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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 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 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'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
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!
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 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.
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 $5. Friends needed to hop over to another coffee shop for another drink 3. Jaggery Chocolate Chip Cookie: 4/5 - this was solid, tastes like a typical indian cookie. Different taste for folks used to traditional choco chip cookies
I had been eyeing this place for a while and finally got to go! I ordered a small cup of their specialty house chai and to my surprise an 8oz cup is 6$. 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!
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.
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
3 months ago
Business owner information
Elaichi C.
Hi Pushtana! We’re so glad you loved your drinks and pastries! So…
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
3 months ago
Spotted Elaichi on a visit to Berkeley and decided to give it a try. Was really glad to see cardamom all over their menu as it's a flavor I really enjoy. I got the karak chai which was pretty good (they also have an oat milk version)! Karak is actually supposed to be a stronger version of the regular masala chai so I wished it had a bit more of a kick for me personally but overall still good. Vibes were on point and if I went to Cal I'd probably be here all the time! read more
3 years ago
I am generally not in the area but had just read about Elaichi last week and by chance was in Berkeley over the weekend on a cold rainy day!! Best time to grab a hot drink! The tea shop is decent size but was packed with customers. I noticed most wear there for the chai which is their specialty! I opted for the chai as well. It is was an aromatic tasty tea and lovely with a delicate flavor. The staff is friendly and efficient, the setting is beautiful and inviting. When in Berkeley next time, I will for sure stop for another cup of tea... read more
6 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
05/26/2024 Today's morning adventure is to find another coffee place. Hubby found this one just a couple blocks from the hotel we were staying at. This coffee shop was clean and cozy, located about a block from the university. Not very busy at 8:30 am on a Sunday and they offered free WiFi. My macchiato was flavorful but was warm. Not too happy about it since yesterday's morning coffee (the first one) was also warm. read more
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Elaichi C.
Hi! Sorry to hear about your experience. I’m not sure where you went…
Great hang out spot! We decided to check it out with some friends on a rainy day and loved the chai, vibe and conversations. The fragrance of the cardamom welcomes you in as you approach the cafe. We tried the karak chai and oat chai and an assortment of pastries - naan khatai bites, rusk and cardamom bun and liked them all. The oat chai was fragrant, creamy, not too sweet and spiced just right with notes of cardamom and black pepper. It can be hard to find a table though and the cafe can get very crowded with Berkeley students, something to keep in mind. Definitely see ourselves returning for tea time conversations. read more
7 months ago
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
3 months ago
This chai is incredibly strong, a small cup will have me awake all day. I don't know what's their recipe, but it's entirely worth spending money here as opposed to making it at home. Currently this has replaced my need to purchase coffee outside of my home. The space is clean and nice and the service is good. I'm becoming a weekly regular and for good reason. read more
Brief Summary: - Really good chai tea - Coffee is not sour - Indoor and outdoor seating available - Customer's name is called when your drink is ready The cafe caught my attention when I was looking for a new place to sit down and have a cup of coffee. In this case, it was chai tea as the main character of this post-lunch experience. After having lunch, we like to relax and have a cup of coffee or tea. This is located on the righthand side of the Target store. The walk feels skeptical for a moment because it's a stretch of bare walls with emergency exit doors in between, but after exceeding half a block there is an opening that widens up to the cafe. When we went in, we were welcomed with a cozy and vibrant sounds of socializing and enjoyment, the sweet aromas of the chai tea, a stark contrast to the quiet walk to this cafe. On the menu, the first item on the list is chai and the following section is coffee. Seeing that, of course it prompted me to try the chai tea. There were two types of chai tea; one is a chai with milk and the other with oat milk. Today I was thinking of drinking the refreshing oat milk chai. We also got a cup of latte. Cups came in two sizes and for this round, since we just left from a big lunch, we ordered the smaller 8oz cup. Pastries lined along the right side of the counter. All looked appealing for me, and each one looked to have cardamon inside. The wait wasn't that long and we got our drinks. Students with laptops sat along seats near the windows. There were tables near one side of the wall, but these were the ones where one remains standing. For this round, we decided to take our drinks outside. I drank both of the drinks, and I believe the chai has a nice sparkle to the experience. If you are planning to come here I strongly recommend the chai tea. This doesn't mean the coffee wasn't good. The coffee was not sour and the coffee flavor mixed well with the milk. However the chai tea had a spark of "Delicious!" the moment I took a sip of it. I loved the floral flavor of the cardamon. Even my relative, who is not a fan of cardamon, preferred the chai tea over the coffee. It was a delicious experience and I would love to try here again. read more
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Elaichi C.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your review! We’re so glad you…
2 years ago
Lovely cafe to study! Wifi is available for those who need it. Seats and tables are available for those who are able to snag one! Your typical Berkeley street parking is available. ordered: - kashmiri chai w/ oat milk - haldi doodh (turmeric latte) w/ oat milk I've been wanting to show my partner this place for a while and had him try my usual go to, their turmeric latte and it didn't disappoint! Their new kashmiri chai was slightly sweet and tasted a bit floral to be which I liked. would come and get it again if I wasn't feeling turmeric read more
9 months ago
2 years ago
Thursday, December 19th, 2024 14:00 Oat-milk Chai ($6.75) (12 oz, iced) with lavender syrup ($0.75) - strong masala Chai with light floral notes from the lavender chocolate chip jaggery cookie ($4.75) - I love that they use quality chocolate (from a brand called Dandelion Chocolate) - balanced flavor profile with sweetness from the chocolate and cookie dough, slightly bitter and umami jaggery, and salt on top read more
4 months ago
2 years ago
I came to elaichi co on a chilly day, perfect for a cup of chai. As other reviewers said, the seating was limited on a mid morning Saturday. I'm the ambiance was warm and the server was friendly. Parking was easy to find. My daughter said she walked by here frequently and hadn't noticed it before. We watched the barista pour two cups while holding the pot high in the air. The added show pour was a sweet extra flare. The menu had different selections of cafe items with two chai options. I went with the oat chi and she had the karak chai. We shared a slice of pistachio loaf cake. If you're not a fan of cardamom this isn't the chai for you. My chai had almost a fruity pebbles flavor and the cake was a bit too sweet. I enjoyed both and would com back for a chai to go. read more
4 months ago
2 years ago
Cute cafe with fresh made chai tea lattes and good desserts pairings. Friendly staff and cute ambiance. I love to sit outside in the courtyard under the big oak tree. Perfect to enjoy a lovely day with good drink in hand. read more
8 months ago
The ambience is nice and casual. We see a lot of students sitting here with books and laptops. We ordered the Kadak chai and Masala chai. The teas were hot and refreshing but nothing out of the ordinary. they do not have variety in the menu for chais and hoping they do so in future. Would definitely stop here again for a refreshing cup of chai! read more
9 months ago
I was thrilled to find some karak chai! Definitely tasted authentic. Loved the aroma of cardamom (elaichi). The chai shop was packed to capacity!! There wasn't a lot of room to wait inside. I guess that's what happens when the tea is great! ;) The chai does take a little while to be made. We waited about 15mins. Interesting to watch the process and the pour. It was worth the wait though. However the pastries were just ok. I tried the milk rusk and the pistachio loaf, which were both a little underwhelming. read more
2 years ago
We have fallen deeply and madly in love with this beautiful cafe. Inclusive, inviting, kind, and lovely experience. The staff are so incredible kind, respectful, patient, down the earth, loving, and great energy overall! I enjoyed my experience here trying the spicy masala chai drink and the cardamom elaichi bun pastry. Plenty of seating outside and inside, beautiful interior, and we can't wait to be back! read more
Place has a great seating area with tables and pillows and good lighting from above and windows. The bun was amazing warmed up, tender bread with cardamom and sugar flavor and some bites a little juicy with sugar but not overwhelmingly so. The oat chai drink (hot) is really good and unique -- I can't quite place the flavors but I enjoy it, very earthy. Will definitely come back. read more
We were in the area and decided to stop by. We found street parking. There was a lot of outdoor seating. You walk in and the counter was right there. The menu is on top where you can see it. To the right there's sodas and water. The guy who helped us was very helpful and patient. I decided on a rose latte and my husband got a vanilla latte. It was pretty busy and most seats were taken. There was a lot of seats outside. We got the coffee and it was really good. The beans are good but not over powering. The rose latte is very smooth highly recommend. Overall we had a great experience. read more
2 years ago
Chai is in the DNA of every brown person and it's refreshing to see Elaichi take a bet and creating an identity around chai. Surprisingly, the menu has more coffee options than chai -- which was a downer as I drove an hour north on my work trip. On the bright side, the Kadak Chai lives up to the name. It is strong and is flavorful and makes an impression. It's not a chai concentrate (cough cough Kolkata Chai co) but freshly made and served. I yearn for a strong ginger tea and was expecting to find this at Elaichi; but didn't. My search will continue. read more
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Elaichi C.
Hey Abhishek! Thanks so much for your review and for spending time…
2 years ago
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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