Mi Chaii - Ilford

you're on ilford lane, which is not a street that tends to show up in london coffee guides, and that's exactly why mi chaii is worth knowing about. the ig1 stretch here runs busy and unpretentious, and this place sits within it without trying to reframe the neighbourhood as something it isn't. the specialty coffee is the obvious draw, but the tea program is taken just as seriously, which matters if you're not always in the mood for espresso. small plates mean you can actually eat here, not just caffeinate and leave, and the vegetarian options are substantial enough to anchor a longer visit. if you're going solo, the setup suits it. come for the quieter part of the morning, and order the tea.