Meet Chef Sahar Siddiqi of Chai Pani

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Chef Sahar Siddiqi has been with Decatur staple Chai Pani since 2019. Chai Pani first opened in Asheville in 2009, then expanded to Decatur, GA in 2013 (and we are so thankful they did! Can you imagine Atlanta without Chai Pani?!) We partnered up with Sahar and the Chai Pani team for a meal kit featuring Atlanta Cheese Company's paneer–the paneer they use in-restaurant at Chai Pani and the paneer we use in our meal kits here at G&G. We asked Sahar a few questions about her background and her tips for home chefs, so keep reading to learn more!

How did you first step into the world of cooking? Did you always know you wanted to be a chef?

I have always had a deep obsession with food. A lot of this came from growing up as the daughter of immigrants whose parents loved to eat and cook, using food as a way to connect us to their home. I also grew up right outside NYC, so I was always surrounded by the best food scene in the world and so much diversity.

Tell us about Chai Pani! When did the restaurant first open?

Chai Pani first opened in March 2013. It's wild to think this little Indian restaurant has become a neighborhood staple in Decatur, GA.

How and when did you first join the Chai Pani team?

I started working for the company in 2019, when I made the big shift to step away from fine dining and move toward food that I felt truly connected to. I basically harassed our owner, Meherwan Irani, until he gave me a job. I was way too confident and told him that he "needed" me.

We love that you use Atlanta Cheese Co’s paneer in-restaurant at Chai Pani–the same paneer we use in our meal kits! What do you think makes it stand out from other paneer?

It's the best paneer you can buy! Amarish uses dairy from Southern Swiss Dairy, a local dairy that also provides our milk for the restaurant. He uses simple ingredients, which is all paneer is!

When you aren’t at Chai Pani, what are some of your favorite places to visit, dine, and hang out here in Atlanta?

I live in the EAV area and have 2 young kids, so we're big fans of anywhere we can bring them and have a delicious meal. I am currently obsessed with the new Mushi Ni in Inman Park and Spina Pizza in Reynoldstown. Raani coffee is my favorite coffee shop. Evergreen Butcher & Baker is the best bakery and butcher shop in the world. We also love Tum Pok Pok, dim sum at Oriental Pearl Seafood, Pakistani food at Mughul's - we're 100% always on board for a Buford Highway trip. So. Fox is on our list for our next date night (which will probably be in 2 years =)) There's too much good food in ATL, we are spoiled.

What is your number one piece of advice for home cooks?

Don't take it too seriously. Everyone is always so obsessed with perfectly measuring everything, timings, and the right spices. Cooking is an art - it's ok to swap things out, omit things, and also completely mess it up! Just don't burn it - it will probably be delicious. Recipes are guidelines.

The meal kit Sahar created for G&G will be available here 11/6–19! We can't wait for you to try it. There are two versions available: one vegetarian featuring Atlanta's Cheese Company's paneer, and another with chicken breast.