Cheeni ★ 4.7
Chef Preeti Waas's upscale Indian restaurant was Eater NC's Restaurant of the Year and earned two James Beard Best Chef Southeast semifinalist nods.
OrderBaby brinjals, Duck breast curry, Roasted cauliflower
The canonical version and where to order it.
Chef Preeti Waas's stuffed baby brinjals at Cheeni are the dish that appears in virtually every review of the restaurant: small, sweet aubergines filled with spiced chickpea and coconut, cooked to collapse in a tamarind gravy. The dish represents Waas's South Indian training applied to North Carolina aubergines sourced from local farms. It is available on both the omnivore and the vegetarian menus, making it the most emblematic Cheeni order for first-time visitors.
1 editor pick for Baby Brinjals in Durham, ranked by editorial score. All Durham signature dishes · Baby Brinjals across every city.
Chef Preeti Waas's upscale Indian restaurant was Eater NC's Restaurant of the Year and earned two James Beard Best Chef Southeast semifinalist nods.
OrderBaby brinjals, Duck breast curry, Roasted cauliflower
Baby Brinjals makes more sense with someone from Durham explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.

Private tour · 2 hours
Take a walking tour around historic Durham. Visit the city's attractions while also hearing intriguing stories of crime and punishment through the ages from your guide.

Private tour · 7 hours
Discover the history and culture of Durham on a guided walking tour. Visit the Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, and enjoy coffee and cake at a local café and a beer...

Private tour · 4 hours
Explore Durham on a private walking tour. Discover the city's history, visit the UNESCO-listed Durham Cathedral, and enjoy coffee and cake at a local cafe.