Chaiiwala — Restaurant in Birmingham

I very rarely post reviews, and even more rarely post positive reviews unless there is an exceptional reason or cause. Today is that day. I have visited Chaiiwala Coventry Road infrequently. In general, the customer service is very good and I've never had any issues. It's one of the reasons I do return as it is difficult to find good service nowadays. Today, however, I was taken aback and amazed at the exceptional, and when I say exceptional, I mean exceptional experience I had today.

I was met with a huge beaming smile and the warmest of welcomes that it made me pause and reflect just how lovely a reception it was. It's rare in customer service and retail that the personal touch and that feeling of hospitality extends this far. And that's just the beginning. It was the perfect segway for me to go beyond a single chai and ask for a recommendation of what I should try today as I usually stick to hot beverages only. Aisha gave an in-depth explanation of the breakfast dish, the different options available and what she personally recommended. I was given the perfect amount of information to make an informed choice.

After my order was placed I took a seat. It was then I noticed I had forgotten to ask for caramel in my karak chai. I spoke to Aisha again and she rectified that immediately and assured me not to worry and that it would be taken care of. When the food and drink arrived, I was skeptical if the caramel had been added, but one quick sip and the sweet taste of the caramel made me realise that if Aisha said she would fix it, then consider it already done. I shouldn't have doubted her for a second.

During my meal Aisha popped over to make sure everything was going well and if I was enjoying my food. It was very tasty and I mentioned that I did like it, but I wondered what one of the other options was like, and without me asking she left and came back and brought a sample of one of the other options for me to try. Michelin-star restaurant level service at a local coffee shop. I was speechless. That is above and beyond what is expected and it takes a certain character to even think of doing something like that.

It's this type of customer service which builds and cements the rapport with customers and ensures customers will continue to return. You cannot put a price on that level of customer service. People can be trained to improve and offer good customer service, but genuinely going above and beyond, this character trait cannot be taught - it's something that comes from within.

You can get tea, coffee and food from other places, but this super high level of hospitality, care and service has set this place beyond the reach of their competitors. This is why I will continue to come to this location and furthermore recommend it to friends, family and colleagues. I wish I could award more stars to truly reflect how memorable and complete this experience was. Thanks to Aisha, this was an absolutely flawless afternoon meal and I cannot criticise anything at all.

Absolute perfection and her contagious smile left me feeling content, leaving with a smile myself and really brightened up my day. 10 out of 10 would be a massive understatement. Thank you, Aisha! You have restored my faith that great people still exist. A true asset to Chaiiwala and an absolute delight to have...

Ordered loaded doughnuts on the app for collection before I had work and they got my order wrong. Loaded doughnuts come with sauce and toppings but they missed out the toppings. I also ordered a while before I came into the shop and placed a note saying I’m in a rush but the girl with the glasses took forever to serve me. I couldn’t call or bring the food back in time because my shift had started so the food went to waste, when I called the girl was so rude and gaslighting me saying I didn’t pay for double toppings when you get one topping regardless? I’ve ordered the same thing from other chaiiwala branches and have always received sauce and one topping with the loaded doughnuts. The girl on the phone was really rude and just kept saying ‘sorry but what do you want me to do, I can’t do anything.’ She had no customer service skills at all, didn’t try to solve the problem. I asked to speak to the manager and she said it was her. I went in to the shop after work and the girl on the till with glasses said she was the manager/supervisor and continued to say I didn’t pay for double toppings, and then she offered me a cheap breakfast bar or cookie, I asked if I could have a small tea instead, I didn’t really want another dessert, and she said I’d have to pay £1.75 extra… which makes no sense. It’s not about the cost, messed up my order and can’t even try to rectify the situation. Messed up a £6.50 order and can’t offer a £2 tea.. Have been working in food industry for four years and we would never solve a complaint like this, sort out your staffs attitude. I was a regular customer here, will not be...

Chaiiwala is excellent! I love the amazing decor around the shop - although the space may be small compared to other large coffee shops, every inch of it has been used and decorated wisely. And because of this, the place seems bright and homely and does not look small at all. It is quite spacious, despite the size, as there is a lot of space to sit comfortably and to get around the store, unlike various other coffee shops and tea stores.

The service in the mornings is incredible - my orders are served quickly and to an exceptional standard. All of the food and drink is delicious, especially their incredible Karak Chaii which is one of the best in their store - and one of the best I've ever had. The food too, tastes delicious and it is also quite value for money, because what you are served is worth it. The place is very hygienic and clean and not at all dirty like some other tea stores and coffee shops and I would say that every part of Chaiiwala is much better than Costa or Starbucks, despite them being such big companies.

Not only the food, but the staff are also incredibly nice and cheerful - they're really amiable and work efficiently and effectively. Maria and Foysal are so friendly and kind! My family come to this one quite often and they say the service in this Coventry Road Chaiiwala is better than the service they've had elsewhere, including in other Chaiiwala stores, thanks to both Maria and Foysal who are both especially friendly. My children absolutely love the food.

Chaiiwala is an amazing store - the service is quick and the food is delicious, I would recommend anyone...