A call back to Chef Preeti Waas's earlier days of Cheeni, this lunchtime spot offers "menu of street-style classics & Indian-ish cult favorites." Located in Hub RTP, Cheeni Indian Food Emporium is a go to spot for items like samosas, street style toast, chicken naanza and more. Currently, Cheeni's RTP location is only open for lunch. But keep an eye out, because they have big plans for more offerings later this year.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: Closed Friday: Closed Saturday: Closed Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
I've heard people rave about cheeni, didn't love the time I had in Durham, but figured I'd give this location a try
Its really cold inside, we had to wear our coats while eating
The food was just ok
And the cost above average
Not for me personally
But it's nice to see such a vast menu
Quesarito
Jan 10, 2026
5
Delicious food, great service, great atmosphere especially with the huge outside area to hang out afterwards.
Cheesy toast appetizer - bread was perfectly crispy, cheese was delicious with melty goodness with a great spice level. At first bite I wasn't sure... then I housed the whole thing and wanted more.
Chicken Naanza - really good. Great sauce, naan held up well, great chicken.
Rice bowl - yum. Great variety of flavors. This one will be my go-to on return trips. So good.
Matt Fowler
Jan 6, 2026
5
Cheeni is a treasure, really Preeti is the treasure, Cheeni is simply the place where we get to be with Preeti Wass and daughter Amy and their wonderful family. Cheeni is very much like going to Preeti's house for dinner. The recipes are hers, the food is not "British-Pub Food" curry, although I am a sucker for a hot chicken tikka and a Smithwick's.
Cheeni is another thing entirely. Everything is made in house, of course, and it's superb from Amy's James Beard recognized cocktails (and mocktails) to the box of cookies to go after dinner every detail is thought through and lovely, a comfortable natural perfection.
They have started doing cooking classes so I reserved the Samosas and Chutney class for my family for Christmas. We had so much fun together, my family, making filling and rolling out dough with Preeti's family and new friends. It was a beautiful thing and not the least bit surprising. If you have not been you're missing out.
Also try Nanny Goat in Raleigh, Durham (in the new GeerHouse) and now in RTP in the beautiful new development just off I-40 at David Drive, in the heart of Research Triangle Park.
Mark Easley
Jan 4, 2026
5
A welcome addition to the RTP food scene! Curious to see how the full menu looks this year. Plenty of parking in horseshoe garage and street spots.
Marie Danforth
Dec 27, 2025
5
My husband, our daughter and I had lunch at Cheeni's on their first day -- a soft opening -- and it was so good we returned for an encore today with both of our daughters. The food is just plain excellent. All of us had the Chicken Rice Bowl today, which combines incredibly tender chicken kabab with pickled onions, mint cilantro chutney, achaari mayo, chopped tomatoes, chopped lettuce and cilantro, served on a bed of perfectly prepared rice. The combination of flavors was glorious and the portions generous. We were challenged trying to finish side dishes of Masala Fries, Veg Puff, Lentil and Vegetable Soup and Garlic Naan, all of which were delicious. Servers were attentive and seating was comfortable.
A great spot that we will be visiting again on our next visit to the RTP area.
