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I had been eyeing this place for a while and finally got to go! I ordered a small cup of their specialty house chai and to my surprise an 8oz cup is 6$. This surprised me but i went for it anyways. Maybe I am used to homemade chai in which I am heavy with the spices but I really think the dairy really covered up all of the flavor in this, the black tea base felt absent from this mixture and I only had a ghost of flavor. Perhaps I should've ordered a different thing but I was insanely underwhelmed. The tea was perfectly sweetened however and I loved the ambiance and aesthetics of this place. Might go back to try a different tea in which case I will update this review!
I came by to try the chai with a friend as we live nearby and it was too late in the day for coffee. I really appreciated how spacious the interior is and it feels nice and secluded for SoMa. I got an iced oat chai and it was just perfect for me, someone who doesn't enjoy sweet drinks. I loved how earthy and almost chocolatey the chai is and the oatmilk gave it more richness which I love. I will definitely need to be back to try the banana einspanner and the espresso drinks!
Phenomenal. I love the cozy, warm atmosphere and how it can be a place to work or chat. Decent amount of outlets to plug in laptops. I also appreciate that it doesn't close as early as most cafes! It does get quite busy so finding a seat can be tricky. Garage parking is nearby but there is street parking, which isn't always available. RECS: + Latte with banana cream (~$8.25 large) was UNREAL. Coffee was smooth and pleasant. The banana cream is so good, and I say this as a person who doesn't usually like banana flavored drinks or things + Banana chai einspanner ($8.25 large) is the actual menu item, so it has that delicious banana cream and also caramelized banana syrup. Great for a lower caffeine option, but I still prefer the latte
I love seeing a place that serves authentic chai. I went here during finals week to get some work done and try out a new spot. I got their regular chai with oat milk and it was pretty good. A friend got their banana chai which I had a sip of, and I think I enjoyed that better. I want to come back to try their coffee items, as they put a chai syrup in their latte. They have several tables that you can work out but they are a smaller cafe so the tables fill up quick. They have free fast wifi that you are able to use. The workers were also super friendly.
Finally got to try Elaichi after seeing it on social media for so long. We live quite far but Berkeley but since we were passing by the area we know we had to stop by and try it. Came at around 4pm on a Sunday and the cafe was still so packed. Parking was a bit difficult. We had to drive around for over 10 minutes and finally found a parking garage. The chai itself was worth it though. My friend and I both got the karak chai, mine was cold and hers was hot. Both really good although the flavor came out better hot. The Elaichi bun was full of cardamom flavor and just a bit toasted was perfect complementary to the chai. Really wish we lived closure otherwise this would be a go to spot. Please open a location in South Bay!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
2 months ago
9 months ago
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
1 year ago
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
5 months ago
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
2 months ago
2 months ago
If you're looking for an authentic chai experience this is the best chai place in Berkeley. I especially enjoy their Kashmiri chai...it's not too sweet not too salty, just amazing and authentic. read more
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
1 year ago
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
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
22 days ago
I love their chai, story, and ingredient sourcing. Amazing chai, hours, and atmosphere. The chai tastes very rich and fresh. Customers can watch the chai baristas make the drinks. It's an amazing process. (also shoutout to Diaspora Co. - super cool amazing awesome sustainable supply chain spice company) Also, wonderful cafe space. Great natural light. Amazing booth seats with the comfortable pillows. Unfortunately, no chargers... so make sure you come with your devices charged. I'll definitely be coming back and you should check it out too! read more
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
2 years ago
Love this place! First discovered it when a friend got some elaichi buns takeout and they were incredible. Came in late night recently - place is open in 11pm, very chill & non pretentious, and the chai is amazing. Elaichi buns are my favorite and I can't resist taking a bunch to go. They legit get it right. Would love it if they open in SF also!! But the drive from the city is not bad later in the night. read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
Stopped by Elaichi Co ,didn't try the chai this time because I was really craving coffee. I ordered the orange saffron latte (less sweet) ...it was pretty good, though I found myself wanting just a bit more coffee flavor. The roast itself was nice, just not one I'd necessarily crave again. Overall, I approve the spot! It's a really cute location with nice indoor and outdoor seating and super friendly service. Would definitely come back to try more of the menu (maybe the chai next time!). read more
A legitimate chai spot in Berkeley! We can't stop going back - the chai is true to form and is excellent. This place is located just a few blocks from campus and it's been hard to find space sometimes because there is a lot of footfall. (Annoyingly a lot of students camped out with laptops too, but hopefully that's good for business!) They have an interesting pastry collection too that fuses together Western favourites with South Asian flavours (e.g. elaichi bun, pistachio loaf cake, etc.). read more
6 months ago
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 is the ultimate study spot serving delicious hot chai, perfect for cold weather. This quaint coffeeshop is tucked away in a corner of downtown berkeley, but inside hosts a wonderfully warm and inviting atmosphere full of students and lively music! They have free unlimited wifi and the ambiance is both cozy and comfortable --the best for a rainy or cold day in. I came here with a friend to study and we ended up staying for the whole night. At 5PM, you can expect it to be pretty packed and the chances of getting a table low, however, if you stay persistent one eventually opens up and I believe it's worth the wait! I loved the cups they serve their drinks it and the quality of their chai and coffee were top-notch. I definitely want to come back to study and to try their pastries! read more
1 month ago
7 months ago
8 months ago
Been here a few times and it is always full of people, but the line is never too long because it moves quickly. Staff are very friendly. The cafe is small but with a good amount of seats inside and a few outside too. The overall ambiance is very calming and welcoming. I had the Rose gingersnap cookie, which was delicious, very soft and chewy. For my drink I got the iced Roohafza Matcha which was great. I will definitely come back again. read more
4 months ago
Tried their new spring menu today! Got the roohafza matcha which is matcha with rose syrup in it. SO GOOD. I had them make it less sweet for me because I don't like sweet drinks, so the barista put half the syrup in it. It was so good. Could definitely taste the rose. Sat outside because there were no tables inside but it was still super cute! read more
11 months ago
A friend of a friend recommended elaichi co. to me at a group dinner after I mentioned I hadn't found a solid spot for chai in San Francisco. I'm super grateful for her recommendation, as I've found my new favourite chai spot on the West Coast. Both the oat chai latte and elaichi bun I ordered were 10/10. This place is worth the trip from the City, and I can't wait to come back. read more
2 years ago
Why wasn't this open when I lived across the street as a student?!! (Maybe good thing it wasn't, for my wallet) I dragged my friends up to Berkeley to try this place. They have an extensive menu of chai, coffee, various syrup flavors like rose and cardamom, non-tea drinks like mango shakes, and non-masala teas like sparkling yuzu peach. They also offer several pastries like cardamom buns, pistachio cardamom cakes, and various other cookies. I ordered the oat chai (for my sensitive tummy). If you order hot for here, you get to drink the chai out of these beautiful hand made clay cups, which really adds another level to the experience. Tbh, I found the chai less spice forward than Kolkata Chai Co in NYC which was a bit disappointing but perhaps I can try the cold version another time, as sometimes flavors are muted when hot for me. The cardamom bun made up for it in it's perfectly cardamom, butter, and sugar forward flavor. Logistics: - indoor and outdoor seating; perfect place for a friend catch up, book time, people watching, or light work - limited street parking nearby, a few paid public garages in the area, plenty of public transit options - I don't think any of the pastries are GF but not 100% sure - OPEN LATE (for a cafe) !! For when I want a sweet treat after 3pm thank god read more
Back after soooo many months away! I've started alternating my morning coffee w chai to not get slapped awake every morning and elaichi.co is truly some of the best I've had in the Bay! Tried their Karak Chai which has whole milk, elaichi/cardamom, and other warm spices which makes the perfect not too sweet morning drink. They also have a variety of syrups to try with their drinks as well & they have all your standard espresso drinks too. Also tried the Elaichi Bun which was stellar and had whole cardamom grounds in it which was so flavorful! I'll definitely be back to try the rest of the drinks (and pastries hehe!) 5/5 experience for food and drink read more
It's not every day you run into a Chai specialty establishment. In fact, most cafes in the Bay Area seem to confine themselves to the matcha and cafe worlds with little attention devoted to chai. I stumbled across elaichi co. on Instagram through their modest social media following and decided to try it with a few friends during our Berkeley visit. We ordered a few chai lattes and an americano (for me). Not sure what convicted me to order a coffee at a tea spot, perhaps it was my vice for black coffee or the need to pump caffeine into my bloodstream from the sleepless night before I'm not sure. Regardless, the americano was just alright for being five dollars including tip. The chai lattes were good according to my friends though. I'm not a huge chai person, so I can't say I'll be back for that. But, the pastries looked divine in their display case and also featured prominent Indian flavors. I've never heard of a paratha quiche before, but I appreciate the creativity it takes to invoke a classic French dish with a South Asian spin. The cafe was a bit loud so not entirely conducive to a study atmosphere, but it makes for a great place to enjoy tea and catch up with friends which is exactly the environment I sought today. read more
Was in the Berkeley downtown area and came across this spot. The aroma of cardamom and chai calls out to you where you walk past the cafe, can't not make a stop! Finally an upscale chai spot in Bay Area that serves authentic string India chai. Tried the karak chai and cake rusk and the nanikhatai. I love the way the way they pour the chai- just like a chaiwala and in a kulhad (cup) too!!! There is ample seating. Lots of students were studying. The decor is beautiful. The servers are so friendly. All in all.. a great experience! Wish they would open up somewhere on the peninsula as well read more
I wanted to love this place, but maybe I came on an off day? I remember learning about Elaichi co. when they recently opened up at the beginning of the year. I brought the idea up to multiple friends and thought it would be a great idea to come with my best friend. The cafe is so homey and cozy! Right when stepping in, I liked the vibes to it. We came on a weekday and all tables were taken with students working--a hot spot for working. There's also a few tables outside, WiFi available, and a chill ambiance. The barista working was friendly and helpful, making our drinks relatively fast and interesting to watch--never seen tea poured into a cup that way at a cafe. I had the Oat Chai and I was expecting much more in taste but left yearning for more. Unlike other reviews, my drink was not creamy or spiced. It was quite diluted and there was no pronounced tea or cardamom flavor. My friend had the Karak Chai and we were both quite disappointed. They also offer coffee options and baked goods which sound good and if I wasn't too full I would've wanted to try one! Cal students flock to Elaichi co. for an all-day and night study and hangout spot. The cafe specializes in chai, other beverages, and baked goods; but I wouldn't go out of my way to come back. Find them tucked off Allston Way with street parking and easy access on foot. read more
2 years ago
A cafe that specializes in chai? I had to come try it. I got an iced karak chai. I loved the spices. I wished I got it warm, but it was a hot day when I was there. They make it in batches in house. One of the pots spilled over while I was there, and the aroma just wafted in the air. Solid place to come for a drink. read more
Finally! The strongest of chai tea drinks from the Arab world had made it here throughout the Bay Area, in Berkeley that is. My love for chai had guided me to Elaichi co., where we chai lovers gathered to try the best of the best. Now that my search is over, I was itching to try the Karak Chai, so that I'm willing to share how good this drink was. It's very bold with dominant hints of cardamom which made Karak Chai so authentic. I would definitely come back and have it again as a strong tea different from spiced tea (masala chai) I had from Curry Up Now. It's amazing to see top-notch pouring from a highly trained chai wallah. People who were a long way from home can be a good new addition to our communities throughout the Bay Area. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are what creates hospitality. Though Elaichi co. didn't have charging stations, I still admire a tall interior space. I highly recommend Elaichi co. to those who love strong milk tea. read more
More info about elaichi co.
2161 Allston Way
Ste C
Berkeley, CA 94704
Downtown Berkeley
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(510) 291-8464
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http://elaichico.com
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elaichi co. - coffee - Updated August 2026
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