You know that feeling when you discover an amazing restaurant and immediately think, “Why didn’t I come here months ago?” That’s exactly what keeps happening at a relatively new café on Ablewell Street in Walsall.

Since opening in 2024, Chaii Dosa Café has been quietly building a loyal following of locals who all say the same thing: “I wish someone had told me about this place sooner.”

So if you’ve been walking past wondering what’s inside, or you’ve seen the name pop up on Google but weren’t quite sure what to expect, here’s what regulars wish they’d known before their first visit.

1. “I Wish I’d Known It Wasn’t Your Typical Indian Restaurant”

Most people in Walsall are familiar with North Indian cuisine – chicken tikka masala, naan bread, rich curries. But Chaii Dosa Café serves South Indian food, which is completely different.

Think lighter, healthier, and predominantly vegetarian dishes that won’t leave you feeling heavy. The menu focuses on fresh ingredients, fermented batters, and aromatic spices rather than heavy cream-based sauces.

“I came in expecting the usual curry house experience,” says one first-timer on Google Reviews. “This was nothing like that – in the best possible way.”

2. “I Should Have Asked What Dosa Actually Is”

Here’s the thing nobody tells you: dosa is basically a crispy, savoury crepe.

If you’ve ever had a French crepe or English pancake, you’ll understand the concept immediately. But instead of being sweet, dosas are made from fermented rice and lentil batter, cooked paper-thin and crispy, then filled with spiced potatoes or other fillings.

The beauty? It’s naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and incredibly light – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

“I was intimidated by the menu at first,” admits a regular customer. “But once the staff explained that dosas are like savoury pancakes, everything made sense. Now I’m addicted.”

3. “I Didn’t Realize How Perfect It Is for Special Diets”

One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors? Nearly everything on the menu ticks multiple dietary boxes without even trying.

Looking for vegan options in Walsall? Most dosas are naturally vegan. Need gluten-free? Rice-based dosas have you covered. Want healthy, protein-rich vegetarian food? South Indian cuisine was doing this centuries before it became trendy.

Parents with picky eaters, people with food intolerances, and health-conscious diners all find something they love here – which is rare for any restaurant.

4. “The Chai is Nothing Like Tea Bags at Home”

If you order chai expecting something close to PG Tips, you’re in for a shock (the good kind).

Authentic Indian chai is a completely different experience: fresh milk simmered with loose-leaf tea, cardamom, ginger, and warming spices. It’s creamy, aromatic, and slightly sweet – more like a comforting hug in a cup than your typical builder’s brew.

“I’m not normally a tea person,” one customer wrote, “but I order their masala chai every single time now. It’s become my Friday morning ritual.”

5. “I Should Have Come for Breakfast”

While most people think of Indian food as an evening meal, South Indian breakfast culture is legendary in India – and Chaii Dosa Café brings that tradition to Walsall.

Imagine starting your Saturday morning with a crispy masala dosa and fresh chai instead of the usual bacon sandwich or coffee shop pastry. It’s substantial enough to keep you full for hours but won’t leave you feeling sluggish.

Plus, where else in Walsall can you get a proper sit-down breakfast that’s genuinely different from the standard greasy spoon?

6. “I Didn’t Know How Affordable It Would Be”

There’s a misconception that trying something new means paying premium prices. Not here.

Portion sizes are generous, prices are reasonable, and the value for money consistently surprises first-timers. You’re getting freshly made, authentic food at prices comparable to your average high street café.

“I expected to pay way more for food this good,” admits one reviewer. “I actually felt a bit guilty paying so little.”

7. “I Wish I’d Brought My Family Sooner”

Unlike typical cafés where you might grab a quick coffee, or traditional Indian restaurants that feel too formal for a casual visit, Chaii Dosa Café hits that perfect middle ground.

It’s relaxed enough for a weekday lunch, interesting enough for a weekend family outing, and welcoming enough that you feel comfortable asking questions if you’re new to South Indian cuisine.

Parents appreciate the healthy options for kids. Friends enjoy trying something different together. And solo diners feel just as comfortable popping in for a quick bite.

8. “The Location is More Convenient Than I Thought”

Tucked away at 91-92 Ablewell Street, some people assume it’s awkward to reach. But it’s actually right in the heart of Walsall town centre – easy parking nearby, quick to access from the main roads, and surrounded by other shops if you’re making a day of it.

“I’d driven past dozens of times without really noticing,” says one local. “Now I wonder how I ever missed it.”

What to Order on Your First Visit

Still not sure where to start? Here’s what the regulars recommend for your first visit. You can view the full menu here, but these are the crowd favourites:

• The Classic Masala Dosa – Can’t go wrong with the signature dish. Crispy, golden, filled with spiced potatoes, served with coconut chutney and sambar (a tangy lentil soup).
• Masala Chai – The perfect companion to any meal, especially if you’ve never tried authentic Indian tea.
• Idli Sambar – Soft, pillowy steamed rice cakes. Comfort food at its finest.
• Plain Dosa – If you want to appreciate the crispy texture without filling, start here.

And here’s the insider tip: don’t be afraid to ask questions. The staff are used to first-timers and genuinely enjoy explaining the menu.

Why This Matters for Walsall

In a town where the restaurant scene can sometimes feel repetitive – the same chain pubs, the same pizza places, the same curry houses – Chaii Dosa Café offers something genuinely different without being pretentious about it.

It’s the kind of place every town needs: locally owned, authentically run, and focused on doing one thing really, really well.

Whether you’re bored of your usual lunch spots, looking for healthier meal options, or simply curious about trying something new, this is one of those rare finds that actually lives up to the hype.

Ready to See What Everyone’s Talking About?

Chaii Dosa Café is located at 91-92 Ablewell Street, Walsall, WS1 2EL.

Open throughout the week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No booking required for most visits, though it can get busy on weekends (which tells you everything you need to know).

Come see why locals keep saying, “I wish I’d found this place sooner.” Because the only thing better than discovering a great café is discovering it today instead of six months from now.