an every bite and not incredibly heavy! This was the perfect shareable appetizer for our group of 6. I guess the saying that anything tastes better fried remains true! The Whipped Paneer was also a huge hit at the table - perfectly salty and refreshing! The naan that came with it was also fantastic; soft, warm, and fresh! We added another order of naan for the table with our entrees, because it was just the perfect addition.

For our entrees, we split 3 proteins, which were combined with 3 curries: the coriander salmon with Moilee (Waiter Recommendation Combo), the braised pork shank with Korma, and the Braised Lamb with Korma. My personal favorite with the Salmon with Moilee - it was very refreshing and perfectly seasoned! The salmon had been crisped just right as well. And the Moilee curry combo really elevated the experience with the salmon by giving it a slight coconut flavor without it being too overpowering! The Braised Pork Shank and the Braised Lamb were both incredible as well - well seasoned, juicy, and perfectly tender! The Korma curry added a nice nutty, rich flavor! All these brought sides of basmati rice with peas - I personally loved this side and found the basmati rice fluffy! I found the basmati rice and peas paired incredibly well with the coriander salmon with Moilee combo.

Out of the 4 appetizers, the Gupta Shots surprised me the most! I had never tasted anything like it. It was really interesting and would highly recommend trying it at least once! It is a cold appetizer, so that’s something to keep in mind. Great recommendation from the waiter! Though our group probably could have used some instructions on how to eat it, since it was our first time trying it. 😂 We all did it differently, which led to some interesting moments with the cilantro water, haha!

The only truly disappointing item was the Roti. It was hard and cold when it arrived at the table. It was unfortunate, because we were looking forward to trying it! It made me wish we had ordered a different shareable side. The Chicken Kabobs were good, but definitely not something I would re-order. It left something to be desired and was the least memorable of the items we tried. I think there were some more interesting appetizers, like the Delicata Squash or the Tandoori Poutine, that I would gravitate towards trying next time.

Overall, it was a great experience! I would definitely consider revisiting if I was in Nashville again. Thank you to the staff at Chauhan Ale & Masala House for the...

I was looking forward to eating here because someone in my party had eaten here and raved about it. The food lived up to the hype 100% but I wish my service was on the same level. We had dinner here with my family of 6. We had a reservation for 5:30pm. To our surprise, we were put into a booth and it was pretty tight with our elbows touching, we asked for another table and was denied, our server stated it was booked by other people—that’s okay. But the issue was our server Pratik G. He would disappear for some time and it would take some time and looking around for him until he came back. We had to wait for him to order food, for our water/drink, for our check, at one point he looked at our receipt and money and walked past the table. One time we waited so long, we saw him chatting away. The tables next to ours were served by another man, and the difference in service levels was far. I think it may be an independent situation, unique to the server since I heard the service was amazing for my friend on her first time here.

On to the food, we ordered the following: Tandoori chicken poutine Desi chicken and dumpling side 2 orders garlic Parmesan naan 1 braised beef French onion naan Braised pork shank with tikka masala 2 Lamb chop with korma Braised chicken with moilee

The tandoori chicken poutine was a hit with our table, the portion was big, there were plenty of cheese, chicken, and fries. The flavor of the appetizer was great and it seems to be a popular item amongst the diners.

The Desi chicken and dumpling was part of the sides on the bottom of the menu, the flavor was lacking compared to the other items on the menu so we would probably not order it again.

The garlic Parmesan naan and braised beef onion naan is a must for your table. Both naans had so much flavor and was so good by itself or dipped in a curry. The braised beef onion naan was filled with beef and came with a dipping sauce that was so delicious and rich.

The braised pork shank and lamb chops were so beautifully presented! The lamb chops have this perfect char on them and came with sauce on the bottom which we dipped the lamb in. The dish had 6 lamb pieces, 2 attached at a time. The lamb chops were so delicious that we ended up ordering another one afterwards. The braised pork shank was tender and fell off the bone! It was flavorful and had quite a bit of meat.

One of my favorite dishes of the night was the braised chicken with moilee. It was a coconut flavor curry and had plenty of chicken. It was so delicious on rice or on the naans.

Overall, the food here was AMAZING. It lives up to its hype, it’s different and non traditional but still very much Indian food. I love the fusion takes it has and the meat options, including beef items that are on the menu. The service we received was not good, good service would have made the experience much better. Also, I know there’s nothing restaurants can do about booked tables but maybe do not seat 6 seaters in booths? Touching elbows while eating is my biggest pet peeve. I am already recommending this restaurant to my friends! The food is really good and it is not that expensive. There will be an auto 20% charge for parties...

Nestled in the heart of Nashville, Chauhan Ale & Masala House offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends bold Indian spices with the rich, comforting elements of Southern cuisine. Helmed by celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan, this restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers seeking an innovative take on traditional flavors.

Ambiance & Atmosphere From the moment you step inside, Chauhan Ale & Masala House exudes warmth and character. The interior is a harmonious mix of rustic and modern, with exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and vibrant décor that reflects both Indian heritage and Nashville’s contemporary dining scene. The energetic yet inviting ambiance makes it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.

Food & Flavor The menu is a testament to Chauhan’s culinary creativity, featuring a diverse array of dishes that push the boundaries of traditional Indian fare. The Tandoori Chicken Poutine is an instant standout, merging the Canadian comfort of poutine with bold Indian spices, tender tandoori chicken, and a rich, flavorful gravy.

For those who enjoy seafood, the Goan Curry Mussels offer a delightful combination of fragrant coconut, curry, and a subtle heat that lingers with every bite. Meanwhile, the Lamb Keema Papadi Nachos take a classic bar snack and elevate it with spiced ground lamb, yogurt, and tamarind chutney, making for an addictive and well-balanced dish.

No meal here is complete without an order of Garlic Naan, perfectly charred and soft, or the indulgent Garam Masala Pork Belly, which melts in your mouth and delivers an explosion of savory and smoky flavors.

Cocktails & Drinks The restaurant’s bar program is equally impressive, featuring a curated selection of house-made cocktails, local beers, and an extensive whiskey collection. Clay Anderson, beverage director, does a fantastic job of merging Indian flavors into unique modern cocktails while still making them approachable for any palate. Clay also makes a mean Grasshopper, so be sure to ask for one at the tail end of your meal.

Service & Experience Service at Chauhan Ale & Masala House is impeccable. The staff is knowledgeable, offering insightful recommendations and guiding diners through the menu with genuine enthusiasm. Despite the bustling environment, the attention to detail and hospitality ensure that every guest feels well taken care of.

Final Thoughts Chauhan Ale & Masala House is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. By marrying Indian flavors with Southern comfort, Maneet Chauhan has created something truly special in Nashville’s food scene. Whether you're a longtime fan of Indian cuisine or new to these bold flavors, this spot delivers a dining adventure that is both comforting and exhilarating. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a memorable meal with unique, well-executed flavors.

Favorite Menu Item Goan Curry Mussels is the best thing on the menu by far. Do yourself a favor and try this dish, it is truly life changing. Also, pro tip, order the Goan Curry with any of the meat options, it is rich, tangy, and a perfectly rounded in every sense of...