#FOOD: CHAIWALA OF LONDON CONTINUES CANADIAN EXPANSION

Chaiiwala of London, the UK’s beloved chai brand, is accelerating its Canadian expansion. Since arriving in Scarborough in 2021, Canadian franchise co-founders Shiraj Kothiwala and Ajmal Gundhra have been on a mission to share authentic chai culture and create inclusive community spaces.

Today, with 22 cafés open across four provinces and a bold target of 100 by 2030, Chaiiwala has quickly become one of Canada’s fastest-growing café brands. By blending tradition with a modern café vibe, the brand is redefining how Canadians experience chai and Indian street food.

“We wanted to create a space that feels like home – a place where people can gather, connect, and enjoy authentic chai and street food,” says Shiraj Kothiwala, co-founder, Chaiiwala Canada. “It’s more than a café; it’s a cultural experience.”

Ajmal Gundhra, co-founder of Chaiiwala Canada, adds: “Chaiiwala is about more than serving great tea; it’s about preserving tradition while creating new experiences for a modern audience. Our growth across Canada proves there’s a real appetite for cultural connection through food and drink.”

Chaiiwala’s menu blends East Indian, East African, and British culinary influences. Signature offerings include Karak Chaii, Pink Chaii, Karak Coffee, and street food favourites like Desi Breakfast, Bombay Toastie, and indulgent Gulab Jamun Cheesecake.

Chaiiwala’s growth story began in the UK in 2016, inspired by an ancestor’s tea stall in New Delhi, India dating back to 1927. Today, the brand operates over 100 locations worldwide, with Canada serving as its first international expansion market.

Upcoming Canadian openings include Edmonton (October 2025), King George Hub (January 2026), and additional locations in Kelowna, Saskatoon, and Vancouver in 2026.