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  • Writer's pictureAvi Sen
    • Jul 9, 2018
    • 3 min read

Chai Ki Canary Wharf (London)

Updated: Feb 12

The relaxed dining vibe, Indo-Chinese fusions coupled with the quirky split décor of the bar and restaurant, has made Chai Ki popular, but was it any good? Time to find out...

Bhel Puri

Ideal for:

  • Wharf workers looking for a bite to eat after work

  • Casual dinner with friends

  • Indian food lovers

 

Ambience & Décor


Chai Ki Canary Wharf Interior

The lazy Sunday vibe was evident within the restaurant. Seated at the Hot Toddy bar, it felt like a glorified street shack with the multitude of plain wooden fixtures. Exposed ceiling sans panelling with industrial-style tube lighting gave a blue-collar feel. The main restaurant is the antithesis, with its black and red combination effusing class. The wiry, Chinese lantern-style light coverings embodies the fusion mantra of Chai Ki.


Service


The lazy Sunday vibes transferred to the lax service we received. Granted Sunday evening is never the best judge of service, but a hallmark of a good restaurant is consistency. I thought the initial waiter was especially rude.


Food


We ordered a medley of dishes from the Toddy Shop bar all-day menu. The Indian-style fried chicken burger, Bun Farcha’s green chutney marinade underneath the light batter kept the chicken moist and flavourful. The chaat masala and chillies gave the Indian twist and heat. The crunch of the slaw added texture and depth, whilst tempering the heat. The soft buns encasing the contents brought it all together. Something I would re-order.

Chicken Tikka Naan

The naan in the Chicken Tikka Naan (left) acts as the base with toppings of tandoori chicken, peppers, red onions all drizzled with yoghurt and mint chutney. The naan was crispy on the outside but soggy on the inside, and made eating with hands tricky. The tikka pieces were succulent and well spiced; tempered by the yoghurt's acidity and sweetness from the green chutney.


The Hakka Chilli Paneer was a flat out failure. The paneer was overcooked and rubbery. The water seeped from the paneer diluting the spice blend and ruining the accompaniments. The worst chilli paneer to date. Contrast this to the Bhel Puri (top picture) where the potatoes were perfectly cooked, and the wet chutney did not make the puffed rice (puri) soggy. A real crowd pleaser that was well delivered.

Gurkhali Chicken Wings

Gurkhali Chicken Wings (right) sounded interesting with its Nepalese Szechuan pepper mixed with roasted cumin and smoked garlic. For the price, it was good value. Tender chicken, smoky tones and well-seasoned skin. Amazing? No... but it was tasty nonetheless. I wanted more heat.

Burnt Chilli Chicken

Indo-Chinese fusion has vibrant colours, punchy flavours, heat and amazing textures. The Burnt Chilli Chicken (left) has all of this. I am thrilled to say it was like something I had in India. The heat was evident, with the array of vegetables giving earthy flavours and textures balance. The aroma was particularly intoxicating and I would return for this dish. One of the best on show.

Koliwada Calamari

The final dish was the Koliwada Calamari (right). The curry leaf, pickling spices, roasted cumin and ‘jaggery’ cane sugar gave a wonderful concoction of heat, sweet and sour. The touch of lemon synonymous with fish added freshness and vibrancy. The perfectly-cooked calamari signalled another culinary triumph.


Chai Ki was quite enjoyable personally. The relaxed vibe and the Indo-Chinese dishes were a particular highlight. I would return for some of those dishes. The diabolical paneer and poor service gives the fusion eatery an B rating.


Photos of Chai Ki and more can be found on Instagram here.

 

Final grade: B

Final comment: Craving Indo-Chinese fusion? Then Chai Ki is perfect for you.


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