London Chai Showdown: The Best and Worst Chai Spots You Must Know
London may be a city of tea drinkers, but chai lovers are carving out their own space in this iconic city. On a recent trip, I visited two of the most popular chai spots—one that had me savoring every sip and another that left me questioning how it even made it on the map. If you’re searching for the best chai in London, keep reading to find out which spot to hit and which one to skip.
The Best: Chai Guys (Covent Garden)
If you’re a chai enthusiast like me, Chai Guys in Covent Garden should be at the top of your list. In addition to the neat atmosphere that encompasses the trendy Seven Dials Market, this small shop delivers a perfectly balanced chai that is subtle yet full of flavor. What sets their chai apart is not just the taste but the attention to detail in every cup.
Vegan options: I opted for the oat milk version of their Iced Masala Chai, and it was the best vegan chai I’ve ever had while travelling—rich without being heavy.
Inventive flavor offerings: My friends and I each got different chais and we loved every one! The summer specials were definitely a hit .
Well-sourced ingredients: Their commitment to quality is evident in every sip. You can taste the freshness of the spices, which are well-balanced and not overpowering.
Friendly staff: The team behind the counter is passionate about chai, and it shows. They’re happy to answer any questions and make recommendations based on your preferences.
But the real surprise? Their cardamom bun. It was my first time trying one, and it was nothing short of amazing. Imagine a cinnamon roll, but less sweet, with crushed cardamom embedded in the dough. The subtle spice from the cardamom pairs perfectly with their chai. Trust me, it’s a must-try combo. (If you want a cardamom bun recipe posted here on the blog, let me know in the comments below!)
Want to enjoy the Chai Guys experience at home? Check out their Chai Guys Chai Mix available on Amazon for a taste of their incredible blend, ready to brew wherever you are.
The Worst: Chaiiwala
Now for the disappointment—Chaiiwala. With over 100 locations across London, I expected a lot more. Sadly, their chai fell flat in almost every way.
Overly brewed: Since they make chai in large batches and store it in dispensers, it’s no surprise that the flavor was stale and overly bitter. It tasted like it had been sitting for hours.
Poor dairy-free options: They only offered one chai variety, and the dairy-free version was undrinkable. Even after adding multiple sugar packets (which were inconveniently placed by the trash cans), it was still unbearably bitter.
Inconsistent: My friend and I tried both the iced and hot versions, hoping for redemption, but both were equally terrible. The iced chai was overly spiced and bitter, and the hot chai looked oddly like hot chocolate—an immediate red flag.
For a chain that’s expanding so quickly, I was shocked by the poor quality. Chaiiwala is proof that quantity doesn’t always equal quality. If you love chai, you’re better off skipping this place entirely.
Final Thoughts: What to Choose in London for Chai
If you’re in London and craving a good cup of chai, Chai Guys should be your go-to. Between their well-sourced ingredients, friendly staff, and that unforgettable cardamom bun, it’s a spot worth visiting. On the other hand, Chaiiwala simply doesn’t live up to the hype, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who truly appreciates well-made chai.
What’s your favorite chai spot in London? Drop your recommendations in the comments, and don’t forget to let me know if you’d like to see a cardamom bun recipe on the blog!
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