Chaiiwala Dalston — Restaurant in London

I visited three times to give this place another chance but every time I left extremely disappointed at the poor customer service and wait time. I ordered a roti with an iced chai however my drink wasn’t made and I had to prompt them. And when I did, the guy looked annoyed, went behind the counter to make it then called me over to collect it. I’d been waiting almost 20mins for my food which seems pretty long for a take away store.

Another visit, me and my friend ordered two drinks which took 20 mins to make when there were two employees behind the counter doing nothing. I went up and asked for mine which was then made. I asked about my friend’s drink, he asked one staff member who was at the table eating if I did indeed ordered a drink, she said yes then made the drink. He could tell I was clearly annoyed and didn’t apologise. It shouldn’t take 20 mins to make two drinks.

Looking at the other reviews I sincerely hope they are reading...

Chaiiwala is located just a few moments walk from both Dalston Kingsland and Junction overground stations.

As you walk in, there is seating immediately in front of you, the ordering counter is straight ahead at the back. The premises was bright, airy and clean.

I visited twice, my first time trying a breakfast option and the second time for a lunch option.

For my breakfast choice, I ordered the Desi Breakfast which consists of a karak chaii (strong milky tea) masala omelette, a choice of either roti or paratha, a choice of curried daal (lentils), chana (chickpeas) or beans, extra toppings are optional.

For my light lunch choice, I ordered the Keema & Roti which consists of roti or paratha with a side of keema (minced meat, onions, tomatoes, spices & herbs).

I'm not sure how authentic the food is but I certainly enjoyed my orders, both flavoursome and filling.

I'll definitely be going back to try more...

I'm trying to understand what a place like this is trying to achieve.

To put it into perspective there is a high standard of affordable Indian and Pakistani food available in London. East Ham and Tooting both come to mind .

Fresh cooked flavoursome curries with a great depth of flavour .

Cooked with passion and pride.

Sadly this place isn't one of them.

The chana looked very sad and was a meager portion. It tasted uncannily similar to the ones I've tried from the packet

The roti was certainly not done in a tandoor and don't get me started on the flaccid mess of a one dimensional masala omelet .

An absolute travisty for £7.45

I had to pass by the local stall on Ridely Road market afterwards to bring me back down to earth.

I sadly can't recommend visiting as there are places that do so...