Chaiiwala Of London - Nordel — Restaurant in Surrey

The bare necessi-teas, Indian street food edition Chaiiwala Of London - Nordel, Surrey

If you're in the mood to treat yourself to yummy North Indian street fare, irrespective of whether you're already a big fan of it (like me!), someone who is trying it for the very first time, or dinette somewhere in the middle, then you may want to check out this Indo-Anglian restaurant chain with multiple stores in the Lower Mainland. Rest assured that many of their menu offerings are perfectly suited for the ongoing hot days of summer!

True to its name, Chaiiwala (the Hindi/Urdu term for the ubiquitous tea-sellers in the Indian subcontinent) is mainly famous for its Karak Chaii, and justifiably so. I ordered their Karak Chaii w/ Saffron, and it was hands down the best spiced milky tea I've had outside of India till date, of course it ranks lower than the Masala Chai that I prepare regularly for myself at home!😋 I don't mind a hot cuppa even in the hottest of weathers, but if you're unlike me (and just reading the preceding bit made you perspire 😅), then fear not - their cold brew options will come to your rescue!

Drinks apart, their extensive menu encompasses options for all-day breakfast, savory streetfood, yummy desserts, and even kids meals. Our group of four friends ordered quite a few items in one sitting, but there's still a lot that we need to go back for. What follows is a list of all that we sampled with an accompanying aye, nay or meh, and the pictures will give you a good idea of what a serving of each of these looks like:

Karak Chai (the best!) Pink Chaii Frappe (SLURRRPPPP) Gunpowder Masala Chips (needs more masala IMO) Samosa Chat w/ Chaiiwala Chutney Dip (yummy!) Pani Puri w/ Chana Mix w/ Tamarind Paani (quite nice!) Mango Mousse (yummy yumm!) Gulab Jamun Cheesecake (not too good, not too bad!)

The ambiance is bright and well-lit with soft music playing in the background till early evening, but its volume and loudness progressively increases in proportion to the growing crowd thenceforth! The decor is neat, the ceiling adorned with vines and hanging lights is beautiful, and the relatively small floor space is used well. The walls adorn photos of the Taj Mahal (what's more Indian, eh?!), the Gateway of India et Al, so that's that. There's additional outdoor seating, though it's like a tiny island amidst a sea of cars bang in the middle of the huge parking lot!

The place fills up pretty quick in the evenings, which makes it harder to find a vacant table and/or results in orders taking longer to get fulfilled. But the service remains consistently good and friendly despite the mad rush. A shoutout to Tanvi and Simmi at the Nordel store for their kind service and recommendations.

After a hearty meal, we walked away with not just a Chocolate Chaii Mousse (delish!) along with an additional Mango Mousse (ICYMI yummy yumm yum!) in their cute takeout paper bags, but also satiated taste buds and happy sweet teeth too in tow!...

I was so excited to try this place because I really liked the concept and the sounds of the menu, but my experience was pretty underwhelming. I had a veg kebab roll, a piece of pink chaii cake, and a pink chaii. The pink chaii (the drink) was the best item out of what I ordered - it was silky-creamy and the flavour was so nice. It was really sweet though, and since it’s easy to add sugar to a prepared drink, I think it would make more sense to brew this a little less sweet. They do have other versions of chai with less sugar, but I really wanted to try the pink. The veg kebab was also decent, a little plain though with only the kebabs and a small smattering of onion with mint yogurt sauce, and it wasn’t really spicy. The wrap was crunchy from the grill but soft inside. The yogurt was very minty (this is a good thing) and I appreciated that they used a very reasonable amount, just enough to lightly coat the wrap, compared to many places serving Indian street-style wraps that overdo the mayo. This was closer to snack-size than meal-size. The cake was not what I was hoping for, as the flavour of chai was weak (I was getting something, but I’m not sure if I would have picked it up had I not been actively looking for that flavour) and the frosting on top was a little dried-out. The total was about $21, which is decent, basically about what I would have expected to pay. I waited about 20 minutes for my food after ordering and even though they were pretty busy, I did not think the quality of the food justified the wait - the wrap shouldn’t have taken very long to put together, and the chai and cake were premade. I had given them a personal mug to put my chai in but my order was presented to me with the chai in one of their disposable cups. I could see my mug just sitting on the counter, so I had to ask for it back (it was nice of them to top it off with a little extra after transferring the chai from the disposable cup, though). The cafe design is beautiful, there are lots of (probably fake) plants hung up all over the walls and big glass lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling. Tables were not being cleaned between users besides clearing plates, and a few tables had messes leftover which new customers had to clear themselves. It seemed like they may have been a little understaffed for the demand, I don’t know how many people were in the kitchen but there was just one cashier/barista up front, and an older guy that seemed like a manager of some sort who mostly just stood by the order counter chatting with customers that I assume were his friends… Not a bad experience overall, but it didn’t bring the excitement that I expect from Indian food. It’s like any other big chain coffee shop - fine, but it feels...

Title: A Captivating Chai Experience at Chaiwala - Where Taste and Vibe Unite

Rating: ★★★★★

Review: Nestled in the heart of the city, Chaiwala is a haven for tea enthusiasts seeking an exceptional chai experience. From the moment you step foot into this cozy establishment, you're greeted by an ambiance that captivates the senses and transports you to a realm of tranquility.

The aroma of freshly brewed spices fills the air, instantly awakening your senses and building anticipation for the flavorful journey that awaits. The interior is tastefully adorned with warm hues, comfortable seating, and an inviting rustic charm. The cozy nooks and vibrant decor create an atmosphere that effortlessly combines modernity with the nostalgic charm of traditional tea stalls.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - their chai. Prepare to be astounded by the richness and complexity of flavors that dance upon your taste buds with each sip. The expertly crafted blend of handpicked tea leaves and fragrant spices is a testament to the chaiwala's dedication to delivering an exceptional beverage. Whether you prefer the robust kick of masala chai, the soothing warmth of ginger chai, or the delicate notes of cardamom chai, Chaiwala has a diverse range of options to cater to all palates.

What truly sets Chaiwala apart is their commitment to quality. Each cup of chai is meticulously prepared, using only the finest ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. The staff's expertise in brewing the perfect cup shines through in every sip, ensuring a consistently delightful experience.

Beyond the exceptional chai, the customer service at Chaiwala is top-notch. The staff members are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft. They are always ready to provide recommendations, share their expertise, and make you feel welcome.

Lastly, Chaiwala offers excellent value for money. The prices are reasonable considering the quality and experience they offer. You'll leave with a contented heart, satisfied taste buds, and a desire to return time and time again.

In conclusion, Chaiwala is a gem among chaiwala places, where the perfect blend of taste and vibe creates an enchanting experience. From the moment you step through the door, you're embraced by a warm and inviting ambiance. The chai itself is a symphony of flavors, lovingly crafted to perfection. Combine that with attentive service and great value, and you have a chaiwala destination that is truly unparalleled. A visit to Chaiwala is an absolute must for any chai lover or anyone seeking a delightful respite from the bustle...