Chai Ki
Website: chai-ki.com
Canary Wharf is known for its tall buildings and skyline views. However, if you stroll around the Crossrail you tend to find some good food spots. Like this one, I went to on Boxing Day, a sister restaurant to Indian street food 'Roti Chai' called 'Chai Ki'. I've had this place in mind for a while, but never got around to it so totally forgot, but recently I received an email to dine at this place and as I heard many good reviews including from my family. As a huge brunch lover, I thought why not during the holidays to take some time and visit 'Chai Ki'. This restaurant is an ideal place for those who work locally around here, just to pop down and have a quick-lunch meal or to meet up with friends after work or generally during the weekend/weekdays.
Experience
When I first arrived the staff were really nice and friendly, they greeted me warmly and took me to my seat. The service was brilliant, from my point of view. As they recommended a few items to me, the waiters spoke to me about general things. Also, when I needed anything they were there to ask. Luckily enough it was pretty quiet when I went for lunch, which I preferred as I got to shift around the table to capture the food shots I wanted. As well as not being stared at by others for taking photos of the food.
On their menu, there were still plenty of items to choose from their all-day brunch menu. However, as I already knew what I wanted to order beforehand, there was no time wasted in those terms. First I ordered the mocktail, which I tried the sour taste mocktail, which was the 'Berry flavoured mocktail from their drink menu. Then later on, after my meal I ordered the 'Orange Blast' and it was sweet. I got to taste the sweet and sour flavours, but for me, the orange blast was a winner, as I'm a hugely sweet lover.
Food review at Chai Ki
The food, as I saw pictures and other reviews from fellow bloggers, tempted me to opt for the 'Chicken Tikka Naan', 'Full Nashta' and Shakarkandi Chaat. They looked and sounded the part and to be honest I was blown away by the full Nastha. As it was really filling alone, what it contained was miso bhurji, brioche bun, 4 aloo tikki hash, masala beans and vine tomato. Since the original menu contained non-halal options, they replaced this with an extra hash.
Shakarkandi Chaat
Shakarkandi Chaat looked mouth-watering in its colours. I had a few bites of the chaat and I thought the potatoes were soft but quite spicy once it hits your taste buds. What included were sweet potatoes, spiced chickpeas, sev, tamarind, papri and mint yoghurt.
I enjoyed their Chicken Tikka Naan, there were some pieces of dry chicken. However, it works out well if you have it with yoghurt or other sauces together. Ordering the Chicken Tikka Naan gives you the following tandoori chicken, peppers, red onions, yoghurt and mint coriander chutney.
Cost
The pricing can be a bit pricey for some, but depending on what you order and how much for it, it can be affordable. Most of the items range from £4.80 to £12, with 'Buns' being the cheapest food on their menu at £4.80, to 'Full Nashta' being the most valued one with £11.80.
Overall, I was satisfied with my experience and the food, since the service was really good. The food was super speedy and was bought to my table very quickly. I will probably say within 10 mins that everything on my table has arrived. If I were to come next time it would most likely be for dinner as that dinner menu looks pretty scrumptious, too.
Food photography
Enjoy some of the food and interior shots I managed to capture during my visit. The interiors, including inside and at the back of the restaurant where I was quite stunned, loved how they had that setup.
Chicken Tikka Naan (£7.90)
Breakfast spread at Chai Ki
Pricing at Chai Ki
The pricing can look a bit pricey for some, but it depends on what you order. As well as how much for, so it can be affordable. However, most of the items range from £4.80 to £12. The 'Buns' being the cheapest food on their menu at £4.80 and 'Full Nashta' being the most valued one with £11.80.
Overall, I was satisfied with my experience and the food here at Chai Ki, since the service was really good. The food was cooked super fast and was bought to my table pretty quickly. I would probably say within 10 mins everything arrived at my table. Therefore, I would recommend people to try it out, if I were to come next time it would most likely be for dinner as that dinner menu looks pretty scrumptious, too.
I hope you enjoyed some of the food and interior shots I managed to capture during my visit. The interior includes the main entrance from the first image when you first enter. Then at the back of the restaurant, where I was quite stunned as I loved how they had that setup and preferred that to the front.
Food: 8 out of 10
Service: 9 out of 10
Atmosphere: 7.5 out of 10
Presentation 7 out of 10
Price: 6 out of 10
Experience: 8 out of 10
Conclusion
Total: 7.5 out of 10
I was pretty satisfied and would recommend people to try this place out. Whenever they are out shopping or wandering around Canary Wharf. It does tend to become really busy during certain times. Expect to wait for your seats, if you have not reserved your table beforehand. The presentation was good, but the light reflection above knocked off a point. As it was quite hard to get a picture with the shadows in the way. Price again, some may say pricey, some may say it's reasonable. If I was working around there and looking for a lunch spot, yes, paying over £10 is probably too much, so it wouldn't be a go-to place that often. Although once in a while is fine with friends, family or couples, etc.
Note: Chicken and lamb dishes are certified halal. However, there is alcohol and pork served within the restaurant.
Adil Musa
Disclaimer: I was invited to review this restaurant at Chai Ki - Canary Wharf