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! read more

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

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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. read more

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

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. read more

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

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! read more

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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 read more

elaichi co. - Latte with Banana Cream, Banana Chai Einspanner - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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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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

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

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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What a lovely homage to cardamom. The aroma fills the whole space with warmth. I had the Karachi chai which was so unique flavorful warm without the intense caffeine (opposite of Philz chai which has a ton of caffeine and no flavor). read more

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

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

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

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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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

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

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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

elaichi co. - Focaccia bun and Karak Chai ! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Berkeley, California

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

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

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

Great place to sit and chat. Amazing elaichi bun and the rusk is very decadent compared to store bought rusk. Wish they had regular chai the Karak chai is a bit to strong for my taste. read more

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

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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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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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

Best karak chai ever! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Great concept. Need to try the snacks next time

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

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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Was craving the Karachi Chai today but the spices were too flat. The pistachio cake was a tad too sweet and seems to have lost nuanced spices as well. The chai also seems more flat compared to usual. Service, though, continues to be excellent. read more

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

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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Loved the chai, the nostalgic chai cups, the unique pastry items. Ambience was typical for that area. Cant wait to go back!

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

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

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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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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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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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