A local’s review of Kahaila on Brick Lane, one of London’s secret cafes: a community-focused, rustic coffee shop with chai latte, red velvet and rainbow cakes!
Every time I’m near Brick Lane, I head straight to the Kahaila coffee shop.
This quirky cafe in the middle of Brick Lane is one of my favorite spots in East London, and one I’ve told you about time and time again.
The moment you step inside, you feel the warm, friendly vibe that’s rare in such a busy part of the city.
But Kahaila is way more than just a cafe. Since it opened in 2012, it’s become a cafe, a charity, and even a church—all rolled into one.
You can enjoy an amazing chai latte here, knowing you’re helping support some really important community projects.
Honestly, it’s one of the best cafes in London, and I love telling anyone who’ll listen about this secret gem.
London’s Kahaila, A Secret Coffee Shop on Brick Lane
One thing’s for sure: Kahaila is big, with plush armchairs, benches and chairs, and tables of all sizes.
When it comes to cafes to work in London, Kahaila is one I keep coming back to.
It’s got a really relaxed, friendly feel, and there’s usually enough space to get comfy with my laptop or notes, especially on the community tables.
Inside Kahaila, Brick Lane
Sure, it gets busy at times, but that just adds to the buzz without killing my focus.
The coffee and treats make the work sessions way better—especially the chai latte.
If you’re a freelancer, student, or just someone who needs a cozy spot to work, Kahaila’s a place that feels easy and welcoming.
Kahaila Brick Lane: Coffee & Menu
Kahaila’s menu is full of tasty treats for everyone. Their chai latte is seriously one of the best; comfort in a cup every single time.
Their red velvet cake is rich and indulgent, ineffable.
The carrot cake is wonderfully moist and packed with flavor.
And those cinnamon buns? Absolutely delicious.
If you need vegan or gluten-free options, Kahaila has you covered with some tasty choices like their vegan Biscoff Lotus loaf.
Their flat whites and iced lattes are perfect whether you want a warm pick-me-up or something cool on a sunny day.
Knowing many of their goodies come from small, independent businesses makes everything taste even better.
What I Ordered on My Last Visit to Kahaila Brick Lane
The last time I popped by Kahaila was just for a snack, not to work on my laptop.
I was with a friend and we just wanted a pick-me-up before walking to Liverpool Street and Spitalfields.
While she ordered a cinnamon bun, I went for a slice of rainbow cake and a chai latte: these are two of my go-tos no matter which cafe I visit.
Since we went around 12 pm, the cinnamon bun was just a little underwhelming, just a touch dry, but flavorful nonetheless.
When it comes to the chai latte, the balance of sweetness and spices makes it a truly delicious coffee, and one I order pretty much all the time at Kahaila.
Now, the star of the show, since I seem to remember there was no more carrot cake that day, was the rainbow cake.
I’d tried it before, and had the same thought as before: so much moist! so much color! so much good!
My tastebuds were very, very happy; the cream is thick, not too sweet, and while this is a simple vanilla cake in the end, it was truly delicious.
Kahaila Brick Lane: Community & Charity
Kahaila isn’t just a cafe—it’s a place that truly cares.
Every time I visit, I’m reminded of how much good they do for the community.
All the profits go toward amazing projects like Luminary Bakery, which empowers women through baking classes, Ella’s Home, a safe space for survivors of modern slavery, and Reflex, a mentoring and education project supporting women in prison.
What makes Kahaila special for me is that when I’m here, I’m not just enjoying a coffee or a slice of cake—I’m helping support real change, and I’m here for it.
It feels amazing to know that by simply grabbing a treat, I’m part of something bigger and making a difference.
Kahaila also hosts exhibitions, music nights, and community events, turning it into a real hub for East London life.
So whenever I’m sipping my chai latte or enjoying some carrot cake, I feel connected to a community that truly matters.
Kahaila Brick Lane: What to See Nearby
One of the things I love about Kahaila is how perfectly it’s placed for exploring some of East London’s coolest hidden gems.
Not far from the cafe, there’s the Sclater Street car park—a quirky spot where the walls are covered with old CDs, Barbie dolls, and all kinds of secondhand treasures.
It feels like stepping into a little hidden art world, and I can’t believe so few know about it.
Brick Lane itself is a street art hotspot, with colorful murals and ever-changing pieces from some of London’s best urban artists.
A short walk away, Bethnal Green has a more local, laid-back vibe if you want to experience East London beyond the usual tourist stops.
Nearby, Whitechapel’s Idea Store Library is a modern spot offering free exhibitions, workshops, and events.
For something truly tucked-away, New Inn Yard is a quiet courtyard filled with amazing street art, including the Shakespeare statue and a stunning Romeo and Juliet mural that always catch my eye.
London’s Kahaila, A Secret Coffee Shop on Brick Lane
For me, Kahaila is more than just a cafe—it’s a little corner of East London that feels like home (maybe because I used to live just off Bethnal Green Road).
Whether I’m enjoying their amazing chai latte, savoring a slice of red velvet cake, or just soaking up the friendly, quirky vibe, I always leave feeling refreshed and inspired.
What makes Kahaila truly special is knowing every visit supports real community projects that make a difference.
If you’re looking for a place that combines great coffee, tasty treats, and a welcoming atmosphere with a bigger purpose, Kahaila is definitely worth a visit.
Next time you’re exploring Brick Lane, it’s a spot I’d really recommend checking out—one of London’s best-kept secrets for good reason!
Should you be planning your first trip to London, make sure you use my Ultimate London Travel Guide for more famous landmarks, secret places, coffee shops, and food options.
For more secret spots, feel free to read my guides to the best hidden gems in London, East London, West London, South London and North London.
Alternatively, you can also find lots of lesser-known places in the following guides:
- London’s Secret Gardens: St Pancras New Church and Caryatids
- Visiting Aberfeldy Street, London’s Colorful Gem in Poplar
- London’s Secret Gardens: Mark Street Gardens, Shoreditch
- What Are the Secret Female Busts on Milford Lane, London?
There are a few amazing, secret cafes I love in London aside from Kahaila, should you be willing to move about the city, too: