Chauhan Ale and Masala House Nashville
Chauhan Ale and Masala House Nashville. Two businesses that've left a real mark on the city's food and drink world. They're located right in the heart of Nashville, and they tell a story about how the city's embraced global flavors and artisanal craftsmanship. Chauhan Ale started as a craft brewery in the early 2010s and became a fixture in Nashville's beer scene, known for using local ingredients and pushing sustainability. Masala House opened late in the 2000s as an Indian restaurant and helped change what Nashville ate. Together, they show how the city's become a place where cultural fusion and entrepreneurship thrive. Both businesses have enriched Nashville's reputation for food and drink while supporting the local economy and community.
History
Chauhan Ale came together in 2012 when a group of homebrewers wanted to bring something fresh to Nashville's beer scene. They mixed traditional and modern brewing techniques in ways the city hadn't seen before. The brewery's name comes from the Chauhan dynasty, an Indian kingdom, reflecting what the founders cared about: global influences. They started small in East Nashville. Their experimental beers caught on fast. Hibiscus-infused IPAs, smoked porters, beers that pushed boundaries. By 2015, they'd moved to a larger facility and were supplying bars and restaurants across the city. This growth matched Nashville's broader craft beer boom: the number of breweries in the area jumped over 50% between 2010 and 2020 [1].
Masala House came from a different direction. Its roots trace back to a family-owned restaurant in Mumbai, India. In 2008, the founders, Ravi and Priya Chauhan, brought it to Nashville. They wanted to introduce authentic Indian cuisine to the American South, focusing on traditional cooking methods and regional specialties from India. The restaurant started as a small place in Germantown, then expanded to a bigger space in the 12 South district. What happened next mattered. The restaurant became something central to Nashville's cultural life: they hosted Diwali celebrations, Indian film screenings, events that drew people together. Other Indian restaurants opened because of Masala House's success, and Nashville's food scene grew richer [2].
Culture
Both places shaped how Nashville sees itself, especially when it comes to food and drink. Chauhan Ale's focus on sustainability and local sourcing fits right into Nashville's environmental push. The city aims to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2025 [3]. The brewery works constantly with local farmers and artisans, supporting small businesses in the area. They've also hosted events mixing music and craft beer, with local bands performing live. It's a perfect fit for Music City.
Masala House took a different approach to building community. They promoted Indian traditions and created spaces where people from different backgrounds could connect. The restaurant partners with local artists and musicians for themed nights like "Bollywood Night," featuring Indian dancers and traditional music. These events bring in residents and tourists alike, raising Nashville's profile as a destination for multicultural experiences. Masala House also teaches people about Indian cuisine through cooking classes and food festivals, work that's been covered by outlets like WPLN.org [4].
Economy
The money these businesses bring to Nashville goes way beyond what happens inside their doors. Chauhan Ale employs over 100 people: brewers, distributors, hospitality staff. The brewery's success also created demand for local ingredients, benefiting farmers in surrounding counties. A 2023 report from the Nashville Economic Development Council found that craft breweries like Chauhan Ale contribute roughly $150 million annually to the city's economy [5].
Masala House strengthened Nashville's economy in parallel ways. The restaurant attracts diverse customers and works with local suppliers. Many of its spices and ingredients come from Indian-owned businesses across the United States, building economic connections between Nashville and the Indian diaspora. On top of that, Masala House partners with hotels and event venues to provide catering services, tying itself deeper into the city's tourism business. A 2022 survey by the Nashville Convention and Visitors Authority showed something striking: 35% of visitors cited Indian restaurants as a reason for coming to Nashville, showing how much this restaurant matters for tourism [6].
Attractions
People come to these places. They come from across Nashville, and they come from out of town. Chauhan Ale's taproom in East Nashville operates as a gathering space for people who care about craft beer. They've got rotating brews, pub food, events like trivia nights and live music that draw crowds. In 2024, Nashville Scene named it one of the "Top 10 Breweries in Tennessee," confirming what locals already knew [7].
Masala House became a culinary landmark. The 12 South location has an open kitchen where chefs work with traditional techniques, and diners can watch it happen. The restaurant offers private dining and food tours that've appeared in travel guides like "Nashville: A Food Lover's Guide." Food critics love it, and travelers rank it among the "Best Indian Restaurants in the South" [8].