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Masala Chai Brings Authentic Indian Street Food To Myrtle Beach!

By Megan Burke Friday, July 13th, 2018

Craving something a little different? A vacation is a perfect time to experience something new and unexpected, and that’s just what you’ll get at Masala Chai.

A recent addition to the Myrtle Beach culinary scene, Masala Chai is the first restaurant in the area to offer authentic India street food. A growing trend, ‘street food’ is slowly taking foot in Myrtle Beach with events like the annual ‘Food Truck Festival’ and with many local restaurants opening their very own food trucks.

Masala Chai’s mission is to offer simple, fresh, and truly authentic Indian food items at a reasonable price. The owners are truly passionate and excited to share their culture and cuisine with Myrtle Beach!

Now let’s talk food. In general, the menu features a variety of appetizers and shareable plates, wraps and handhelds, ‘street classics’, and curries. Let’s break that down a bit.

The starters include items like ‘Onion Bhaji’, which are fried onion fritters, ‘Samosa Chaat’, which are traditional samosas topped with chickpeas, onions, and chutney, and the ‘Pani Puri’, which are crispy cracker balls stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and chutney - a signature Masala item.

PS - in case you’re unfamiliar, ‘chutney’ is a spicy condiment made with fresh fruits or veggies, vinegar, spices, and sugar. You’ll see this referenced a lot in India cuisine! Masala Chai

The wraps come with several protein varieties, including chicken, lamb, and ‘Vada Pav’, which is described as a native dish of Bombay comprised of spiced and fried potatoes.

The ‘Street Classics’ are where the fun really begins, with several items that are probably unfamiliar to many visitors. Slurp on the ‘Vegetable Hakka Noodles’, which are a popular Indo-Chinese style vegetable noodle, or nosh on the ‘Masala Dosa’, which is actually a think and crispy crepe stuffed with Masala potatoes and chutney. Other street snacks include the ‘Vegetable Uthappa’, a rice-lentil pancake topped with fresh vegetables and chutney and the ‘Biryani’, slow-cooked layers of basmati with saffron and spices topped with your choice of protein.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Indian food experience, fret not. Masala Chai also offers a wide variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries. A few notable favorites include the ‘Saag Paneer’, which features homemade cheese and fresh spinach simmered in a cream sauce, and the classic ‘Butter Masala’, which features shrimp or chicken slowly simmered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce.

Of course, it wouldn’t be true Indian cuisine without plenty of homemade naan and Masala Chai’s breads do not disappoint! Offered in both classic and garlic flavors, be sure to order a side of this mouthwatering carb.

In addition to classic Indian cuisine, Masala Chai also offers a variety of traditional Indian beverages, including coffees, teas, and juices. Of course, you can still grab your favorite soda or a sweet tea if that’s more your style.

Masala Chai is the ideal spot to experience an eclectic dining experience. Gather with friends and family to share new and exciting dishes or order a few snacks to-go!

You can visit Masala Chai at 9713 Kings Highway or call (843) 945-5047 for more information.