I've been back to Elaichi twice more since reviewing them, and a fifth star is definitely in order now that I've tried their chai hot, iced, and the decadent banana chai einspänner. Elaichi makes dreamy chai in all ways, so you can't go wrong no matter what you order. read more

TLDR: Nice concept with South Asian inspired drinks and snacks; small space - it will be tough to find seating Came here twice while i was visiting the Berkeley area - i really like the space they hae set-up and the concept. They have multiple South Asian inspired tea and coffee beverages including Banana Einspanner, Matcha Roofsafzah etc. Their main beverages are various kinds of chai. Our ratings: 1. Karak Chai: 3/5 - pretty average chai, the price was pretty steep for the portion that was provided but i appreciated how strong the drink was 2. Cortado: 3/5 - again my friends were shocked with the portion (teeny, tiny cup) and it was $5. Friends needed to hop over to another coffee shop for another drink 3. Jaggery Chocolate Chip Cookie: 4/5 - this was solid, tastes like a typical indian cookie. Different taste for folks used to traditional choco chip cookies read more

elaichi co. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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We didn't order food. The service was not bad but wasn't the greatest. The person who was helping us wasn't really friendly. The ambiance is okay too close to each other. We can't really talk as whe others do it feels like I have to yell. The code I ordered was $9 and it didn't taste that good. read more

elaichi co. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Elaichi is a great spot for a tea date, provided you know what to order. The Karak Chai (5/5) is a absolute must-try and easily the best thing on the menu. While the Kashmiri Chai (4/5) isn't exactly the "real deal," it's still a very tasty drink. I was less impressed with the Gur Cookie (1/5); it lacked the soul of a traditional gur biscuit and I could hardly taste the gur. The Paratha Roll (2/5) also felt a bit steep for the value. The Elaichi Bun (4/5) is very good, though their own bread pudding has set the bar so high that it's hard to compete! Keep in mind that it's self-service, so you'll need to pick up your own food and drinks. There is indoor seating, but it was completely full when we arrived. Luckily, we found a table in the courtyard, which is a nice, relaxed spot to enjoy your hot tea and sweets. Street parking is hard to find in this area, so we ended up using a paid garage one block over. read more

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I visited elaichi co. with a friend on a busy weekend. It's a tiny cafe that services a smaller, refined menu of both chai, matcha and pastries. There is also a seasonal menu but it wasn't available yet. Inside, there are a few tables with limited seating as we came during a busy study week for the college students. Being full, the cafe was vibrant and lovely. I decided to try the oat chai. Being South Asian, my review is more biased since I'm used to bold, rich flavors in chai. This drink is lightly seasoned with spices and the oat milk overpowers the flavor profile. I have a preference for chai that has a more balanced taste so this did not have the 'wow' factor for me. I think if I were to try the karak chai, that would have been more up my alley. I'd like to give this place another shot and try different items next time. read more

elaichi co. - Oat chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

I forgot the exact order I got, but the cardamom bun was the star. I'd come back again for this alone but hopefully I can find something closer to home. This is near the university, so it's def a study spot, meaning it's very busy. I came to meet with a silent reading club and we were seated outside. A lot of us showed up so they got a good amount of business that day from our group, and I like supporting local coffee shops. I also know whatever beverage item I ordered was great. I think it had two shots of espresso in it so I was basically speed reading for 90 minutes. read more

elaichi co. - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

We ordered the Paan Latte, but it had no paan flavor at all. I mentioned it to the server, and he said they use a syrup, but he didn't offer to adjust it or add more to enhance the flavor. It ended up tasting like a regular latte with no hint of paan. Overall, quite disappointing. I just thrash it after one sip !! read more

I've had this place bookmarked for a while, but hadn't made it out to Berkeley. Finally I did and I had time to kill! I had time to kill before dinner so walked over. It's so close to BART! It was packed. Lots of college students sitting, doing work, reading, and chatting, as well as some post-grad adults too. Great ambiance and interior, very warm and welcoming. Bathroom is clean. Service was swamped. I had to wait a bit even though no one was in front of me in line. They were sold out of quite a few baked goods around 5pm on a Saturday. I really enjoyed my seasonal kashmiri chai $5.50 for small and $3 cake rusk for dipping. Good, strong, complex flavors. Loved the spices. Will be back. read more

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First time at Elaichi! Tried the Karak Chai and enjoyed it. Plenty of space outside too sit people-watch. Nice snacks options too! read more

elaichi co. - Snacks - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Green tea based chai lacks oomph and very nuanced flavors that you'd miss if you weren't paying attention. Soft and delicate. I prefer the black tea based chai a lot more. Also prefer the focaccia over the bun. read more

Very cute cafe and great quality matcha! Staff is nice but there was no seating available. Not ideal to sit down but great for a grab and go. read more

elaichi co. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is a cafe in Berkeley that opened not too long ago but seems to already be a staple within Berkeley! The interior is bright and lively, with a lot of students usually hanging around there studying. We've been here a few times so far, and the service has always been great. The main item to get here is their Karak chai, which is authentic and has a lot of the traditional spices within it. You can see them pouring it right in front of you before you get it, and the taste is delicious. I've also gotten the mango lassi, which was really creamy and was a good pick. Overall, if you want to have some great chai then this is the place to go to in Berkeley! read more

elaichi co. - Mango Lassi - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Good chai and quiche and slightly frantic vibe (4/5 Green Stars) I've been meaning to try Elaichi Co for some time now, thinking it might eventually become a regular spot. I had the karak rose chai with oat milk ($7.25 for 8 oz. drink, including +$1 for oat milk and +$1 for rose syrup) and the paratha quiche ($6). The drink was weirdly only lukewarm - this doesn't bother me too much but I know others are stickers for their hot drinks being hot. I would get it again but the larger 12 oz. size, which costs only $0.75 more. The quiche was nicely made with good pastry and had interesting flavors (a little spicy!) The atmosphere in the place didn't win me over for a couple of reasons. The staff seemed a bit frantic and created a nervous energy, and the bass on the music was way too much. The music itself was good, but the bass was just annoying. The Wi-Fi cuts off after 90 minutes with a gentle message to move on and free up space for other customers. I'm also giving Elaichi Co 4/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact, based on the following: * As far as I can see, the whole menu is vegetarian. Not sure how much of it is vegan - maybe the new aloo tikki paratha roll if you get it without the side of yogurt? This would definitely be my next order! * A $1 charge for plant-based milk! That just makes me mad, nudging people back towards traditional dairy. Thanks to a campaign from Paul McCartney, Peet's recently dropped its charge for plant-based milks. Please do the same, Elaichi Co! * They are pretty good about giving detail on ingredient sourcing. For example there's Dandelion chocolate in the cookie, TCHO chocolate in the hot chocolate, organic matcha in the matcha latte and organic black tea in the karak chai. * Here's more on their main product, the karak chai: Organic loose-leaf CTC Assam black tea from Chota Tingrai Farm in India and single-origin cardamom from Chemparathy Estate in India * Nice cups are provided for having your chai in-house. read more

elaichi co. - Paratha quiche and karak rose chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

This review comprises three different visits. Drinks: - Latte, 16oz iced, whole milk, rose and lavender syrup: At first, the latte mostly tasted like a plain latte to me - i.e. coffee and milk - and I found the lavender and rose syrup to be subtle and hard to pick out. However, the next day after it sat overnight in the fridge, I was pleasantly surprised that I could taste the syrup much better, which added a nice sweet floral balance to the coffee. - Karak chai, 16oz iced, chocolate syrup: I really liked it, as it tastes strongly of spices and is sweet but not too much and the chocolate pairs well with it. It's like drinking a dessert. - Salted jaggery latte, 8oz hot: Sweet and salty, reminds me of salted caramel or sea salt coffee. It probably would still taste good with lowered sweetness. - Orange saffron mocha, 8oz hot, half sweet: I found it wasn't too bitter or acidic in spite of the orange and coffee and that it tasted good even with lowered sweetness. The barista gave me the tip that it is very sweet at the regular sweetness level. - Pumpkin spice latte, 8oz hot, whole milk: It was $6.25 for their small size, so a bit on the pricey side, which I feel has been the only downside of the drinks I've had. It's a seasonal drink, you can also get chai with their house made pumpkin spice syrup added instead. The pumpkin spice latte was quite good, sweet and had a good balance of spices. Experience and environment: They provide free wifi, and the login screen for the wifi asks that people limit their stay to 90 mins so others can enjoy the space. They have tables for sitting and standing height indoors, and also a few outdoor tables. They serve drinks in ceramic mugs with dishes for those who dine in. It has often been fairly busy inside and could typically take 5-10 minutes to get my drink. On my first visit there, I had ordered ahead online but one of the baristas probably mis-selected that my order was ready in DoorDash because when I actually arrived 15 mins after I ordered, the drinks hadn't been made yet. Previously, they had a temporary photo exhibit of photographs by Simran Farrukh; I love that they were using the space to showcase South Asian artists. read more

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I specifically stopped here to try their chai tea. I was not disappointed. This place is super popular with the college kids so it was a challenge to find a seat, but once I did, I enjoyed my hot chai and bread pudding pastry combo. I will say that, although it matches the aesthetic of the place and all, I was not a fan of the mugs used for hot drinks. They didn't have handles and get super hot when drinks are poured into them. You have a wait a while to try your drink or you'll burn your lips (as I can attest). My pastry was moist and delicious. If you're in the market for a soothing drink and sweet treat, this is a fantastic choice. read more

elaichi co. - Bread pudding and chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

elaichi co. opened years ago where One Plus Cafe was. The service counter remains as well as the outside seating. Inside seating vastly expanded. Few empty seats. Some new decor, merch may be present. Offerings (South Asian): chai, expressos, seasonal drinks, hot drinks, bakes. Constant line moves fast. Once order received, goods came quickly in minutes. Sips: Karak Chai (6) hot, 12 oz. -rich cardamon flava, mildly sweet. Other spices can be added. -left leftover chai overnight in fridge. Surprised it turned into soft jelly. Tasty as dessert too! 5 stars Worthy! Quantity-very reasonable Quality: Great! *metered parking is difficult always. Free on Sundays. $4.00/hour 6 days a week. read more

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This place was trending on instagram and so I was super excited to finally try it! The customer service was great, the girl at the POS system had a good conversation! I ordered the Karak chai, Kashmiri chai and elaichi bread budding. The bread pudding was delicious but the karak chai and Kashmiri chai really was underwhelming. It was not strong enough and sugar was still too high for Kashmiri chai for me. That said, I live in Fremont so chai is very popular here and I am comparing this place to the places here. The place is located a little ways off the Main Street which makes it dark at night time. They were served in cute cups (but very hot so hard to hold). I had to retrieve my own drinks and pastry. read more

elaichi co. - Inside bar seating, looks very much low end - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Elaichi Co is such a cozy little spot that makes you feel comfortable the moment you walk in. The space has a warm and inviting atmosphere, the kind where you can easily spend time catching up with friends or just relaxing with a cup of chai. Its location is very convenient, right near UC Berkeley, so it is easy to stop by if you are in the area. I did not have to wait long and everything came out fresh. The highlights for me were definitely the kadak chai and the elaichi mango shake. Overall Elaichi Co feels like a hidden gem. Great location, warm atmosphere, quick service, and drinks that leave a lasting impression. read more

elaichi co. - Signature Chai Blend - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Amazing vibe. I tried the kadak chai and potato wrap and both were amazing. Service was very quick. read more

elaichi co. - Kadak chai in kulhad. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

The smooth mild flavors of the original chai non sweet which it was great, my friend asked for a strawberry ginger matcha got a sip so refreshing the fruity flavors mix so mildly with the matcha and no overpowering ginger The most cozy and relaxing and friendly coffee shop I have walk into The service is fast and friendly The ambience transport you to some another place I will totally come back read more

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From the seasonal drinks to the house made syrups, I'm just a fan! I love their iced rose matcha drink and will keep coming back for it. Their baked goods are made in-house too! read more

elaichi co. - Pumpkin spiced chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

A very cute atmosphere that gave eclectic coffee shop vibes when we walked in. But that is when our trip peaked. We stood at the register for over five minutes before even being acknowledged. I ordered chai which was just sitting in a kettle as they make large batches and serve it accordingly. But it was scalding hot, I couldn't drink it for over 10 min and when I was able to drink it, the drink tasted like burnt milk. Super disappointing. read more

elaichi co. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

A nice variety in chai teas. Nice selection of pastries as well. Today I got the pistachio loaf, very delicious and the seasonal Kashmiri chai...you can taste the cardamom and spices. Lots of students working. Casual workspace. Music in background but not overwhelming or distracting. Friendly service. Limited time for work/study...90min. WiFi available. Seating inside and outside. I will definitely come again to try their other chai selections. read more

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Now if I was still a Berkeley undergrad, as I was a century ago, I would've found my safe haven here. But now, especially on the weekends, it honestly feels like an unofficial extension of the UC campus. A study hall if you will. That's because all the tables and counter space are taken over by laptop-toting students. If you know that going in, you'll be fine. The menu here is concise but eclectic - chai, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, turmeric latte, a couple of Indian-style salads, and a selection of cafe desserts. I zeroed in on the $5.25 eight-ounce Karak Chai, a creamy concoction with cardamom (Photo 9). Quite a treat for takeaway. There are a few patio tables and chairs, but they get occupied quickly. It's a popular place. Understandably. CHAI - 4 stars...satisfying and soothing AMBIANCE - 2.5 stars...hey, I don't have finals SERVICE - 4 stars...conscientious TOTAL - 4 stars...if you're not a student, consider it a takeout spot RELATED - Exploring Berkeley? Here's my collection of places I've tried and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2CbVh8u read more

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Elaichi might be my new favorite study spot. The vibe here is calm and cozy, with just enough of that earthy, artsy energy to make your laptop feel like a typewriter. The star of the show is the karak chai, served in little clay cups that somehow make everything taste richer and more intentional. It's a small touch, but it adds so much to the experience. The food is just as thoughtful. The cookie is a must--soft, slightly chewy, and pairs perfectly with the chai. I also tried the quiche, and it was warm, savory, and felt like it belonged in a brunch montage. Service was quick and friendly, and the space never felt too crowded or chaotic. Whether you're looking for a caffeine fix, a cozy corner to work in, or just something a little different, Elaichi hits the mark. read more

elaichi co. - Karak Chai, Cookie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The chai was so good. I had the Karak chai and I even took some of their blend so I can make it at home :) they were very nice and I will come back! read more

Most recently, I came in for the new spring menu. I tried to the Rooh Afza Matcha Latte. I had only been here once before and got the oat milk chai and I didn't love it. My friends actively make oat milk chai for a book club we are in every month and I love those so it's my standard and bar. I don't know if it was an off day for ElaichiCo or what, but I'll give their chai another chance in the future. I love matcha lattes so this time, I came especially on day 1 of their new spring menu and I'm happy I did. The Rooh Afza Matcha latte was a beautiful color and the taste was so unique. I love the fusion concept. I think my teeth were a little unhappy at the last quarter of the drink for the amount of syrup and sugar I was consuming, but it was so fun. I would absolutely get it, just not frequently for the sake of my teeth. I'm dying to back to try their take on Kashmiri Chai and I hope to be back soon. I'm not sold on the oat chai yet and given chai is their main offering, can't give them a perfect score, but I am rooting for them! read more

elaichi co. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Concept is very cute. I think this business will be extremely successful and I love that our culture is being showcased in such a lovely way. I think for people who haven't had real chai this is the best spot to come to. But for my fellow Indians, you might not be impressed as we tend to make better chai at home . Wish this business all the luck and success ! read more

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Finally checked out this spot, and I'm so glad I did! I actually think I loved the iced pumpkin spice latte even more than the masala chai -- both were delicious, but that latte was next level. The sweet treats were divine. We tried the jaggery cookie and the pistachio loaf -- my toddler devoured the cookie before I even got a proper bite (he definitely took more than he could handle, but it was that good!). This is exactly the kind of place I'd love to hang out in to get some work done -- cozy, stylish, and with great vibes. Parking can be a little tricky, but it's worth it. Also, bonus points for playing Karan Aujla in the café! I'd love to see more locations open up soon. read more

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This spot has quickly become one of my favorite places to grab coffee and connect. No matter how busy it gets, the team works with impressive flow and efficiency. Their egg paratha is my absolute favorite, always fresh and flavorful, and the coffee is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you're meeting up with friends or looking for a cozy place to get some work done, this café is an easy go-to. For parking it might be chaotic but if you happen to be walking by is perfffect! read more

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Very authentic and strong as heck. Real elaichi flavor. Friendly knowledgeable service too. read more

elaichi co. - Hot and fresh - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I love chai and Elaichi's chai is up there for me. Most Indian restaurants that provide free chai uses a watered down version, but Elaichi brews their chai with no water but entirely with milk, which gives their chai that rich flavor. The Karak chai pairs perfectly with the Elaichi bun, with hints of cardamon. If you love chai you have to try this place. read more

elaichi co. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Tucked into a really charming part of Berkeley, Elaichi Co. is an absolute gem that deserves way more attention. I stopped by on a whim and ended up discovering one of my new favorite spots in the area. First off, the location is great--easy to get to, nice surroundings, and perfect for a casual coffee break or catching up with a friend. The vibe inside is cozy and inviting without trying too hard, which I appreciate. Now, let's talk about the food and drinks: *amazing.* I tried the pistachio bread and their latte, and honestly, I'm still thinking about both. The pistachio bread was soft, flavorful, and had these subtle hints of lemon that took it to the next level. It wasn't too sweet, which I loved--it felt like something homemade but elevated. You can tell they put real care into getting the flavor balance just right. The latte was equally impressive--smooth, rich, and not overly milky. It paired perfectly with the bread and made for a really satisfying little meal/snack. Prices were super reasonable too, especially for the quality you're getting. Definitely a rare find in terms of both taste and value. Service was quick and efficient. I didn't wait more than a few minutes for my order, and everyone working there was kind and helpful without being overbearing. In short: Elaichi Co. is the kind of place you wish you lived closer to. Great food, great drinks, great prices, and a genuinely pleasant atmosphere. Can't wait to come back and try more of the menu! read more

The best desi karak chai I've ever had in Bay Area. I had been looking for a spot that serves the best karak chai and I've finally found it. It really is 100% authentic. Also, don't forget to try the Kashmiri chai :) read more

elaichi co. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

Discovered this place through TikTok so had to give it a try. Tried the Karak Chai and it was a solid 7/10. Although, I could use a bit more cardamom. I wish there was a bit more variety and options. The Pastries were a bit dull during my visit. I love the idea, A chai stop! Very unique!! read more

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This place was really cute. It was very aesthetic. The chai was good but the pastries were especially creative and unique. The gal who took our order was super sweet as well. Would def recommend read more

elaichi co. - Drinks and pastries - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

One of my favorite cafes in Berkeley! They have great authentic chai, delicious pastries, and the best ambiance out of all the cafes I've visited in the area. I enjoy getting their karak or oat chai with their rose or lavendar syrups, but you can't go wrong with any of their drinks. I also love their jaggery chocolate chip cookie and pistachio loaf! Certainly a place to stop by for a drink or sweet treat in Downtown Berkeley! read more

Loved this place, the chai was perfect tasted delicious and the customer service was on point. I wish I had more time to come here more often but im from out of town. The pistachio loaf looked so good, I regret not trying it. The whole vibe is reslly nice here, plenty of seating but it seems to be a pretty popular spot so be prepared. Merch is super fun too so be sure to check it out! read more

Excellent, authentic Chai. I ordered the Karak Chai with salted jaggery. I love the cardamom flavor coming through in the Chai. I would say that the service was a bit lacking. I was waiting for my order for a while, not knowing it was ready at the counter for me. No one called my name nor informed me that my order was ready. Despite this, I am looking forward to my next visit as I have never tasted better Chai in the Bay Area! Definitely a must-visit! read more

elaichi co. - Seating Area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Traditionally brewed chai served in earthenware mugs? A walkable location with limited parking? A particularly dismal seating situation? You won't find a location that absolutely bellows "Berkeley cafe" more than elaichi co. Before we begin, the only real gripe I have with elaichi is the guilt of having to become a circling shark while waiting for one of their 5(?) tables with enough seating to study with a friend. We arrived earlier in the evening around 5 PM on a weekday to a packed house and multiple fellow circlers, who we luckily beat out for a seat in the back corner. Our order, a small cup of karak chai and an elaichi bun, was ready in around 10-15 minutes. The chai came out blisteringly hot (I burned my tongue) but cooled quickly within an hour of being served, with a thinner consistency and heavier herbal profile that I found preferable to every chai inspired beverage I've had to date. The elaichi bun also came warm, with a thick croissant-like shell that gave way to a very dense interior that wasn't particularly to my liking. Props to ensuring that the cardamom flavor was maintained throughout the entire bun, though. Water and wifi are provided that make for a very enjoyable study experience if you can get a seat. I'll be back if I'm in a patient sort of mood but it's definitely worth the wait. read more

elaichi co. - Karak Chai and Elaichi Bun - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California