Now you can get chaii on the go at city's first Indian drive-through

THE spark for Chaiiwala began nearly 100 years ago. The great grandfather of one of the founders Muhummed Ibrahim sold chaii - a traditional Indian tea made from a blend of black tea, spices and milk-in New Delhi in the 1920s.

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

Ten years ago, the first Chaiiwala, which translates as the ‘tea guy, opened in Leicester. An instant hit, customers were soon demanding Indian street food to complement their karak chaii, the signature drink.

Thanks to franchising, the number of cafes has rocketed to more than 130 in the UK, in high streets, shopping centres, airports and university campuses. Nottingham’s first Chaiiwala opened in Hyson Green’s Gregory Boulevard in 2019.

The second - Nottingham’s first Indian drive-through - opened this week in the former home of Burger King, in Castle Boulevard.

Co-founder Sohail Ali, who is Muhammed’s cousin, said: “We are so used to seeing Indian restaurants and Indian takeaways but we've spun it so you've got this casual cafe culture where we start from breakfast all the way up to late nights.

“We found Britain loves Indian food anyway and in South Asian culture generally tea is a massive part of that. Chaii gives you that caffeine but it’s a different flavour profile, and in South Asia you have these little shots like an espresso.”