Chauhan Ale & Masala House in Nashville is owned by Chef Maneet Chauhan, who is one of my favorite. Food Network personalities. So, I was really excited to actually be able to try food from her restaurant.

"Chauhan Ale & Masala House is devoted to creating a unique dining experience in Nashville, Tennessee's bustling food scene. Co-owner and Executive Chef Maneet Chauhan's Indian roots, zest for travel and affection for Southern cuisine have beautifully collided to offer a menu featuring globally influenced Indian cuisine that highlights aspects of the culinary scene not only in Mumbai or New Delhi, but Nashville as well, perfectly combining Indian fare with traditional Southern dishes. Chauhan Ale & Masala House also boasts an exceptional beverage program with a worldwide selection of wine and spirits, cocktails that excite the palate, and an array of beers including Mantra Artisan Ales, carefully crafted to pair seamlessly with the food offerings created by Chef Maneet.

Opened in November 2014, Chauhan Ale & Masala House has quickly become a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike and is a recognized leader in the industry. The restaurant has collected numerous accolades including Best New Restaurant, Best Lunch Spot, Where to Eat Brunch, Best Cocktails, and more from reputable outlets such as USA Today, The Huffington Post, Food Network, Travel + Leisure, Delta Sky, Playboy, Garden & Gun, The Tennessean, Nashville Scene, Eater Nashville, Zagat and Open Table, amongst many others."



The space is lovely, with some Indian touches and colors that make it feel very inviting.



Bri and I shared a few small bites, as this was just the beginning of our food tour. But the menu featured tons of tempting options, like braised pork shank, saag mac & cheese, and gulab jamun cheesecake. 



We went with hot chicken pakoras, which had a house blend spice mix, crispy chicken, and ghost pepper sauce. And yes, it was spicy. Like, so spicy that I only had a few bites. I liked the crunch and the depth of flavor. I love the mash-up of Nashville flavors with Indian spices, though. 



Bri's choice, thankfully, was less of a spice bomb: tandoori chicken poutine. Tandoori chicken, makhani sauce, cheese curds, masala fries.



Much cooler on the palate. The fries aren't the super crispy guys that I enjoy, but they're thicker, potato-y and soft, which allows them to soak up those punchy flavors. 



This was a fun experience because I've seen Maneet on TV so many times. The food was good, the experience was lovely, and I'm happy to have marked it off my bucket list.

Grade: A