Cuppa' Chaii — Restaurant in London

Came here with a relative visiting London from Karachi for lunch yesterday.

Nice decor, it made me feel like I was in the 90s which is when I was growing up in Karachi so I got all the feels... 💓🇵🇰

The young gentleman serving was really polite and chilled out, probably the best customer service I have had in absolutely ages in a café or restaurant in London. So I'm very happy with the service I got yesterday. He answered a question about the stunning metallic kettle-shaped lamp shades in the entrance nicely as well - 5 stars for the staff 😊

We ordered two lamb bun kababs 🍔 and one low sugar karaoke chai ☕ to eat in.

Found a quiet corner in the entrance, where there's more natural light. Venue is slightly smaller than I feel comfortable in, I enjoy my space.

Bun kababs were freshly made, hot - smaller than I expected and without the standard garnish I expect such as onions, tomatoes. Not enough for me for lunchtime, but good for a snack.

I like the metallic serving trays, similar to Chaiiwala aesthetics, but I personally think the use of the paper on top is a waste and is unnecessary rubbish for the bin and environment, so just noting that their vision isn't as much for being an environmentally conscious business.

Having said that, the chai was served in a reusable plastic mug instead of the disposable ones at at Chaiiwala, so that's a positive 👍🏽

The actual taste of the bun kabab was really amazing, authentic Karachi fare and the green chilli chutney was nice and hot and tangy.

The low sugar karak chai is made with condensed milk and was really authentic and delicious - I could taste authentic cardamom and could taste the bits of tea leaves in it.

Overall a good experience, just sad that the portion sizes are small and similar to Chaiiwala, which I've stopped going to for this reason, haha.

Prices are also reasonable in 2024 with the insane inflation.

I'd come again if I was in the area and wanted a quick, warm snack after my acupuncture session and to have sit down.

Nice to have family run, halal food businesses around!

Update on 02/04/2025

Wasn't happy with the service I received today, so I may skip...

I have a such a great experience every time I visit this place which is a couple of times a week. **Abdurahman, is an incredibly customer service centric, naturally and effortlessly helpful, extremely pleasant and a great conversationalist (whilst being hands-down hugely busy, particularly in the evenings and the weekend). Abdurahman seems to seamlessly serve customers and make cuppa Chai incredibly welcoming. He works incredibly hard - often on his on and sort of does it all with a great big smile. Two things; please retain Abdurahman his initial incredibly customer service skills and operational skills is why my family and I keep coming. And, also - please do offer more staff during the busy hours.

Hands down one of the best tea shops in Wimbledon!! They also serve coffees, delicious array of sweet treats and savoury delights . Absolutely a great place to visit! Welcome to the neighbourhood!

Updated: 7 February 2025. A lack of hygiene and atrocious non-family atmosphere this place has gone downhill!!!! It’s not a bar guys,Jay Sean music and Drake explicit lyrics and loud music is not ‘family friendly’ guys. Very disappointing what used to be a regular spot I now avoid...

My friend and I were very excited to go to this place as it had been hyped for quite a while. Upon going in, the atmosphere was beautiful.

We ordered a few things and were shocked at the prices which were not reasonable.

The paneer roll was 80% empty inside. I will try to upload a photo if it gives me the option at the end of the review. The kebab roll was super bready and dry. The veg samosa was decent although pricey at £2.99. The chicken pastry was nice but hardly any chicken and mostly white sauce. They items were cold inside although they were heated up. The worst part was we were served in paper cups and paper plates when we spent over £30 in there.

The banoffee ice cream which was also served in a paper bowl was ice cream with bananas caramel sauce - this was £6. Very extortionate! POpular desert places charge around this for more sophisticated desserts.

The best thing about this place were the karak chai which was fab and the ambiance.

I would not recommend this place nor would I...