When Sohail Ali co-founded Chaiiwala in 2015, the pitch was straightforward: bring authentic chai and Indian street food to the British high street. No watered-down flavours and no corners cut in favour of speed. Just the kind of food – and the kind of chai – you’d find on the streets of Delhi.

More than a decade on, it’s paying off. Global sales jumped 35% to £89.4m in 2024, customers are visiting up to four times a week and Ali is now eyeing the US market, with the former global CEO of KFC advising on the move. The brand that started with a spiced milk tea now looks like it could be a major player in QSR.

“If you want to get into Indian street food and want the proper stuff, you’re going to come to us,” he says.