New Indian BBQ Restaurant Opens in Mosaic District

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Choolaah Indian BBQ, a fast-casual Indian restaurant, officially opens this week in Fairfax’s Mosaic District, the restaurant announced Tuesday.

Choolaah will offer customizable made-to-order dishes rooted in authentic and traditional Indian flavors and served in a modern way. The name “Choolaah” is a play on the term “sanjha chulha.”

In ancient Northern India, people would meet and gather around a neighborhood sanjha chulha, a community oven, to bake fresh bread and exchange stories—a tradition that strengthened personal bonds, the restaurant explained in a news release announcing the opening.

Choolaah’s newest location is situated in the heart of Mosaic District. “We were immediately drawn to the diversity and strong sense of community found at Mosaic District. We look forward to becoming a gathering place for all and to being actively involved in this great community,” said co-CEO Raji Sankar.

The restaurant prides itself on its all-natural, GMO-free ingredients and made-from-scratch kitchen where the food is prepared in front of the customer. The restaurant's BBQ is marinated with imported Indian spices. The restaurant caters to all dietary preferences, and vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free, gluten-free and egg-free options are available.

The BBQ bowls (prices ranging from $9.99 to $13.99), are designed to be mixed and matched to create countless menu combinations. Guests may choose from 6 Mains (Chicken, Lamb Meatballs, Salmon, Paneer Cheese, Tofu and Veggies, and Veggie Croquettes), 2 Rices (Basmati Rice or Brown Rice), 2 Breads (White Naan or Wheat Naan) and 5 Masalas (Tikka Masala, Chickpea Masala, Veggie Masala, Yellow Lentil Daal and Black Lentil Daal).

Highlights of the menu include Chicken or Veggie Biryani ($9.99) as well as the Choolaah Salad ($9.99), Chicken Tandoori Wrap ($6.99), Cheesy Naan Pizza ($4.49) for kids and Samosa Chaat ($3.99). Sauces and spices are provided on the side for guests to adjust spice levels to their own personal palates. A specially curated beverage menu includes refreshing Mango or Salted Lassi, Mint Ginger Lemonade, Choolaah Chai Tea with fresh ground ginger and cardamom, Herbal Iced Tea, fountain drinks, bottled beer and wine by the glass.

Desserts include Indian ice cream, Mango or Malai Kulfi ($2.49) or Chocolate Truffle ($0.99).

The open design of the kitchen allows guests to see their meal being cooked in custom-built tandoor clay ovens, which cook meats and cheeses at very high temperatures, sealing in the juices and producing a uniquely succulent tandoori taste, the restaurant pointed out. Modern influences of dark and light colored woods, exposed drop lighting and raw metal are playfully set off by bold accents of orange.

Choolaah seats 121 people via individual tables and high-top communal seating and an additional 36 people on the outdoor patio.

Choolaah’s grand opening, an all-day event, will be held Saturday, Jan. 14 and will include Bhangra (Indian dance) performances, free henna tattoos, face painting, door prizes and other fun activities. Complimentary chai tea will also be provided throughout the day.

Choolaah Indian BBQ is located at 2911 District Avenue in Fairfax, next to the Angelika Film Center.

The restaurant will be open daily for lunch and dinner (Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.). To view the menu, visit http://www.choolaah.com/our-food.

PHOTO of lamb meatball BBQ meal courtesy of Choolaah