Top 5 Indo-American Dishes to Try at Charcoal N Chill

Let's be real for a second.

You came for the hookah. Maybe it's date night, maybe you're celebrating someone's birthday, maybe you just needed an excuse to get out of the house and sit on a Versace couch for a few hours. Whatever brought you here, the hookah was the main event.

But then... you smell it.

Something incredible is coming out of the kitchen. Someone at the next table just got their Chicken 65, and those crispy, spicy bites look insane. Your stomach growls. You glance at the menu. And suddenly you're thinking, "Wait, should I actually order food?"

The answer is YES. Absolutely yes.

Here's what nobody tells you about Charcoal N Chill: our kitchen doesn't mess around. We're not serving "hookah lounge food" where the menu is an afterthought and everything tastes like it came from a freezer bag. Nah. We're serving legit Indo-American fusion that hits just as hard as the hookah clouds.

I've seen people come in for the vibe and leave talking about the butter chicken. I've watched groups order "just one appetizer to share" and end up ordering three more rounds because they can't stop eating. The food is that good.

So if you're visiting for the first time (or the tenth time and you've been sleeping on the food), here are the top 5 dishes our regulars lose their minds over. Consider this your cheat sheet.

1. Chicken 65

Okay, let's start with the MVP. The legend. The dish that people order, post on Instagram, and then immediately order again.

Chicken 65 is crispy, spicy, tangy, and completely addictive.

Picture this: bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a blend of yogurt, red chili, ginger, and garlic, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Each piece has this insanely crispy exterior that gives way to juicy, flavor-packed chicken inside. It's finished with curry leaves, green chilies, and a squeeze of lime that makes everything pop.

Here's why it's perfect for a hookah lounge: it's finger food that actually delivers on flavor. You can grab a piece between puffs, you're not committing to a full meal, and it pairs beautifully with literally any hookah flavor (though personally, I love it with a fruity blend to balance the heat).

Fun fact: The origin of Chicken 65 is hilariously disputed. Some say it was invented in 1965 (hence the name). Others claim it was the 65th item on a military canteen menu. One story even says it required 65 chilies in the recipe. Nobody actually knows the truth, but honestly? Who cares. It's delicious, and that's all that matters.

If you only order one thing from this list, make it this.

2. Butter Chicken Masala

You can't go wrong with this classic. It's literally impossible.

Butter Chicken is that dish you order when you want maximum comfort with zero risk. Tender pieces of tandoori chicken swimming in a rich, creamy tomato gravy that's been perfected over decades of trial and error. It's mildly spiced (so even your friend who "doesn't do spicy food" will be fine), slightly sweet, and so smooth it's basically edible velvet.

Best enjoyed with our garlic naan, which you should 100% order because you're going to want to soak up every last drop of that sauce. And when I say every drop, I mean people literally scrape the bowl. I've seen it. No shame in the game.

Here's the thing about Butter Chicken: it's the dish that turns people into Indian food fans. Someone comes in skeptical—"I don't really eat Indian food"—and then they try Butter Chicken and suddenly they're planning their next visit before they've even finished eating.

Pro tip: If you're smoking a sweeter hookah flavor (think double apple, peach, or mango), the Butter Chicken complements it perfectly. The creaminess of the dish balances the sweetness of the smoke. Trust me on this one.

3. Cauliflower Bites

Alright, I can already hear the skeptics. "Cauliflower? At a hookah lounge? Really?"

YES. REALLY. And before you roll your eyes, just trust me on this one.

Look, I get it. Cauliflower has a reputation for being boring, bland, and the vegetable your mom forced you to eat as a kid. But here's the thing: when cauliflower is done right, it's absolutely incredible. And ours? It's done right.

Picture this: Crispy florets of cauliflower battered and fried until they're golden and crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside. Then tossed in a spicy, tangy Indo-Chinese sauce that's got just enough kick to keep things interesting. It's savory, it's addictive, and honestly, I've watched dedicated meat-eaters order a second round of these.

Why it works: Because it's not trying to be a meat substitute or some sad "healthy option." It's just genuinely delicious food that happens to be vegetarian. The batter gets crispy in all the right ways, the sauce is packed with flavor (garlic, ginger, soy, chili—the works), and the cauliflower itself has this great texture that holds up to the coating.

Here's the move if you're skeptical: Order it alongside the Chicken 65. Try one bite. I'm willing to bet you'll be surprised. I've converted so many cauliflower haters with this dish that I've honestly lost count.

And for my vegetarian friends: This is your moment. Finally, something on the menu that isn't an afterthought. These cauliflower bites are a main character, not a side quest.

Bonus: They're perfect hookah snack food. Bite-sized, not messy, and you can pop them between puffs without any drama. Plus, they're lighter than some of the heavier dishes, so you can keep snacking without feeling weighed down.

I know cauliflower doesn't sound sexy. But sometimes the most unexpected things end up being the best part of your night. Give it a shot.

4. Chicken Tenders

Look, I know what you're thinking. "Chicken tenders? Really? I'm at an Indian restaurant."

But hear me out.

Sometimes you just want chicken tenders. Maybe you're with a group and someone's being picky. Maybe you've been smoking for an hour and you need something simple and satisfying. Maybe you're just a chicken tender person at heart, and that's okay.

Our chicken tenders are better than they have any right to be. Crispy breading, juicy chicken, served with your choice of dipping sauces (and yes, we have the good ranch). They're perfect for sharing, perfect for kids, and perfect for that one friend who claims they "don't like spicy food" even though you keep telling them most Indian food isn't actually that spicy.

Here's the move: Order the tenders alongside something more adventurous like Chicken 65 or Butter Chicken. That way, the cautious eaters are happy, and everyone else gets to experience the full menu. Everybody wins.

Plus, they're excellent hookah food. Easy to grab, not messy, and you can munch while you're mid-session without any drama.

5. Wings

Okay, controversial opinion incoming: wings might be the most underrated item on our menu.

I know, I know. Wings are everywhere. Every sports bar, every dive, every restaurant with a fryer has wings on the menu. So what makes ours special?

Five words: Buffalo. Lemon Pepper. BBQ. Honey Chilli. Honey Mustard.

Here's the thing about wings—they're only as good as their sauce game. And our sauce game? Elite. We're not talking about those sad, barely-coated wings that taste like regret. We're talking about wings that are crispy, sauced generously, and flavored so well that your table will 100% argue over which flavor is the best.

Let me break down the lineup:

• Buffalo – The classic. Tangy, spicy, buttery perfection. If you're a purist, this is your move. Pairs insanely well with a mint hookah to cool down between bites.
• Lemon Pepper – For people who like flavor without the heat. Zesty, peppery, with that bright lemon kick. Honestly? This is the sleeper hit. People order it as a "safe option" and end up ordering a second round.
• BBQ – Sweet, smoky, sticky goodness. If you grew up on BBQ sauce, you already know what's up. This is comfort food in wing form.
• Honey Chilli – This is where things get interesting. Sweet honey meets spicy chili in a way that's somehow both and neither at the same time. If you like a little adventure with your food, go here.
• Honey Mustard – The crowd-pleaser. Tangy mustard balanced with sweet honey. Perfect for the person who can't decide between sweet and savory because why choose when you can have both?

Here's the pro move: Order a variety. Get 2-3 flavors and let the table try everything. Wings are made for sharing, and honestly, the flavor debate is half the fun. I've seen full-on arguments break out over whether Lemon Pepper is better than Honey Chilli. (It's Lemon Pepper, by the way. Fight me.)

Why wings work at a hookah lounge: Because they're the perfect hand food. You're sitting around, smoking, vibing with friends, and you want something you can grab without interrupting the flow. Wings check every box. Plus, they're substantial enough to keep you satisfied without making you feel too full to enjoy the rest of your night.

And let's be honest—there's something deeply satisfying about eating wings while sitting on a Versace couch. It's fancy-casual in the best way possible.

The Real Talk

Here's what makes Charcoal N Chill different from other hookah spots: we actually care about the food. Like, really care.

Our kitchen isn't an afterthought. It's not frozen appetizers thrown in a fryer. Every dish is made fresh, seasoned properly, and served hot. We're blending traditional Indian flavors with American comfort food in a way that actually works—not just throwing things together and calling it "fusion."

So yeah, come for the hookah. Stay for the Versace couches, the belly dancing shows, the Afrobeats nights, whatever brought you here.

But don't sleep on the food. You'll regret it.

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P.S. If you order Chicken 65 and don't post it on Instagram, did it even happen? Asking for a friend. 📸🔥