I have to admit this was one of the hardest posts I’ve ever written. Why might you ask? Well, I had this amazing secret eatery, that I’m now sharing wtih you. Believe me, when I say this was no easy task, once I hit that Facebook live button I knew my hidden gem would be discovered.
Chai Sai is a quaint yet secluded Indian and Pakistani restaurant. They serve delectable dishes every day without fail, so much so I have never ordered a dish that I did not fall in love with. I know that statement holds a lot of weight, but it is true! Each time I have dined at the restaurant and tried a new dish it was absolutely amazing.
I even took my father who is a total steak and potatoes kind of guy and never really wants to try anything new. I ordered our appetizers and dishes; I nervously watched him eat his food. But that nervousness dissipated after his once full plate was only a few Naan bread bites away being thoroughly clean. If he loved it (and he is the absolute hardest food critic), then I know that you will as well.
So what are my recommendations?
For entrees, I recommend the following:
Lamb Karma – Braised lamb, black cardamom, cumin, and mace. The braised lamb is floating in a delightful stewed sauce along a side of basmati rice. This is my father’s favorite dish.
Achari Chicken – Whole pieces of chicken cooked in pickling spices. The chicken is covered in stewed sauce on top of basmati rice. This dish is my personal favorite and will have you looking over your shoulder to suck that last bit of flavor off each bone.
Fish Shorba – Marinated tilapia, ginger, garlic, crush tomato – The tilapia is sautéed to perfection and lightly covered with crushed tomato, sautéed ginger and garlic will give your taste buds high-fives with each bite.
For appetizers, I recommend the following:
Samosa – This is the Indian version of an empanada. They are slightly crisp on the outside, but amazingly soft when broken into. Each of the flavor combinations, which include vegetable, chicken, or beef are equally delightful.
Fire Roasted Corn – This corn is like anything I’ve ever experienced. The fresh corn is fire roasted and comes with a lime wedge rolled in spices, which provide the right amount of heat that will keep you intrigued to go back for more.
Spicy Mango – If you love mango then you need to place two orders, trust me. The way the spices clothe this succulent fruit is indescribable, bite after bite you try to figure out what flavor you will experience next. But each bite awakens your tongue with a welcoming embrace.
Vegetable Chaat – Chaat or best known as Indian street food. This is one you have to truly experience for yourself. This dish includes a vegetable samosa, yogurt, chickpeas, tomato, garlic, and a host of other vegetables and spices. The plating is so beautiful you almost don’t want to eat it, but after your first bite it’s hard to put the fork down. Your mission at this point is to become an honorary member of the clean plate club. – I’m VIP status, LOL!
Chai Sai is literally in my all time favorite restaurant to dine at in Kansas City. I have tried several dishes here without disappointment, which is very hard for a restaurant to do. The service, atmosphere, and of course food will keep this restaurant as a personal favorite of yours as well.
oh my goodness, this looks delish – great photos and a great share, too bad I live too far to pay them a visit.
I ate at this restaurant yesterday. Thanks for the recommendation. Love everything!
YAY!!! Glad you loved it. It’s one of my favorite spots.