The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
Chai, a beloved beverage originating from India, is traditionally made with black tea combined with a mix of spices, milk, and a sweetener. Common spices include cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, offering endless possibilities for crafting unique blends by adjusting the proportions. The Americanized chai latte, however, differs from traditional masala chai, featuring a frothier texture and milder flavor profile.
As a self-proclaimed chai enthusiast, I set out to explore Berkeley’s chai scene, sampling offerings from various cafes in and around campus. I evaluated each chai based on creaminess, sweetness, spiciness, and color. I ventured out on a cold, gloomy day, looking forward to filling my stomach with warm, soothing chai. Here’s my ranking of the seven cafes I visited, ending with my favorite.
7. Kiklo
Kiklo is a small yet bustling cafe in Stanley Hall, offering both indoor and outdoor study spaces. Its chai latte had an extra foamy and smooth texture which I appreciated. However, the flavor leaned heavily on a syrupy sweetness, lacking the traditional spice profile of chai. The latte’s color was also closer to white than the typical warm brown. While it was still a comforting and mildly sweet drink for a chilly day, it didn’t quite capture the essence of chai.
6. The Coffee Lab
This spot is a literal hole in the wall, located beneath the Chemistry, Astronomy, and Physics library at Hildebrand Hall. The manager, Joe, crafts a custom spice blend, which is combined with brown sugar and steamed milk. He utilizes unique ingredients like sunflower and lemon seeds to create a subtle complex flavor. The latte itself was delightfully foamy with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top that added a fragrant, earthy note. The one drawback, though, was that the flavor felt slightly diluted—I found myself wishing for a bolder spice presence and less milk.
5. Free Speech Movement Cafe
As the name suggests, this cafe pays tribute to the historical free speech movement that resonated throughout UC Berkeley from 1964 to 1965. Here, you can enjoy a drink or meal while browsing informative displays about the movement and its leader, Mario Savio. The chai here had a pleasantly darker color than the previous two cafes with a nice balance of spices. Unfortunately, it was a bit milder and less sweet than I would have preferred, as well as pricier than the other cafes.
4. Elaichi Co.
Named after the Hindi word for cardamom, Elaichi Co. specializes in authentic Indian chai. You can enjoy a variety of delectable options such as karak chai, oat chai, or pumpkin spice chai in the cozy atmosphere of the cafe. I opted for the karak chai, which is made from a strong black tea that gives it a rich, dark color; evaporated milk for a velvety infusion; and spices like cardamom and ginger. Poured from an ornate silver teapot, the spices in this silky chai truly stood out. While it wasn’t quite sweet enough for my taste, it’s still a must-try for those who appreciate bold, authentic flavors.
3. Caffè Strada
Caffè Strada is a well-established Berkeley landmark, inviting students and professors to sip on espresso drinks while studying or working. The cafe features a quaint outdoor seating area with wooden benches shaded by trees, creating a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. Although it prides itself on its espresso, I decided to try the chai and was pleasantly surprised by its balance of sweetness and deep, rich color. It has its own distinct spice blend, which stood out as one of the best that I sampled.
2. V&A Cafe
Located in Etcheverry Hall, V&A Cafe is popular among EECS students and those frequenting the north side of campus. The cafe offers a choice between vanilla and spiced chai, and I opted for the spiced chai this time. With a lighter touch of vanilla and cinnamon, this drink allows other spices like nutmeg to shine. Among the American chai lattes, this one was my favorite because of its frothy and creamy texture, as well as its wonderfully spiced aroma. It’s also the most affordable of all the cafes, at just $4 for a small cup.
1. Delah Coffee
In first place is Delah Coffee, a cozy Yemeni cafe along Euclid Ave. on Northside Berkeley. Its specialty, Adeni chai (also known as Yemeni tea), features a strong cardamom flavor and is made with Yemeni black tea, cream, and Delah’s own spice blend. It’s served piping hot, but don’t wait too long to start sipping, or the evaporated milk will form a thin film over the top. This chai is most similar to the one from Elaichi, though it’s milkier and sweeter. Overall, Delah’s chai takes the cake for its bold flavor, exceptional spice blend, creaminess, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Whenever you’re in the mood for a warm drink or a sweet treat to accompany your studies this winter, try a hot chai latte at these cafes! Keep in mind that these are just my personal opinions, and I encourage you to explore these cafes—and so many others in the area—to find your own favorites. No two chai spice blends are the same, so discovering one that matches your taste is an adventurous experience that only you can go through.