After a long drive on a chilly evening, the thought of a satisfying dinner was all that kept me going. I was familiar with the dining scene around Chagrin Boulevard, a lively area in Beachwood known for its diverse food options. But this time, I was on a mission to try something new and exciting: an Indian restaurant, but with a fast-casual twist, serving up dishes like chicken tikka with the speed and convenience of a Chipotle. Intrigued? I certainly was. My destination was Choolaah Indian BBQ, and it promised to be an experience worth remembering.
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Walking into Choolaah, the first thing that struck me was the bustling atmosphere. The glass-walled dining area was packed, filled with groups of people clearly enjoying their meals. It was a diverse crowd, suggesting that Choolaah’s appeal extended beyond just those already familiar with Indian cuisine. Large families gathered around tables laden with colorful bowls and freshly baked naan, creating a lively and welcoming ambiance. The second notable feature was the impressive row of tandoor ovens, prominently displayed near the open kitchen. These weren’t just for show; they were a testament to Choolaah’s commitment to authentic cooking methods, even in a fast-casual setting. Despite the modern, almost concept-restaurant feel, and the friendly, slightly rehearsed greeting (“Is this your first time with us?”), I felt a sense of reassurance that I was in for a genuine and delicious Indian Fast Food experience.
Then I glanced at the menu, and my eyes immediately locked onto the samosa chaat. In the middle of Ohio, on a cold night, the prospect of enjoying one of my all-time favorite Indian street snacks was irresistible. Choolaah’s menu described it as their “signature samosas” served with chana masala, yogurt, and sweet and tangy sauces. While the marketing language was a bit much, the craving was real. I had to try it. What arrived was a generous serving of four perfectly crispy samosas, filled with spiced potatoes and peas, generously bathed in flavorful curry and sauces. For a surprisingly affordable price, this samosa chaat was a delightful treat, easily comparable to what I used to enjoy at my favorite Indian restaurant back in Queens. It was a nostalgic and comforting taste of authentic Indian street food, unexpectedly found at a highway exit in Ohio.
At that point, the samosa chaat alone had already made the visit worthwhile. The fact that you could find such quality Indian street food so readily accessible was impressive. But my curiosity was piqued, and the freezing temperature outside encouraged me to explore more of what Choolaah had to offer.
The story behind Choolaah is as interesting as the food itself. Founded by Clevelanders Simran and Randhir Sethi, along with partner Raji Sankar, Choolaah began in 2014 as a tribute to the traditional Indian stove, the chulha. Interestingly, the founders honed their restaurant operations skills through managing Five Guys franchises. Before launching Choolaah, the Sethis dedicated two years to recipe development in India, ensuring the authenticity and quality of their menu. The concept quickly became a success, and Choolaah has since expanded to multiple locations across Northern Virginia, suburban Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Their commitment to fresh, wholesome ingredients is evident. They avoid artificial additives, source quality meats and poultry, and use custom spice blends. After enjoying the samosa chaat, a chicken tikka bowl, naan, and rice, I was surprised by how light and satisfied I felt. And the price point was comparable to a standard fast-casual meal, making it an excellent value.
Choolaah’s menu is designed around the customizable bowl concept, a staple of the fast-casual dining experience. You have the freedom to build your bowl with various bases, proteins, and sauces, catering to different spice preferences and dietary needs. Beyond bowls, they offer naan wraps filled with options like halal lamb or tandoor-cooked paneer, sourced from local Amish cheesemakers. Another unexpected highlight is the pav bhaji, a flavorful Mumbai-style vegetable curry served with buttered rolls – another dish you wouldn’t typically expect to find in a fast-casual Indian restaurant. Choolaah also caters to various dietary preferences with a good selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. For families, they offer kid-friendly naan pizzas, and for dessert, there’s cardamom-infused ice cream and Alphonso mango kulfi, alongside the refreshing mango lassi. True to American fast-casual culture, they boast an array of house-made sauces to complement every dish.
Choolaah is part of a growing wave of Indian fast-casual restaurants aiming to make authentic Indian flavors more accessible. While many unique, independent Indian restaurants exist, several mini-chains are also emerging. Curry Up Now in San Francisco, though sometimes venturing into fusion territory with items like chicken tikka burritos, is a notable example. Tarka Indian Kitchen in Texas focuses on more traditional dishes with freshly made naan. Kati Roll Company in New York has been serving Calcutta-style wraps for years, and Denver’s Biju Little Curry Shop shows great potential. However, Choolaah’s approach stands out. They offer a balanced combination of delicious, healthy food, authentic flavors, reasonable prices, and efficient service, backed by an experienced management team. Hopefully, we’ll see more Choolaah locations popping up near highway exits across the country soon, making quality Indian fast food a readily available option for everyone.
