Charista — Restaurant in London

I think the standards have slipped since my last visit. Sadly! It’s really sad to say because I used to really enjoy coming here. On this occasion, went with some friends of mine and so many things bothered us. We walk in and took a few minutes for anyone to acknowledge we’re here. Probably busy in the back which is fine and thankfully we managed to get a table for a few of us. But how does a place not have enough chairs?! Two of us sat on broken chairs and I thought it was going to fall apart. Come on? It was uncomfortable and we kept waiting for others to finish to change the chairs.

Saw this one guy being given a high stool to sit on which was laughable! Bless the poor guy must have really wanted to sit and stay because I would have walked out if I was offered that.

I see the sister of the main guy who owns the place taking up a whole table to do receipts and inventory. Come on? You have limited space as it is, we’re cramped near the window and you’re sitting down and doing receipts and paperwork when it’s a busy time? I was really annoyed by this. Normally it’s such a warm welcome from the brother/main owner!! His smile and attentive nature to us always makes us come time and time again. He wasn’t there today. There was a delay in taking our order. We literally sat for 10 minutes chatting because no one bothered to come take our order. Got annoyed so went up to the counter and just ordered for the massive group of us boys. But you have one of the workers who can see this just sit there going through her bags and bags of receipts. She then looks exasperated by the only dude that is working in the place when she has to get up and do anything if he’s not taken orders or no one is available to greet new customers. Wth?

Why is paperwork being done out in the open?! Why isn’t this done at home so that other people can use that table and chair? I’m not one to complain at all but this irked me and I’m hoping my review will help improve this business.

It brings me joy to see a place like this representing my country! So I’d love for the standards to be what they used to be please. A suggestion I have- have a stack of moori’s (bamboo stools/chairs) so that if there’s not enough chairs or too many people in large groups, they can sit there. They are so Bangladeshi! So will fit in with your theme. I’m sure there are ones with a back rest and can just be left on the side. It’s a shame the place is small but I think the place could be utilised better with...

I’ve been here now a few times since it’s opened. Let’s start with the good; the owners seem really nice and friendly. The gurar chai was great and I asked for it to not be made too sweet and it wasn’t. I’ve had the biryani which was very spicy but flavoursome but I couldn’t handle the spice :( The kati roll was my fave! Especially the lamb one. The roti it comes with is really good and seems homemade. I think the prices are reasonable and in keeping with ‘street food’ prices. Love the decor and the Asian music makes it more authentic.

The bad (sorry) - the milk cakes are disappointing!! On two occasions I’ve had the pistachio one and it doesn’t taste of pistachio at all. Aside from the few pistachios on the top, you wouldn’t know it was pistachio. My advice would be to add ground pistachio to the cake mix to bring out the flavour. The coconut one has more flavour. The mango one is again VERY tasteless and I’ve never ordered it again, but maybe adding mango pulp to the batter would improvement it. So far, chaiwalla milk cakes are beating you here. Sorry!

The next point is one that really needs to be worked on. The tables are disgustingly sticky of oil. It makes me uncomfortable to touch it and knowing everything sticks to it. The menu almost had to be lifted off, can’t put my phone down and I avoid leaning on it. Please please find a way to lift off the oil residue of the tables ASAP and get rid of the stickiness. I think it really ruins the experience. Me and my friends all commented on this that it’s a let down and gives the impression the place isn’t hygienic or cleaned enough. A suggestion would be clear table clothes over the tables that can be easily kept clean and adds to the Asian household feel as we all have that clear wipeable plastic on top of a table cloth...

While exploring the vibrant streets of Shoreditch, I discovered a charming eatery that immediately caught my attention with its glowing reviews. Intrigued, I decided to sample a few of their offerings: the chicken katti roll (£6.50), a flatbread generously stuffed with tender chicken, their signature charista chai, and the Fuchka (£6.50), a house specialty of hollow puris filled with spiced mashed potato and chickpeas, topped with shredded egg and accompanied by tangy tamarind water.

From the moment I stepped inside, the decor set the tone for a memorable experience. The space is thoughtfully adorned with chai-inspired posters and poems, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. But it was the food that truly stole the show. The chai was a standout—perfectly spiced, with just the right hint of cardamom, easily one of the best I’ve had. The chicken katti roll was equally impressive, a delightful balance of flavors that left me eager for more.

While the Fuchka didn’t quite meet my expectations—perhaps more a matter of personal taste—it was a hit with my dining companion, proving its popularity among regulars.

Would I return? Without a doubt. The chai and katti roll are exceptional, and this place is one I’ll happily revisit. A hidden gem in Shoreditch, offering some of the best comfort food I’ve experienced...