I Found The Cutest Gem In East Ham (East London): Mowchi Review

To give you some context: I actually grew up around East London, so I was a little conflicted about writing this post. Why? Well, I’ve been semi-boycotting this specific location due to its recent history.

Now, I’m sure most of you know about this (cough) little thing called gentrification,and that’s exactly what happened here. My heart absolutely breaks for the market workers who were literally forced out by Newham council—many of whom had been running their businesses for over 25 years. Their livelihoods were robbed, and honestly, I can’t say I’m very forgiving of that. But, I’ll make an exception for this post because I’m not a fan of collective punishment. I truly believe small businesses like Mowchineed to thrive, especially in a world dominated by big corporations.

If you want to dive deeper into the gentrification around East Ham, check out this post here.

Mowchi: My New Favourite Bubble Tea Spot

So, let’s talk about Mowchi, the cafe I stumbled upon. It’s totally my vibe. If I ever found myself in the food industry, this is the aesthetic I would’ve gone for. Minimalist, cozy, and just so inviting. Oh, and did I mention? This place turned me into a bubble tea lover—something I never thought would happen.

I’ll admit, 10 years ago I had my first bubble tea, and I literally spat it out. It was disgusting—honestly, I can’t even remember where it was from or what flavour it was. All I know is, I swore I’d never drink bubble tea again. So, the fact that Mowchimanaged to convert me is a big deal!

Their slogan says it best: “Where cozy vibes, bubble tea, and finger-licking Asian fusion flavours come together!”

What We Ordered

Here’s what we got on our visit:

• Tikka My Fancy (Sandwich)

• Katsu Kapow (Bao Buns)

• Cheeki Fries

• Latte Bubble Tea with Tapioca Pearls

• Mango Bubble Tea with Passion Fruit Popping Boba

This meal was absolutely delightful for lunch, and I even gave a little sneak peek on my TikTok page here.

Food Review: A Delectable Experience

Let’s talk about the food! The bao bun was perfection—not soggy, but also not so dry that it tore apart. The filling was generous and had just the right amount of that classic Asian tang. My friend (who’s a huge bao bun fan) absolutely loved it. But for me, the Cheeki Fries were the real star—crinkled fries topped with soft cheese and sriracha. The balance was spot on. The cheese reminded me of the one they serve at Cineworld with nachos, so you know it’s good.

The Tikka My Fancy sandwich, made with thick brioche bread, was a little on the dry side for my taste, but I’m not going to knock it too hard. If you’re into meat, I’d actually recommend the Beef Ecounter sandwich. (I’m not a huge meat eater, so I didn’t try it, but it comes highly recommended!)

As for the bubble tea? Honestly, it was the star of the show for me. The Latte Bubble Tea was hands down the best I’ve ever had—smooth, rich, and just perfect. The Mango Bubble Tea with passion fruit popping boba was so fresh and fruity—it’s hard to go back to regular bubble tea after tasting that!

Total Cost: £30.10p

Verdict: Totally Worth the Visit

If you’re on the fence about bubble tea, trust me, Mowchi will convert you. It’s an absolute gem, and I’m so glad I gave it a chance.

P.S. Mowchi has several branches, but the Mile End branch (450 MILE END ROAD, LONDON, E1 4GG) seems to be the most popular. Definitely check it out if you’re in the area!