Top 5 Spots for Chai in UK
- Ishita Shah
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 17
Craving Real Chai in the UK? Here Are 5 Spots That’ll Take You Home
If you are a student in the UK or just someone who knows that chai isn’t “just tea,” you know the struggle. You are craving that strong, cardamom-spiced, perfectly sweet cup of karak or masala chai — the kind you would get from a roadside stall, or a Karak chai for 100 fils in Bahrain or 1.5 AED in Dubai . You Google chai near me, and somehow always end up at Chaiiwala. But guess what? There’s more out there.
Over the past few months, I have hunted down proper chai spots across the UK. These are not places selling lukewarm tea in paper cups. These are joints that serve bold, flavourful chai that hits like home. Here are my top 5 picks. One of them is my absolute favourite — I’ll let you guess which.
1. Shree Krishna Vada Pav (SKVP)
Multiple Locations (London: Wembley, Hounslow, Harrow | Birmingham: Solihull)
Let’s get straight to it: this place nails traditional chai. Their karak is rich, creamy, and strong — just the way it should be. One sip and you're back in India, standing at a roadside stall next to a sizzling tava.
But chai is just the beginning. Their dabeli is exactly like the ones you get in Mumbai — spicy, tangy, buttery perfection. They also sell packed snacks like bhakarwadi, sev, bhujia, and more. It is the kind of place that turns chai into a full-on nostalgia trip.
Chai Type: Karak / Masala
Price: Around £2
Vibe: Casual, fast-paced, very Desi
Instagrammable?: More street-style than aesthetic
2. Chaa biskut
Nottingham
This one’s a hidden gem. Their masala chaa (chai) is smooth, full of flavor, with a strong ginger and elaichi (cardamom) kick — no shortcuts. Brewed the right way, with care.
They are also very proud of their Milk Badaam (almond milk ), which is rich, slightly sweet, and super comforting. It is the kind of place that feels like a warm hug on a rainy UK day.
Chai Type: Masala chaa
Price: £2.50–£3
Vibe: Cosy, modern, friendly
Instagrammable?: Yes — their chaa setups and desserts are worth the post
3. Cha Sha
Multiple Locations (London | Birmingham | Southampton)
Cha Sha in London is the definition of fusion Desi chai. Their matka chai (£4.80) is served in a traditional clay cup, giving it that earthy aroma and extra depth. They also do a solid karak chai (£3.70), along with creative blends like choco chai and more fusion options if you are feeling adventurous.
The space is upbeat and welcoming — perfect for catching up with friends or a chill solo chai run.
Chai Type: Matka, Karak, Choco Chai, Fusion Chais
Price: £3.70–£4.80
Vibe: Trendy, modern Desi café
Instagrammable?: 100% — matka chai is made for the Gram
4. Chaiiology
London (Ilford, East Ham)
Chaiiology is one for the real chai nerds. Their menu goes deep: you can get chai made with buffalo milk, gur wali chai (sweetened with jaggery), and pink Kashmiri chai too — all brewed fresh. But even their basic masala chai hits the spot, with a proper balance of spice and strength. If you want to explore beyond the standard chai menu, this is your playground.
Chai Type: Masala, Gur Wali, Buffalo Milk, Pink Chai
Price: £2.80–£3.50
Vibe: Laid-back, clean, student-friendly
Instagrammable?: Yes — tons of variety and colorful chai setups
5. My Chai
Coventry
Small but mighty, My Chai is Coventry’s go-to spot for a proper cup of karak. The flavour’s intense, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice — brewed long enough to make every sip count. They also offer fusion snacks and rotating specials, but the chai is the main event.
It is a chill hangout spot, popular with students, and has that under-the-radar charm that makes you feel like you discovered something special.
Chai Type: Karak, Masala
Price: Around £2.50–£3
Vibe: Simple, cosy, student favourite
Instagrammable?: Lowkey but authentic — real chai lovers know
So, which one’s my go-to? I will let you guess.
If you have got a favourite chai spot in the UK that is not on this list, drop it in the comments.
Chai missions are never over.
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