Cafe Chai — Restaurant in London

The best Customer service in the entire London and Ilford for a café.

The first time I went I was greeted by Amina baji, who made me try and taste all different chai types, helped me decide what I would like based on my taste and also recommended me the chicken paratha roll which was really nice.

The Chai types and Quality of chai is The BEST in Ilford, not only they have Proper Pakistani KARAK CHAI, they have GURR chai, Peshawri Kehwa and many more.

The chicken paratha roll was very delicious, it was made from fresh paratha not the frozen kind from chaiwala or other places, it had a lot of sauce already inside but they still gave me more with it.

I have had their New Burger with meat inside and that was sooo good, it was cheesy, hot, good amounts of meat chunks (bihari boti) and a lot of sauce.

Must try!

I have had their chaats too and they are good, their Gajar halwa is also very good and tasty.

But what really stands out is the hospitality of the manager Nadir bhai. I would like to make it clear, this is an organic review, from my personal experience, and what I have witnessed. I am not paid for this nor does the establishment know I am writing this.

On my first visit to the shop, I saw Nadir speak to an elderly woman, who was slightly confused on what she could have, not only did he make her try different things he made sure she was comfortable and not stressed out. I observed and over heard from my table, he made her sit, offered her tea and most importantly spoke to her in a very polite and calm manner and with extreme patience.

One morning, I wanted to order breakfast and they were not visible on uber eats, I called and spoke to Nadir bhai, he told me it will be while as they are experiencing some issues and trying to fix it, in only 15 mins I was receiving calls from the establishment, I skipped a few calls from them as I didn't realise it was them, I got a text on my phone from them telling me the uber service is back online, immediately I got a call again and when I picked up, it was Nadir bhai conforming that they have solved the issue.

This is a very petty thing, but they took the extra effort to make sure I was updated on the query/ issue.

My last experience, I walked in and ordered a bun kebab. I Spoke with Nadir bhai and told him some specific dietary requirements for my mother, he himself made sure those were upheld and indeed they were.

They are mediumly priced but honestly I would rather take my custom to this establishment where I am treated with amazing hospitality.

Food 8/10 Atmosphere 6/10 Service 10/10

They have a very good collection of books about Pakistan, Its history, its nature and Its culture....

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Chai Wala by Arshad Khan located in Ilford Lane, London, and I must say that it was a delightful experience. The restaurant offers a variety of Pakistani street food delicacies, and my companions and I had the opportunity to sample some of their popular dishes.

We started our meal by ordering the Karachi Burger, Chicken Shami Egg Burger, Masala Fries, Chaat, and Lamb Paratha Roll. The food arrived promptly and was presented beautifully. Each dish was bursting with flavors and spices that perfectly captured the essence of Pakistani cuisine. It was evident that great care had been taken in preparing the food, as everything was cooked to perfection.

The Karachi Burger was a mouthwatering delight, with a juicy and well-seasoned patty complemented by fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce. The Chicken Shami Egg Burger was equally impressive, with a succulent chicken patty topped with a perfectly cooked egg, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

The Masala Fries were a standout side dish, crispy and generously coated in a flavorful spice blend. They added a wonderful kick to the meal and were a definite crowd-pleaser. The Chaat was another highlight, with a tantalizing combination of crispy puris, tangy tamarind chutney, yogurt, and a medley of spices. It provided a burst of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that left us craving for more.

Lastly, we tried the Lamb Paratha Roll, and it was a true gastronomic delight. The tender and well-seasoned lamb, wrapped in a soft and flaky paratha, created a delightful fusion of flavors. It was a filling and satisfying option, perfect for those looking for a hearty meal.

The restaurant itself had a warm and inviting atmosphere, with attentive staff members who were knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent service throughout our visit. The location is also convenient, with pay and display parking available in the vicinity.

Overall, our experience at Chai Wala by Arshad Khan was exceptional. The food was remarkable, bursting with authentic Pakistani flavors, and expertly cooked. The combination of taste, quality, and attentive service makes this restaurant a must-visit for anyone craving delicious Pakistani street food in London. I would wholeheartedly recommend Chai Wala to anyone looking for a memorable...

I had wanted to visit Arshad Khan’s Café Chai Wala eatery for several years after I heard about his story. I was so excited that they opened in London, as I live in the USA. I didn’t eat breakfast yesterday so I can have my chai and Aloo Paratha (my favorite food) from the café! The tea was delicious, a little bit strong for me, and so I requested hot milk on the side which the female cashier complied well! The Aloo Paratha was stuffed generously well with seasoned, spicy mashed potatoes; the paratha was fine, whole wheat as I had confirmed with the cashier while I gave my order- however, I prefer it more thick and homemade tasting. I would order this again though. My husband ordered the Lahori chanay ( paratha with Chole) and he loved it!! I tasted the chole and it was the most delicious chole I had ever tasted!!! I also ordered samosa and Aloo Tikka burger on take away ( to go). I think these two items could use improvement in the recipes. The samosa was shaped attractively and fried just enough, but wasn’t seasoned well; there was more mashed potatoes not in good ratio with the spices, i. e., there needs to be more masala. The Aloo Tikki burger was not firm at all-mashed and shaped as a circle with sauces on top of it ! I also would suggest asking the customer if sauces would be preferred on the side. The cashier, was gracious, courteous, patient, compliant and attractive too! She sold me on the clay cup with Arshad’s photo selling for one pound, after I asked if I may have a disposable cup featuring his photo as a souvenir! Arshad’s photo is on both sides of the cup! I suggested that photos of Arshad Khan in the London grand opening, last year, be displayed on the walls! I also think it’s a good idea to place English names and descriptions of the menu items, under or next to it for people who aren’t familiar with terms as chanay, Kashmiri tea( what does it consist of), etc., I had a great experience and, if in London, will definitely visit! I hope they start Café Chai Wala in Los Angeles area, or in Artesia, Ca (main Little India of Southern...