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Indoor and outdoor seating available although it can get busy with limited seating. I wanted to try the pistachio loaf cake when I stopped by on a Thursday evening, but they were out of this and most other bakery items by then unfortunately. I got the hot karak chai and cake rusk (yellow cake twice baked into a crisp biscuit). The karak chai was fantastic and easily 10/10. The cake rusk was delicious too. It was quite sweet and tasted amazing after dipping it into the chai. Would definitely come back!
Such a cool place. Never been to a cafe that has so many South Asian inspired beverages! I got a summer special, a Rasmalai chai einspanner. It was super fragrant and creamy, not too sweet! Service at the register and at the bar was very quick.
After seeing so many reels about this spot, I can safely say the space is just as cool as it looks on screen! The music is easily the best, and the overall concept is super exciting. But does it actually serve a good chai? Maybe... maybe not! I think the answer depends on whether you just discovered your new favorite drink it a few years ago, or if you grew up in a culture where chai is an integral daily ritual. That said, the service was fantastic. The culinary experiments, especially the Elaichi Bun was interesting to try. The Chai and the Orange Saffron Latte themselves ended up being a bit of a disappointment though.
I got the rasmalai chai einspanner with oatmilk, which was really good. It had a nice floral taste from the saffron and a balanced cinnamon, ginger, and spice flavor. I felt like the einspanner wasn't thick and creamy enough, and it seemed melted. I have also had the oat chai before, which is pretty good, too.
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!
I've been hearing about the karak chai of elaichi from a really long time, finally tried it today and I must say it's the best chai in Bay Area. If you are looking for strong chai this is it, perfect on sugar and perfect on that creaminess.
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!
Finally got around to visiting elaichi co. for a late afternoon coffee break. The cafe is easy to find, with a good amount of seating indoors and some tables outside. It was quite crowded, but luckily I was able to grab a seat shortly after placing my order. I stopped by hoping to try out a chai, but opted to get something decaf instead. I will say that the menu has limited decaf and non-caffeinated beverages. However, the staff person that assisted me was helpful and friendly as I was initially indecisive on what to order. I ended up getting a decaf, iced latte with cold foam. It was quite delicious with a nice cinnamon flavor and just the perfect amount of sweetness. I was also hoping to try the paratha quiche or the pistachio loaf cake. However, majority of the food items and pastries were sold out by the time I arrived. Service was quick and efficient during my visit. I'd like to return someday to try out one of their seasonal drinks and a pastry of some sort. Overall, elachi co. seems like a solid spot to get some work done and stop by for a tasty chai or coffee.
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!
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.
1 year 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
2 years ago
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
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
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
6 months ago
I ordered karak chai and it was pretty good and hot!! just like how i want it. I went there during weekday around noon and found one place to sit. I especially liked their elaichi bun( shown in pic here). Service by the young gals ( mostly student) were good too. A nice smile feels welcomed to the place. Nice unique menu, decent small place, loved the music and energy. What stood out for me was the steel kettles. Haha! something that you see in India mostly. I am super excited for the owner for coming up with this unique chai shop. Good luck. Will try the rose tea next time. read more
3 months ago
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
4 months ago
29 days ago
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
8 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
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
6 months ago
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
4 months ago
Needed a coffee boost and found elaichi nearby. Iced oatmilk latte had great flavor, not burnt or milky. Staff was fast and efficient when placing order and answering questions. Not sure if it's common but inside was full but peaceful. Would return if in the area. read more
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
5 months ago
5 months ago
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
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
9 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
4 months ago
11 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
5 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
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
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
1 year ago
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
3 months ago
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Elaichi C.
Hi Pushtana! We’re so glad you loved your drinks and pastries! So…
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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