Chaiiwala Of London - Abbotsford — Restaurant in Abbotsford

WOW! For one who really goes by reviews, I am SO glad that I gave Chaiiwala a chance. After hearing mixed reviews, I wasn’t sure if it’d be worth the drive and time, but I must say, from the ambiance to the customer service and then to the food, I will definitely be spreading the word and be visiting soon again.

For a cafe, everything was nailed and on point! The food portions and pricing of each item was reasonable! It was exactly as advertised - a nice cozy cafe where one can come in, chill and enjoy some nice street food and beverages.

For the food, I must say the Karachi Bun Kebab, fully loaded and Chicken Tikka in Naan was nice and warm when served, tasted fresh and had the perfect amount of sauce/chutney included where the cooks also did not cheap out with the ingredients that were added. From the various desserts tried, everything was on point and had its unique taste! All cheesecakes had either the perfect amount of sweetness, bitterness and/or tanginess. The middle portion of the cheesecakes were nice and light, not overpowering!

Despite the scrumptious taste, I would like to say a huge thank you to the owner and his employees - everyone was so respectful, knowledgeable and polite! When ordering, I was blown away by the cashiers respect and acknowledgement to food restrictions! She asked whether or nut allergies were an issue and wanted us to be aware of the nut inclusion in the dessert - I’d say this is very considerate of her even though she was extremely busy and there were customers behind me waiting to order. The food was also delivered in a timely manner. Also, during my visit today, I noticed and acknowledged a customer service act in regards to the buzzer ; I guess the employees had buzzed a buzzer for someone to pick up their food. Since the individual didn’t show up, a waitress was going around to each table to check whose buzzer went off to ensure they received their food on time and to prevent it from sitting at the front till/ getting cold. If I were this customer, I would for sure appreciate the waitress coming around to double check/provide a reminder. Oh and before I forget, during the visit today, when I initially ordered the chocolate cheesecake, I was given the incorrect cake. When I noticed that, I went back and brought it to the waitresses attention. Literally immediately, without hesitation the waitress apologized, acknowledged and stated it was her fault and said “do not worry about the cake, you can take the one I gave you plus the one you ordered” - I was taken aback - she could have easily apologized and replaced it, but instead, she stated it was her fault, provided the correct one and told me to take the incorrect one. I find that the customer service skills have really been driven into the employees here, which really made the experience worth it. Though some may think the drive to Abbotsford is far, I think its a reasonable drive and definitely worth the visit - just keep in mind it is a cafe, portions aren’t meant to be large, dinner sized portions.

I look forward to visiting the Abbotsford location again, as well as, the grand...

Finally went to this restaurant to eat and had high expectations because of all the hype but was so disappointed. Where do I start, first of all it took so long just to place our order because there was just one girl working in the front, they should have more staff on weekends at least. Food took so long and they throw everything on 1 tray despite knowing it's for more than person, how are you suppose to eat like that? Portions are embarrassingly small. Kabab roll is served on a frozen paratha? I don't expect that when I go to a restaurant to eat. I can just make frozen paratha at home. Took a bite out of my kabab roll and kabab was cold inside, clearly it was out of the fridge and not heated up properly. It's not even fresh food. I did not expect that. I was thinking they will make fresh kabab roll, pakistani style but was so very disappointed. When I went to the front to tell them, the girl was busy taking orders so I had to stand there and wait, another girl came out of the kitchen so I approached her and she said I can't help you talk to the other girl (Great customer service?) So I stood there waiting for her to be done with customers, honestly by this point I had lost my appetite already and had no desire to eat here. They did make a new kabab roll within less than 10 mins but I was just not impressed with the overall service and food quality. It's all overhyped for no reason. Even the drinks aren't anyhing special considering the place is called "Chaiwala". I wouldn't recommend anyone going there if you're expecting authentic street food and drinks. Shalimar in Surrey have way better drinks...

Haven't left a review for a while, but this place is so singular, I had to put something down.

Staff The woman who works here is AMAZING! She not only remembers what I usually order: She remembers everything else I've tried and asks which I will be having today! Today I asked if if she can do this for all the customers. She said yes. I know of no one like her.

Chai and Other Teas The karak chai is the drink that compelled me to write this review: I have never had a culinary experience that so throughly brought me back to a place and time. Every time I get it, I am drawn back to 7 years ago, when, on my way to the Taj Mahal, we bumped into a street vendor who sold nothing but tea in small earthernware "shooters". At first I was surprised by the smallness of the cups, but when I drank, I understood: The tea was as strong as the incredible will of the Indian people, and sweet like syrup.

This is the same drink. As far as I'm concerned, it's the authentic Taj Mahal experience.

I would put 5 stars, but I've put 4 because this place is soooo genuine, it's not updated: There are no milk alternatives. You can get the chai without sugar but it's not worth it: it just doesn't taste very good. I've had a few of the black teas, and I just don't like them that much. It's the karak or...