A true family business, Chaiiwala is run by the descendants of a real chai walla in 1920s Delhi. Now the chai and roti chain has exploded in popularity, with over 50 openings all over the UK including Dalston. This branch is right at the heart of Dalston Junction, surrounded by busy shops, breweries and pubs, as well as lots of halal shops. Diners can snack on delicious Indian street food-style breakfasts, rotis and more, while sipping on the chain's signature chai and other hot or cold drinks.
Chai is, as the name might suggest, the main event here. Choose from four different flavours: cinnamon, karak, mint or saffron; each made with milk and the house blend of spices, which includes ginger and cardamom. Other hot drinks include chai lattes, garam hot chocolate or karak coffee. In the unlikely event of some sunny weather, cold drinks such as lemon ice chai and limbu pani (a bit like a spiced virgin mojito).
In the mornings (although it is available all day), visitors to Chaiiwala Dalston can enjoy a desi breakfast, featuring an omelette, spicy beans or daal, roti and a classic karak chai. For diners on the go, there is the omelette wrap, which is essentially the desi breakfast, all wrapped together. Classic rotis are on offer too, along with samosas with a sweet tamarind sauce, chilli paneer, pav bhaji, masala chips or mogo chips (fried cassava chips with a spicy gazebo sauce).
To finish with an authentic dessert, try the kheer (a Desi rice pudding dusted with pistachio). For something even sweeter, go for the gulab jamun (soft, melty fried dumplings soaked in sugar syrup).
Often referred to as "Indian Starbucks", this chain serves up reliably delicious and affordable Indian food and drink, making it a welcome addition to the busy Dalston Junction.