London’s foodie scene has always been all about exploration, third-wave coffee, for example, or artisanal bakeries. Now, however, there is a new hero: Karak chai.
An absolute pillar in Middle East and South Asia, this utterly aromatic, flavourful beverage has caught on with a devoted following in Britain’s capital. From quaint and picturesque street corners to high end, luxurious chai cafes in London, Karak chai is changing the way that Londoners take their tea.
If you’re looking for London’s best Karak chai, or just wondering about all the fuss, this guide’s got you sorted we’ll also show you where to get a cup that can compete with Karachi or Dubai.
What Exactly is Karak Chai?
Karak chai (aka “Kadak chai”) essentially translates into “strong tea”, and it truly does not disappoint. In comparison to the classic English tea, a traditional Karak chai is made by boiling black tea with sugar, milk, and a mix of a plethora of spices such as cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. This leads to a creamy, rich, caramel coloured concoction that is both equally sweet and spicy, but is deemed extremely comforting.
It is normally served hot in smaller cups, which are suitable for slowly savoring and enjoying each sip. In the last decade, there has been a rising interest in genuine international experiences with it, of course, an increasing quantity of chai cafes in London that shine a light on Karak chai.
Why Karak Chai is Currently Trending in London
A variety of factors have driven London’s new obsession with Karak chai:
- Global palates: Londoners are now more adventurous than ever, welcoming new flavours and cuisines from abroad.
- Instagram Culture: Karak chai poured with elegance in a creamy fashion is extremely photogenic, with accompanying bright-hued halal desserts.
- The Halal Brunch Boom: With an upswing in halal cafes on Oxford Street, there is now an increasingly popular scene that embraces a broader mix of London’s diverse communities.
- Comfort Factor: There is nothing quite like a hot, spicy chai on a cold London afternoon.
It’s the ultimate blend of comfort, culture, and cool and London’s café scene is paying attention.
What constitutes a perfect pot of Karak Chai?
When looking for an optimal spot for chai in London, all Karak is not made equally.
A great Karak chai should have:
- An intense brew: Strong bold with an intense tea flavour that isn’t overpowered by the flavour of milk or sugar.
- Well-balanced sweetness: It should be perfectly sweet without being too sweet.
- Perfect amount of seasoning: Cardamom must primarily dominate the flavour but not hijack the flavour of the palate.
- Silky smooth consistency: Velvety-smooth texture, that is developed by long simmering and boiling.
- Freshly prepared: Karak chai is prepared fresh to order, not made in advance.
Others hasten through it but the high-quality establishments are aware that Karak chai is an art that requires patience, care, and a long brewing process.
Where to Get the Best Karak Chai in London
If you’re on an active mission to locate the absolute best Karak chai in London, there’s one spot that chai lovers, locals, and foodies all agree on: Kula Cafe. Nestled in the heart of Marylebone just off of Oxford Street. Is there charming café that isn’t just a pretty, instagrammable place to brunch, it’s the epitome of wholesome, family-run gem with deep roots in South Asian culture and Pakistani tradition, and it serves up the perfect cup of Karak chai that’s nothing short of legendary.
A Cultural Legacy, A Family Story
The thing that makes Kula Café so special isn’t just the chai, it’s the soul and culture behind it. Founded by a South Asian family with ties to both India and Pakistan, Kula Cafe London was built on the philosophy of love for food, family, and the kind of gentle warmth you only receive at home. Blending traditional chai heritage with London’s thriving coffee culture, it offers something truly unique. From the minute you step in through the door, you’re instantly greeted with the aromas of slow-simmered cardamom tea and get a true sense of hospitality that makes the place feel less like a café and a lot more like a cosy family kitchen.
Karak Chai Made the Authentic, Traditional Way
Now let’s talk about the star of the show: the Karak chai. Kula doesn’t cut corners here. Their tea is perfectly brewed, fresh to order, making use of strong, loose-leaf black tea, rich condensed milk, and a carefully curated blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and (of course) cardamom. The result? A velvety, bold, spice-kissed cup that hits every note — creamy, sweet, slightly caramelized, and deeply comforting.
Each cup feels like a mini escape. You could be sitting in a café in Karachi, or enjoying a slow afternoon in Delhi, and yet, here you are, in central London, sipping on pure tradition.
Not Just Chai, It’s a Full Experience
There is more to Kula than just the ideal brew. Known for serving their famous Karak chai with the perfect quintennial desi paratha that is just as Instagrammable as it are decadent, this place offers a comprehensive option of halal brunch and dessert menu items.
Kula provides the perfect environment, whether you’re organising a casual get-together with friends or just popping in for a quick shopping break on Oxford Street. With its laid-back, comfortable atmosphere, cosy decor, and a wide menu that combines trendy food from the West with Eastern ingredients, it becomes the kind of place you visit once and find it difficult to forget (for all the right reasons, of course).
Consistency, Care, and Community
The allure of Kula, in contrast to large food chains, is its stability and genuineness. Regularity. Being a family-run company, every little detail is taken extremely seriously. The tastes are consistently spot on, the service is pleasant, and the staff is knowledgeable about chai. It’s more than just a desi beverage; it’s a moment, a feeling and a link to something more.
Best Times to Enjoy Karak Chai in London
- Morning Boost: Kick off your day with a coffee paired with a flaky pastry or hot paratha.
- Afternoon break: Replenish after shopping with a chai and cake break along Oxford Street.
- Late-Night Chill: Certain chai cafes offer late hours an excellent spot for post-dinner munching.
Londoners are now swapping their usual coffee café visits in London for chai dates a trend that shows no sign of slowing.
The Future of Chai Culture in London
Karak chai is not just a beverage, it’s a way of life.
With increasingly popular new halal cafes along Oxford Street and trendy boutique chai cafes in London opening up every few months, the trend does not seem to be slowing.
For food aficionados, tourists, and locals alike, the question is no longer “what is Karak chai?” but rather “where do I get the best Karak chai in London?”
And if we had our way, Kula Cafe should be at or near the top of our list.
Final Sip Thoughts
From humble beginnings to sudden popularity, Karak chai is quickly becoming everyone’s go-to choice in London.
If you’re hankering for rich, creamy, spicy perfection, and perhaps a side of halal dessert waffles, be sure to visit a genuine hidden gem such as Kula Cafe.
One sip, and you’ll realise just why Karak chai is conquering the capital, one cup at a time. The primary concern with the times of today is that count.
