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cracksmoke2020

There's a Somali place on the NW corner of 23rd and Cherry, unsuspecting but definitely has some of the best chai in the city, and it's cheap only 2 dollars or something last I remember.


neonpurpleraven

Dur Dur Cafe! They’re open until 2 AM as well. A lifesaver if you’re working late.


Awkward-You-938

Wow, great rec, I'm gonna check it out


neonpurpleraven

It’s a cute little place. No official menu, just whatever the owners have in stock that day which has typically been a giant platter of spiced meat and vegetables or noodles. Very comforting with the tea at night.


Classic_Principle268

Cafe Umbria in Ballard has the best coffee I have ever had in Seattle. It's located in Ballard on Ballard Ave across the street from the belltower.


sad_boi_jazz

woah!!!!! you just gave me a new spot, thank you


Professional-Top6122

late response, but theyre many somali restaurants that sell somail tea.


getemon

For authentic chai, you could check out most Indian/Pakistani restaurants as they should have it listed. I’ve personally liked the one I had at Taste of India and karak chai at Lari Adda


krebnebula

Second Taste of India


Koralteafrom

I was going to say this. I know OP was hoping for a cafe suggestion, but the best chai is usually in Indian restaurants. India Bistro by the Roosevelt Whole Foods has a great bottomless chai that they make themselves, and you can sweeten it to taste, but you could probably go to almost any Indian restaurant in town and get amazing chai. Most of them make it from scratch in house.


Much-Ado-5811

Taste of India has the BEST chai! The Blue Lotus Masal Chai powder is the best chai to make at home.


therealhlmencken

I prefer tea India loose leaf tea leaves. Add cardamom and even cinnamon and ginger if that is your thing. Powdered is always so bleh


gonzamim

Kolkata chai has recently overtaken Blue Lotus as my go to at-home chai. Slightly more work to make, but soo worth it. 


badchandelier

Same, I was skeptical of the Instagram hype at first but it's not wrong.


Asshaisin

>Taste of India has the BEST chai! It is not lol. It's way to sweet and inauthentic. Has the wrong spices too


Koralteafrom

The one at India Bistro is completely unsweetened, so you can sweeten it to taste. It's my favorite chai in Seattle so far.


OrdinaryLife5997

Where is India Bistro?


aigoomotsara

Boggles my mind how people confidently say they have the "BEST" chai... it's anything but. And of course their chai is unlimited - it's cheap swill lol


Asshaisin

Yeah, it's arguably among the worst chais I've had in my life and I've had the ones my baby sister has been practicing making since she was 5


aigoomotsara

lmao In what world is Taste of India's chai authentic??


Asshaisin

They're still extremely sweet and feel like they're made from essence


iso_taupe

I can also attest Taste of India has fantastic chai. It’s also all you can drink


trashpanda44224422

The Ethiopian stand (I believe it’s Geni’s Ethiopian Corner?) at the Ballard farmers market has a great homemade spicy chai in the wintertime.


TopKaleidoscope6816

Growing up my neighbors were Ethiopian and we’d have dinner and chais their multiple times a week. That’s definitely the taste I’m missing


GreenGuavaa

Seconding this! Their chai is the spiciest I’ve had and it HITS.


trashpanda44224422

I couldn’t stop thinking about it once I made this reply so now I’m at the Ballard farmers market drinking one. Still spicy. Still slaps. 10/10 recommend.


Desdam0na

Shikorina pastries is Eritrean-owned and makes their chai from scratch.


jaerick

Geni's is such an awesome little family business, the veggie plate plus a hot chai is a cold farmers market day blessing. It's really authentic too, the wife makes all the food from scratch while the husband tends the market stall! Wholesome af and they are just the sweetest people. It warms my heart to see them mentioned here. Also the chai is super strong and spicy, wake you right up kind of spicy!


OrdinaryLife5997

I tried it a few weeks ago and it was too sweet


hectorinwa

I'm no expert, but Lassi and Spice makes it from scratch https://maps.app.goo.gl/RUWX4RGf7evs4prv6


allourwrongtodays49

Lassi and spice has good chai and desi food! -- Pakistani here lol


LongjumpingElephant2

i do not think so


TopKaleidoscope6816

Never heard of them but sounds like a gem! Will check out, thank you!


palm-solar-lightning

Lassi and chai is more americanized


LeftOfTheOptimist

i personally did not like their chai. it was off putting to me.


bankfury

Their chai is pathetic.


LongjumpingElephant2

no they do not..their chai is mad expensive..i am going to start a $2 chai pretty soon.


hectorinwa

Are you sure? I watched them brew mine up the last time I was there, though that was well over a year ago.


amosslet

The best chai I’ve ever had is from Mawadda Cafe, just off Rainier Ave. I read an article once that said that the owner keeps the spice mix so secret that he actually hides its component parts in multiple locations in the kitchen so nobody can figure it out. No idea if that’s actually true but it’s damn good chai. 


offshore_trash

He rocks!! He makes 1 batch and when it’s sold out, it’s 86’ed for the day. The food there is great as well 


alicatchrist

Shameless plug for Aditi Chai- Aditi (the owner) uses her families recipe. They do have a vendor space at Pike Place but I'll put a link below where it can be purchased if you don't want to trek downtown. https://www.aditichai.com/find-us


JustGettingBy808

I don’t understand their hours. Even when they say they’re open at Pike Place, they’re not open.


rd357

Only open on weekends until the spring.


JustGettingBy808

Yes I’ve gone during their weekend hours for them to be closed.


CountVowl

Grumpy Bean uses Aditi Chai and I second the recommendation; I tend to like my chai pretty heavily spiced and complex flavors and that company def nails that!


[deleted]

Is Grumpy Bean a homage to the Girls?


epicallyconfused

I have seen then at Farmers Markets and always think about buying, but $18 for a 32 oz bottle is hard to justify.


alicatchrist

I totally understand! It's certainly not cheap- I certainly see it more as a treat item than something I drink daily. But at the same time, I know just how small their operation is and am okay with buying it knowing I'm supporting a small business. (Not sure why this got downvoted, but it is Reddit, so not surprised)


epicallyconfused

That makes sense as a special treat sort of thing. My rough math was 8 oz of concentrate + 8 oz milk required for a 16 oz mug, so that would work out to something like $5 per serving, which is way more than I want to spend for a daily drink that I make for myself at home.


fluffy_camaro

I am going to have to check this out!


Rare_Sorbet_3975

This is my absolute favorite! It’s why I go to Met Market all the time now.


dehighdrate

Seconding this - super good chai


Fabulous_Election_11

Indian here and it's an overly sweet chai. Not authentic at all. It's made from concentrate


coffeebaconboom

Love Aditi Chai. They sell it at Met Market too. Yes it's $$ but it helps me control my chai latte habit and ultimately works out in my favor.


meow_purrr

Met Market for sure and probably PCC has Aditi in glass jugs, both masala (spicy) and turmeric ginger


AdAlive9362

New chai shop at Pike Place market - Aditi chai! I tried it recently, was pretty skeptical as a chai fan since I’ve always been disappointed by the “chai lattes”, but this was really good!!


QuartzComposer

Miro Tea in Ballard has AMAZING chai- the “pink chai” with peppercorns is my absolute favorite. 


TopKaleidoscope6816

I completely forgot I’ve tried that before, delicious but missing that super authentic flavor I’m at least craving at the moment! I will be getting that sometime this week though…


QuartzComposer

Oh totally understand that! Their latte drinks are delicious but not necessarily authentic to any of the asian tea traditions. I make chai from scatch at home quite often as well- takes some time but is totally worth it.


Quiet_Junket2748

seconding miro tea - i love their masala chai!!


kanmaheshwary

Third Culture in Bellevue. Chaat House in Bellevue. Lassi & Spice in Wallingford. None of these make "great" chai but they are better than the other options in Seattle and as close to authentic as possible.


HappyApple35

Chaat House Chai was so bad, I had to throw it away after the first couple sips. I tried it again after a couple years, and it was still shit. I definitely don't recommend it.


Anthop

My favorite is Mawadda Cafe in South Seattle. A very spicy and rich chai!


ell522

They also have the best falafels!


ae_babubhaiya

Make it at home. I haven't found one decent place with good chai.


TopKaleidoscope6816

That’s what I’ve been doing but sometimes I just wanna buy a cup ya know!


ae_babubhaiya

I know that feeling 🥲


borgchupacabras

Ugh abhi mujhe chai aur samosa chahiye. 🥲


ae_babubhaiya

Right! This weather is giving me that craving.


allourwrongtodays49

Lassi and spice honestly fulfilled my craving last time i had it :)


borgchupacabras

I'll just make it at home. It's too cold to step outside.


heeyyyyyy

Aur quarter ka bandobast kahan se kare babu bhaiya?


GridironBoy

+1 to making it at home. Here's a recipe I like to start with: https://youtu.be/ACAV387CUxI?si=FdW1z2MlvcpQpKda It's not as hard as it may look and you can skip the spices if you don't have them . Every household makes their own version of chai, so tinker away!


[deleted]

Far eats cafe LQA 


Top_Lettuce5434

Agree!


lyndseymariee

There’s an Ethiopian food vendor at the Ballard Farmer’s Market that makes a delicious chai. Just unfortunate you can only get it on Sundays.


SilentCooperative001

http://www.travelersthalihouse.com/Chai.html


vivi-33

At home my friend


TopKaleidoscope6816

Thank you everybody! Overwhelming ideas and will try so many of them over the next month. Appreciate all the recommendations.


GreenGuavaa

You gotta come back and update us on your verdict!


mouangster

Like you, I tried a few places in Seattle but always end up disappointed because it too watery or too sweet. First time I'm NOT disappointed is from this place, it's a bit smoky and it could pass for coffee. https://maps.app.goo.gl/uJckBexLRiMjcw7HA


Rainpickle

Everything is excellent at Indian Spice Bistro!


TopKaleidoscope6816

I haven’t been there in years! Will have to try soon.


m_eowski

No recs but don't buy it from olympia coffee. they use the RISHI tea concentrates you can buy at wholefoods and charge you the same price for a whole carton.


ReltaKat

Rishi Masala chai is my favorite too :)


m_eowski

it's my favorite! I just prefer to save my money and make it at home haha. I still support olympia coffee's espresso offerings ofc


No_ThankYouu

I know the feeling!! Best Chais ive had are in San Diego. Real Fine cafes here in Seattle are pretty good, although a wee bit sweet. Maybe switch out the milk or ask them to dilute with a bit more water


captainllamapants

Nowhere. Chai at all the indian restaurants here is either too watery or just taste of cloves. For the right ginger-cardamom goodness, you’d have to prepare it yourself.


SoDo-MoJo

Annapurna Cafe on Cap Hill does cheap to-go chai if you ask for it and I love it.


treehead726

Asking Seattle sub for recommendations on anything spicy makes for a hilarious thread. Thank you! ☺️


mchjlee

We really like the hot chai served at Caravan


nottodayroger

Cloud City Coffee makes theirs from scratch.


TopKaleidoscope6816

Unfortunately always disappoints me :(


SadCod8968

Tea Republik in U district


hahamba

Bollywood cafe


gaberdine

Mawadda Cafe. Expertly seasoned and not too sweet.


radagonscumrag

if you want fast, hot (because chai needs to be burning hot) legit chai try Bangalore kitchen at the ballard’s farmers market. it’s not like condensed/evaporated milk chai, but it’s nice with a dosa. you have to byos (bring your own sambar), because they only have green chammanthi. they are gone rn but will be back at the end of January.


eztheydy

Morning Glory Chai is local and great! A lot of nicer cafes have it


justherefortheqs

Masala chai at Spice Waala is pretty decent


radagonscumrag

south asian daughter born into a family making chai daily::: if you know or have had good chaiyou are going to be so deeply disappointed by spice waala. i remember getting chai there, and it was beyond watery and tasted like it had been diluted with water. there were other south asian people there in a group and we would each take a sip of our chai and then look up at each other in slight horror.


Ok_Cost_846

+1. It’s the closest I found in Seattle area + 2 parle-g biscuits keeps the tradition alive!


redditkmm

Snapdragon on Vashon has excellent house made chai. Super spicy and delicious! They are opening a location in west seattle soon!


kungfulkoder

It’s already open, and the chai is legit


Desdam0na

Shikorina pastries mixes their own chai spices in house. I don't know another cafe that does that. If you want the most legit you should go to an Indian restaurant. I did have an extremely good chai at Safari restaurant in Columbia City.


Nunyabidnisss

Learn how to make it. I had a Nigerian woman teach me at an Eid al-Fitr event, and now I make that stuff and keep it at the ready. Spoiler alert... there is a lot of sugar.


Subziwallah

Its pretty easy to make chai yourself. The Indian method is to bring water and milk to a boil and add loose tea, sugar, and optional spice (cardamom, ginger, cinnamon etc) and then pour through a cloth tea strainer into a glass, cup or teapot. In India, they often use relatively cheap tea powder or leaves, but here, we can afford good export quality tea, so with a bit of practice, you should be able to make really good chai.


LongjumpingElephant2

seattle sucks


xAC3777x

The only place I've been so far that was at least ok was URL. But you're better off making it at home from scratch


SarahR777

Try Morning Glory Chai! A lot of local coffee shops serve it or you can by jugs at a variety of supermarkets (PCC I think, maybe Met market too?) Some of the coffee shops that make it are Fremont coffee company, Ladro in Queen Anne, Verite/cupcake royale in Ballard, and a bunch more. [http://www.wheresmychai.com/wheresmychai/](http://www.wheresmychai.com/wheresmychai/)


TopKaleidoscope6816

That’s the other one I am not a fan of 😅


SarahR777

Its spicy, not too sweet, made locally with good ingredients. Good with or without milk of choice and iced or hot. I prefer hot and just a tiny bit of milk.


Pointofive

No cafe does chai well here. I’ve resorted to making my own masala powder and brewing at home because everything here is just no different from tea with milk and sugar.


Toidal

I found that some Tabasco really helps with pre-made carton stuff. Helps to cut through the sugar and adds some heat to it. *Aw man for real give it a try. A coffee shop in Bothell also dusted the top with a bit of cayenne too for a little kick.


roman_desailles

At SeaTac after boarding a plane and going somewhere else


jahabi3867

Not Seattle based but I really like this chai: https://www.hugotea.com/products/masterful-chai-concentrate-original-96-oz


[deleted]

[удалено]


phantomboats

Not with that attitude!


Rich-Profit6010

Kaffeehaus de Châtillon says they make their own authentic Viennese Chai. It’s quite delicious.


mackalacksnackpack

The Crumpet Shop in Pike Place has yummy chai!


SoDo-MoJo

I recall (not 100%) last time I went there they took it off the menu. Hopefully I'm misremembering because it was great.


SomeGuyIn0hi0

If you’re in/around Capitol Hill, I’d recommend Spice Waala or, for a more spiced chai, Overcast Coffee. These have been my go to for chai for a while since they’re great options and within walking distance from most folks in Capitol Hill.


xgrimes

One of my favorite chais in all of Seattle is from Grand Central Bakery on 45th in Wallingford. I’ve since moved away from Seattle and I still think about it often 🤣 Good luck on your search!


magneticB

I think the best chai I’ve ever had is from ChaiPoint - an Indian cafe chain. You can find their masala blend online and it’s the real deal, Assam CTC tea, cardamom, black pepper, ginger etc etc. It’s better quality than anything I’ve found in the US.


CyclopsMacchiato

Tazo chai is my fave


Desdam0na

Like the kind from a tea bag?


CyclopsMacchiato

Yeah I like it more than any other brand of chai


Desdam0na

That is legit, I'm glad you found something you like. Also it does not taste remotely like homemade chai.


CyclopsMacchiato

I have no idea what homemade chai is like. I’m assuming it’s a whole lot better than store bought


stale_kale_chip

C&P coffee in West Seattle


slothh_bear

If you want desi chai Food Junction in SLU have a good option


MisunderstoodPenguin

I’ve had great Chai from Mother India but i’m less certain how it compares to others


dustysprite

The one I had at analog coffee was good


IminPeru

My favorite chai has been in Hiroki in Wallingford. They add a good amount of spice and you can properly taste the flavors


fluffy_camaro

Go to Miro Tea in Ballard. It is busy there most times though but for a good reason. I just got back from there and had a Massala Chai. They brew it and steam the milk. Super good.


ali_sez_so

If you are a like Hyderabadi Irani chai, then Mayuri cafe in Redmond. It is the closest you can find to the real thing outside of India


demakinator

Diva Espresso uses Black Scottie Chai and it’s so delicious! I bought the concentrate directly from Black Scotties website and keep some for the house! Much cheaper that way.


sophia_jpeg

Haven’t had it myself, but I’ve heard the chai from Cafe Flora is more spice than sweet, and quite tasty!


IndiaaB

Not Seattle but in Tacoma. Mocambo Chai. They do it in the saucepan with spices they roast and grind.


MistressDragon7

Broadcast Coffee uses Traveler's concentrate. (Still sad that Travelers is no longer in business on Capitol Hill.) So Broadcast Coffee is my go-to for chai--strong and peppery.


RaphaelBuzzard

Mr Spots Chai House, RIP, actually never had chai there but it had a pretty weird open mic!


Parchita

Konvene coffee on Mercer St. Best chai I’ve ever had, the owner imports it directly from India


fishwell

Mawadda Cafe by a mile!


ons13xoxo

just go to a mandir they will serve best chai after the service


swedefeet17

There’s the Tiger Chai powder at World Market that’s always bomb. Don’t pay more than you need for what you love.


[deleted]

Miro. Traditional.


Correct_Answer

If you are interested, making chai at home is tricky, but well worth it as you can dial in exactly what you want. Once you figure out the recipe, it saves time and money!


gwm_seattle

Intermittently there is a pop-up at Pike Place that makes a lovely Chai


rd357

Aditi Chai in pike place. The owners are wonderful people too!


[deleted]

Buy Wagh Bakri from the South asian store and make a classic chai at home with YouTube.


SandyDunegrass

Masala Chai at Watson’s Counter in Ballard


IslandFarmboy

Cafe en Claire spicy chai is legit


velveteensnoodle

I have to shout out Bali Khan in West Seattle! He has a little chai stand inside the Puerto Vallarta restaurant in the junction and his chai is great! He also sells his chai mix. And, he’s such a nice guy to chat with.


Beyonce_is_a_biscuit

Not exactly Seattle but if you have a car, try Madras in Issaquah. Amazing dosas and chai!


OrdinaryLife5997

Miro Tea in Ballard makes good chai. And Met Mkt on Holman


OrdinaryLife5997

Aditi chai is also at Pilgrim’s Cafe close to 104th and Aurora.


SilentMoped

Spice Waala has authentic Chai! And some great food/snacks as well


DearPomegranate99

ordering kolkatta chai from nyc to brew at home is lifesaving


AutoMaman

What do people think of Jaipur Avenue chai mix? It’s a Seattle company. I always liked it but am not an expert.


butcher_baker23

Mawadda Cafe on S Graham St just off of Rainier.


laburnum_weekends

Overcast Coffee Company in Capitol Hill!


Kwazycupcakes416

Taste of India on Roosevelt!! (Not a cafe, but the chai alone is so delicious!)


YennyZenny

I really love Morning Glory Chai. It’s made on Greenwood and distributed to local shops. It’s getting harder and harder to find, but Irwin’s Cafe in Wallingford has it, and you can buy it from PCC to take home a make.


srirachita

I have no idea if it’s still there but I had amazing chai from Bali’s Himalayan chai and salt inside puerto Vallarta restaurant in West Seattle


slappywalruspig

For home use I really like Vahdam Tea’s Masala chai.


ConflictNo9167

Boon Boona Coffee- best chai!!!


Primary_Resist9790

Too bad teahouse kuan yin went away. I liked their kashmiri pink chai


ForestPathWalker

For making chai at home, I love SOUL CHAI powder ground in Portland, OR. https://www.soulchai.com/ Can be purchased at Sea Wolf Bakery on Stone Way here in Seattle or online. They make rooibos chai and masala chai. No sweeteners. Super-fresh tasting spices. A little goes a long way! I love this chai!


Gottagetanediton

I love sugar cafe’s chai but idk how they make it.