Chai Shai

I make the best chai ever that I know ;)
So saying that this place is pretty good, is a big deal :)
The wife likes the zinger burger here, the chaat is decent. Pani Puri is good. Didn't like the chapli kabab at all. Bun kabab is decent
Considering the name of the place, you would think it would be more of a cafe oriented joint. The cafe related items are in the last page of the menu, someone needs to do a marketing overhaul. There is so much potential. We have seen this specific location change restaurants/hands many times. IMO, maybe a healthy marketing budget is required to drive traffic here.

Dropped by on a Friday afternoon. It was kind of awkward walking in because it was completely empty and it took a minute before someone came out to seat us. We ordered the papdi chaat and zinger burger. Papdi chaat is basically made up of chick peas, tomatoes, yogurt, spices, tamarind and green chili sauces, and is topped off with pita-like crisps/chips. The zinger burger is a crispy fried chicken burger that comes with fries. On the menu is specified masala fries however ours came plain.
The restaurant's decor looks like it's meant to be a chill place to hang out.
The food itself tasted decent, the service was meh. Had to get the waitress' attention a few times. For some reason I felt like an inconvenience because of it. Not sure if I'd return.

So far I've had the goat biryani, beef samosas, masala chai, and kashmiri chai here. All except for the kashmiri chai were exceptional.

The restaurant itself feels incredibly welcoming, like the atmosphere is really nice. And it helps that the service is exceptionally nice too.

Would definitely recommend visiting this place as the weather gets colder and enjoying an appetizer + masala chai.

I'm very disappointed to say that a roach was found in our chicken biryani. Chai shai has hands down the best mixed chaat. Their kashmiri chai is really good. Unfortuantely, the chicken biryani we ordered to go had a small roach cooked in. Therefore I don't recommend this place.

For a Pakistani place the ambiance was impressive; however the food was average especially compared to the multiple food options available in Houston area.

I tried the hunter beef sandwich... the size was good but the taste was missing and that so called mustard sauce just does not go with hunter beef guys!

The service was not at par also... overall grade C+

This is our second time dining here. The first time the owner came to introduce himself and apologize that they were out of palak paneer. While we were eating he sent out someone to get the ingredients that he was out of and made me a dish to go. On the house!! The people here are very nice and the service could not be any better. Tonight they introduced a new dish to the menu. It is a beautiful and very delicious lamb shank! A definite must try! The garlic naan is addicting! So don't go if you are trying to drop a few pounds! lol I topped it all off with a hot cup of chai tea. We love this place!!!

A great beginner experience to Pakistani food!

The owner and servers are incredibly hospitable and the food was delicious. The halwa puri was great, and our table opted to share family style. We also ordered butter chicken and chicken biryani (yum). The Kheer was a great finisher to our meal.

I am so pleasantly surprised with my experience here at chai shai. After speaking with the chef, Sidra, I was flattered at how humble she was regarding her cooking. I asked for who The chef bc I had to know who made this amazing meal.

The chicken biryani... SPECTACULAR. the Tandoori chicken wings, OUTSTANDING. The hunter beef burger is unlike anything I have had before. Shredded beef brisket with a shami kebab type of flavor with diced green chillies and a very tasty house sauce. As a pakistani man whi is extremely picky abiut the flavirs of masala and pakistani food in general, this place is onky rivaled by Agas... and thats saying something. I CANNOT wait to try other menu items. This place is a true gem. The name of the restaraunt is misleading bc it only implies chai. I will absolutely be back. My only regret is that I can only give this place 5 stars.

I am not entirely sure why this is such a hyped spot among the South Asian community but for the most part, as the name would suggest, its claim to fame is the desi finger food and snacks. While I don't find the rest of their menu or items very appealing in general, their acclaimed hunter beef is truly delicious! The shredded brisket-type texture and the spicing are both simply on point, as is the moisture level in the sandwich. The spicy jalapeño infusion is tasty too and the accompanying side of masala fries is a good complimentary item. Service was great on my last trip but was very slow and faulty during my first visit a while back. Ambience is decent and overall, it's hard to avoid trying their hunter beef for its yummy flavor. That being said, it's not quite in the Bismillah Cafe tier for me and belongs more so in the average/above average category.

I'm so in love with your cheeseburger - your food is absolutely delicious
Just remember to send the House sauce with all your orders
Awesome !