The word 'cheeni' is written in tan, cursive text on a black background.

let us feed you

Cheeni: Durham & The Bar Beej
Cheeni Indian Food Emporium
A restaurant or cafe interior with hanging chandeliers, framed artwork, and a black and white checkered floor. The decor includes arched windows, lush plants, and a counter area with glasses.

lunch menu

A black box with a glass top containing a beige cloth, a handwritten note, and a printed paper with a map of India. The handwritten note is partially visible, written in cursive, expressing gratitude and welcoming someone to a place named Cheeni.

dinner menus

A pink cocktail with foam and garnish on a bar counter with liquor bottles and glasses in the background.

bar menus

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Thank you for asking! Cheeni: Durham has walk-in availability, but reservations are highly encouraged, especially for parties of 5+ guests, dining with children, or on busy weekend evenings.

    Cheeni Indian Food Emporium (in RTP) offers a casual lunch service, no reservations required, but will require reservations for dinner service.

  • Cheeni: Durham is a downtown, a la carte, dinner-only concept, featuring a sister cocktail bar, The Bar Beej. Our first expansion into sit-down dining, this menu rotates semi-frequently, featuring a selection of regionally-inspired, sentimental dishes.

    Cheeni Indian Food Emporium (RTP) offers lunch and dinner, and is our expansion from one restaurant to two. Located in Research Triangle Park, dinner service here offers a preset, family-style menu, priced per person. Bar service is available in the evenings, but we do not have bar seating.

  • Cheeni means “sugar”—a nod to Chef Preeti Waas, owner, mastermind, chief tasting operator, the force behind Cheeni—and is not actually the name of anyone within our restaurant. Preeti named our restaurant Cheeni after her popular street-style kiosk concept, now closed, which was born of her love of baking.

  • We would love to host your event at either of our locations. Both restaurants offer restaurant buyout packages.

    Whereas Cheeni: Durham does not have a private dining room (PDR), Cheeni Indian Food Emporium does. Our PDR accommodates up to 20 guests. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at mgr@cheeniraleigh.com to book our PDR for your next event!

  • Cheeni: Durham is open seven days a week, for dinner hours only. Sunday - Thursday: 5 - 9 PM ; Friday & Saturday, 4 - 10 PM.

    The Bar Beej is open seven days a week, during dinner hours, and one hour later on weekends.

    Cheeni Indian Food Emporium (RTP) is open for lunch and dinner, closed all day on Sundays.

    Lunch hours: 12 -3 PM, Monday - Saturday.

    Dinner hours: 5 - 9 PM, Wednesday - Saturday.

  • We’re always looking for new additions to our ever-growing team. Please reach out to mgr@cheeniraleigh.com with a resume and a short letter of interest, and we’ll be in touch!