Small shop with minimalistic modern decor and friendly atmosphere offers a chill vibe suited for sitting or working. Limited seating and a simple menu focus on authentic Thai drinks and snacks. Music taste adds to the relaxed, clean environment.
Offers authentic Thai tea with a strong black tea taste and balanced sweetness. Features varied milk options including vegan oat milk and unique toppings like cheese cloud. Drinks come in generous sizes and include standout items like Thai tea slushies and Black Tea Lychee with Thai syrup.
Toasted bread features great texture and pairs well with toppings like Pandan Custard and Pang Cha. Variations include bread inspired by Thai desserts and options without caffeine.
"This Thai Tea is creamy, flavorful, and just sweet enough."
"The pandan toast here is the best, not too sweet."
"The Thai tea here is creamy, refreshing, and not overly sweet."
Good to know
Seating at Cha Thai Tea is very limited.
The drink is pretty expensive at $9.50, making it more of a treat.
The menu had limited options, which seemed more suited for college students.
Spacious coffee shop with modern Arabic decor and Yemeni seating creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Lighting and music set a calming, beautiful vibe that feels like a cultural journey. Plenty of comfortable seating and power outlets support both socializing and studying.
Aden tea stands out with a magical and nostalgic flavor. The place also serves authentic Yemeni tea and expertly brewed espresso drinks.
Honeycomb bread stands out with its sweet honey and soft texture. Flat breads and a bread with cheese add variety, while a combo of bread, honey, and cream cheese offers a delightful trio.
Good to know
Heyma Yemeni Coffee offers a wide assortment of baked goods.
The cafe is open late, making it a rare find in Berkeley.
Prices for drinks start at $6.99, plus tax.
Family-run spot with high ceilings and a relaxed, friendly vibe where guests often linger. The space feels unpretentious and full of character, offering an authentic atmosphere that reflects its roots. Regulars enjoy a casual setting that blends a cozy, mom-and-pop feel with simple decor.
Chai here is homemade and milky, with a nice strong kadak flavor. It avoids being overcooked, offering a smooth taste for caffeine lovers.
Naan bread stands out alongside authentic Punjabi dishes. The qeema paratha, known as chicken bread, offers a unique twist. Wheat rotis come without oil and are decent but less notable.
Good to know
They are planning to start serving halwa poori on weekends.
Parking should be free and easy in a back street or for $1/h on University.
The wait time at the restaurant is not long at all.
Small, comfortable space with friendly atmosphere and cool vibe. Open kitchen adds transparency while double-walled dishes keep food hot. Music repeats, creating a slightly loud but inviting environment.
Chai stands out as a solid choice here, with both regular and masala tea options available. The tea pairs well with snacks, though some items like Paneer tikka feel just average alongside it.
Naan bread comes out soft, fluffy, and in a unique shape. It stands out as one of the juiciest and biggest versions around.
Good to know
Himalayan Bite serves free rice with curry orders.
A student BOGO free lunch special is available.
They serve halal meat options.
Spacious cafe with ornate, luxurious interior and large windows that fill the space with light. Atmosphere stays quiet and laid back, suitable for studying or casual tea gatherings. Offers plentiful power outlets and board games, blending comfort with cultural vibrancy.
Offers a wide variety of teas and coffees with more coffee options than many dedicated coffee shops. The Adeni tea stands out as delicious and superb, alongside spiced coffee and chai choices.
Fresh breads stand out with Bee Hive bread, za'atar bread, and warm, fresh olive bread served regularly.
Good to know
Milyar Coffee is open late, making it a good spot for evening visits.
Expect a variety of coffee and pastry options at affordable prices.
There are plenty of seating options available for working or relaxing.
Casual lunch spot with small cafe tables for people-watching and a simple setting. Atmosphere feels inviting with good vibes and a sense of care for staff. Known for fresh, sophisticated falafel and seasonal menus featuring top-quality ingredients.
Ginger tea offers a warm, spicy flavor while the cold almond milk chai latte provides a refreshing, creamy option. Some chai preparations show inconsistency in quality and may not match the price point.
Fresh homemade bread and pita stand out with their incredible softness and earthy herbs flavor. The flat bread is especially soft and pairs well with spicy and pickled toppings.
Good to know
FAVA is open for lunch only, operating just 4 hours a day.
Seating is limited with only a few curbside tables available.
The menu changes seasonally, featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Supermarket combines specialty Middle Eastern groceries with a small kitchen and pastry corner offering authentic dishes and sweets. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with a back patio adding to the comfortable environment. Shoppers find a comprehensive selection of staples and hard-to-find ingredients at reasonable prices.
Free tea is offered consistently while waiting or after purchases. The tea has a flavorful quality and pairs well with a wide variety of spices and snacks.
Variety includes pita, lavash, and labna alongside other breads. Options support cooking Persian or Middle Eastern meals with breads paired with spices and cheeses.
Good to know
Middle East Market is the only Persian grocery market in the Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco area.
They offer hard-to-find ingredients that are essential for Persian cooking.
Prices at Middle East Market are reasonable for the Bay Area.
Spacious bakery with high ceilings and natural light creates a cozy atmosphere filled with the scent of fresh bread and lavender. Many people work quietly on laptops, adding to a calm, focused vibe. Exceptional tea service with personal teapots and looseleaf tea sets it apart from typical cafes.
Tea comes in a personal teapot with looseleaf leaves and boiling water, a rare setup here. Prices run high, like the 8 oz. Masala Chai and Matcha Ice Latte, but the quality matches the cost.
Bread here is light and fluffy with a subtle lavender aroma and a good rosemary seasoning. Sesame bread stands out as a unique option, and the quality justifies the price.
Good to know
The menu at Lavender Bread & Cafe’ changes every day.
Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.
The cafe could use a few more seating options.
Small, cozy Mediterranean restaurant with sunny storefront and comfortable seating creates a warm, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere feels homey and relaxed, enhanced by friendly hospitality and pleasant background music. Known for authentic, fresh flavors and generous complimentary items like tea.
Staff serve a small complimentary cup of Turkish tea with friendly hospitality. Free tea often comes paired with Kurdish Baklava or other desserts.
Soft, homemade pita bread comes with dishes like chicken shish-kebab. The bread is delicious and pairs well with rice, salad, and dips.
Good to know
The restaurant offers complimentary tea at the end of the meal.
Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food.
Portion sizes are large, comparable to typical American servings.
Small bakery with outdoor sidewalk seating and a Franco-Algerian vibe creates a relaxing, unrushed atmosphere like a European or Middle Eastern vacation. Lively community energy fills the space, making it feel like a family home. Colorful lights and authentic pastries add to the charm.
Moroccan Mint tea stands out with its fresh, aromatic flavor. Tea pairs well with decadent chocolate cake and stuffed bread, offering a satisfying balance.
Savory bread stuffed with spicy tomatoes and onions stands out here. Honeycomb bread and other varieties often accompany drinks like Turkish coffee and tea.
Good to know
Belmo Café is open until midnight, making it a late-night option.
Seating outside is limited, so arrive early for outdoor dining.
The café offers a variety of gluten-free options, but ask for details.
Chic cafe lounge with colorful murals and castle-like interior creates a unique artistic vibe. Atmosphere ranges from welcoming and relaxed to loud and crowded, attracting students and casual visitors alike. Presence of kittens and varied music adds a playful, lively touch to the space.
Adeni chai stands out with its unique spice and less sweet flavor compared to Indian chai. The Yemeni latte and rose milk cake also pair well, making tea time a flavorful experience.
Honeycomb bread stands out with its cheese stuffing and strong aroma, though freshness varies. Beef stuffed bread and spinach pastry offer savory options alongside sweet choices like baklava.
Good to know
Coffee prices range from $7.99 to $9.
The café has a nice selection of Yemeni coffee and pastries.
Credit cards are accepted for payment.
Supermarket offers narrow aisles that often feel crowded and chaotic, especially on weekends. It features an enormous bulk section, a large deli and hot food area, and a notable mushroom selection unmatched in the region. The atmosphere balances a farmer’s market aesthetic with a busy, energetic vibe.
A wide variety of bulk teas sits alongside organic dried goods and zero waste refills. The selection includes rare spices and nuts, with bins offering good deals.
Freshly baked breads come in a great variety including artisanal bread and a unique 1-inch Japanese bread. The selection pairs well with gourmet cheeses, bulk grains, and spices all available in one spot.
Good to know
Parking at Berkeley Bowl West can be difficult.
Expect to find unique items here that you can't find anywhere else locally.
The store is known for its extensive variety of fresh produce.
Small dessert restaurant with modern romantic interiors and plant-filled decor creates a cozy atmosphere despite cramped seating. Loud music and lively crowds, especially students on weekends, make it energetic but not quiet. Unique desserts often served with table-side fire add a distinctive touch to the experience.
Tea drinks blend influences from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, creating a unique mix. Highlights include the Thai tea float, ube milk tea with a vivid color, and top notch boba.
Soft bread with pandan fondue stands out for its flavor. Toasted bread tastes surprisingly good, while honey bread comes off as just sweet bread.
Good to know
Expect a long wait on weekend nights, often out the door.
There is an $8 minimum per person for groups of six or more.
Desserts are generally on the pricier side, with some items costing over $20.