Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Berkeley

Tea and chai

A cup of chai that uses real spices, not the cloying, artificial syrup that dominates most tea shops.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Himalayan Tandoori and Curry House image 1
Himalayan Tandoori and Curry House image 2
Himalayan Tandoori and Curry House image 3
View all

Indian and Nepalese restaurant offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with a quiet, pleasant environment. The space feels comfortable and well-maintained, creating a relaxing vibe. It stands out for authentic flavors and exceptional naan that many consider the best.

Strong, rich flavor defines the chai here, often called the best in the area. It pairs perfectly with meals like Dal Tadka and butter chicken, making it a frequent craving.

Strong, rich chai stands out as a highlight here. It pairs well with meals like Dal Tadka and butter chicken, often described as the best in the area.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and flavorful, tasting like homemade Nepali dishes."

"I crave their chai often; it's the best I've ever had."

"I crave their chai often; it's the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials include white or brown rice, lentil soup, and fluffy naan.

2

Expect small portions compared to other Indian restaurants.

3

Parking is available on Marin Ave, about a 7-10 minute walk.

02
Heyma Yemeni Coffee image 1

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.

Adeni chai stands out with its rich, flavorful profile that reminds of traditional homemade chai. It pairs well with desserts like baklava and chai cake, creating a satisfying combo.

Aden tea stands out with a magical and nostalgic flavor. The place also serves authentic Yemeni tea and expertly brewed espresso drinks.

People are saying

"I loved the rich and smooth coffee here."

"The Aden tea here is magical and nostalgic."

"The Adeni chai here is so flavorful and nostalgic."

Good to know

1

Heyma Yemeni Coffee offers a wide assortment of baked goods.

2

The cafe is open late, making it a rare find in Berkeley.

3

Prices for drinks start at $6.99, plus tax.

03
elaichi co. image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers a warm ambiance with cramped seating and authentic chai served in unique matka cups. A dedicated prayer room adds a thoughtful, serene touch to the space. The atmosphere suits quiet work sessions or casual catch-ups with friends.

Strong karak chai with a unique cardamom and rose syrup blend stands out here. Chai is made fresh with their own recipe, served alongside house-made pastries like paratha quiche and cardamom buns.

Chai here stands out with authentic flavors and unique blends like Karak rose chai with oat milk. The tea pairs well with house-made pastries such as cardamom buns and paratha quiche.

People are saying

"I loved the karak chai; it had just the right amount of sugar."

"The coffee here is amazing and perfectly brewed."

"I loved the karak chai, it was perfectly sweet."

Good to know

1

Xfinity offers a $7 discount on orders during April Fridays.

2

The store is open until 10:00 PM for late-night visits.

3

Finding a seat can be difficult as it is often crowded.

04
Kabana Restaurant image 1
Pakistani restaurant

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 milky and homemade, with a strong kadak option that avoids being overcooked. It suits caffeine lovers well.

Chai here is homemade and milky, with a nice strong kadak flavor. It avoids being overcooked, offering a smooth taste for caffeine lovers.

People are saying

"I found the Pakistani food here to be the most authentic I've ever had."

"The chai here tastes like home, authentic Pakistani flavors."

"The tea here tastes like home, authentic Pakistani flavors."

Good to know

1

They are planning to start serving halwa poori on weekends.

2

Parking should be free and easy in a back street or for $1/h on University.

3

The wait time at the restaurant is not long at all.

05
1951 Coffee Company image 1

Coffee shop with a modern, inviting interior and quiet, chill college town vibe. Many students study here, using plenty of outlets and enjoying outdoor patio seating. The space supports a refugee employment mission, adding a meaningful atmosphere.

Chai here stands out for its rich flavor and phenomenal chai latte. However, the iced chai can be overly spicy and lacks creaminess, tasting watery and unbalanced.

Chai stands out with its rich spice blend and creamy texture that differs from big chains. Iced chai struggles with overpowering spice and lacks creaminess, while iced matcha falls short in quality.

People are saying

"The coffee here is great and made very well."

"I thought the chai here was phenomenal, the best I'd ever had."

"I thought the chai here was phenomenal, the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Handicap accessibility should not be a problem.

2

Seating might be slightly hard to come by at 1951 Coffee Company.

3

Prepare to spend around $6-8 for any drink ordered.

06
4 Dreams Nepali & Indian Cuisine image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine in a calm, cozy atmosphere with tasteful decor rooted in Nepali heritage. The vibe is quiet and inviting, encouraging diners to savor their meals in a clean, comfortable setting. It stands out for its flavorful dishes and good value at reasonable prices.

Complimentary chai comes freshly made in-house and stands out as a wonderful and favorite option. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including appetizers and desserts.

Warm, fragrant Nepali-style Milk Tea stands out here. Complimentary, restaurant-made chai offers a satisfying, authentic taste.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and comforting, just like home."

"The chai here is traditional and tasty."

"The complimentary chai here is wonderful."

Good to know

1

Expect a short wait for food, typically around 15-20 minutes.

2

Complimentary chai is offered with meals, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

07
Wrap N Roll image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Small seating area with booth seats invites casual dining and people watching. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with plenty of afternoon sunlight creating a comfortable, home-like vibe. Offers authentic Pakistani flavors with strong options for vegan and vegetarian diets.

Freshly made chai stands out with its lovely flavor and quality. It pairs well with masala fries and lassi served alongside.

Freshly made chai stands out with a lovely flavor. It pairs well with masala fries and lassi served alongside.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and piping hot."

"The masala chai here is great and easy on my stomach."

"The chai here was made fresh and it was lovely."

Good to know

1

They only offer halwa puri for Saturday brunch.

2

Wrap N Roll offers good vegetarian options.

3

All menu items are under $15.

08
CoRo Coffee Roastery image 1

Industrial roastery-chic space features visible coffee roasting and colorful Swedish ceramic cups. Atmosphere stays quiet and chill, with small, crowded seating suited for studying or casual meetups. Outdoor tables offer a calm spot with low traffic and morning sun.

House-made chai features a well-spiced blend with froth that keeps it warm. A medium chai costs around $7.25.

House-made chai features a well-spiced blend with froth that keeps it warm. Medium chai costs around $7.25.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was excellent."

"This chai tea is the best I've ever had."

"I had the best chai I've ever tasted here."

Good to know

1

They have a parking lot available for customers.

2

They don't accept cash; only card payments are allowed.

3

CoRo roasts their own coffee, ensuring freshness.

09
House of Curries image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Casual Pakistani restaurant with self-service setup and plenty of outdoor seating creates a humble yet cozy atmosphere. The environment stays quiet and down-to-earth, attracting those who appreciate unpretentious dining. Large portions and free chai add to the straightforward, affordable experience.

Unlimited refills of delicious chai tea come with your meal. Chai is served on tap and is complimentary, with self-service options for tea and water.

Unlimited refills of complimentary chai tea come on tap for dine-in guests. Self-service for chai and water adds to a bargain-priced and quick lunch experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"I loved the complimentary chai tea with unlimited refills."

"I loved the complimentary chai tea refills."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and it's mostly self-service.

2

There is a 4% surcharge for credit card payments.

3

Parking is available on-site.

10
Delah Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

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 Yemen Chai, also called Adani, pairs well with pastries and offers a quality tea experience.

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.

People are saying

"I found the Yemeni coffee here to be expertly crafted and delicious."

"I love the unique spice and flavor of their Yemen Chai."

"I love the unique spice and flavor of their Yemen Chai."

Good to know

1

Coffee prices range from $7.99 to $9.

2

The cafรฉ has a nice selection of Yemeni coffee and pastries.

3

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

11
Caffรจ Strada image 1

Outdoor seating dominates with shaded patios and semi-heated areas, creating a lively campus landmark vibe. The atmosphere blends an old-school European feel with a bustling, energetic crowd, especially on weekends. Free Wi-Fi and spacious layouts support both socializing and late-night studying.

Chai lattes here have a balanced spice without being too strong or overly milky. The chai offers a smooth flavor that stands out from typical versions found in many places.

Offers a variety of teas alongside coffee with a menu that includes chai lacking strong spice and heavy milk. The tea selection fits a vibrant campus-town vibe.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating here is lovely and lively, especially on a nice day."

"I found this tea spot to have a lively, vibrant atmosphere."

"I enjoyed the chai here; it was good."

Good to know

1

Caffรจ Strada is open until midnight, making it a late-night option.

2

Expect difficulty finding indoor seating during peak hours.

3

Free WiFi is available, making it a good spot for studying.

12
The Hidden Cafe image 1

Art cafe blends into park setting with outdoor seating on grassy fields and blankets for comfort. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful even when busy, ideal for casual meetings. Indoor space is small and cozy with limited seating, focusing attention on the natural surroundings.

Chai comes in sweet or spicy versions and can be customized. The Rasa chai and spicy chai latte stand out, while the hojicha latte tastes more like a regular latte without strong hojicha flavor.

Chai tea stands out with options to customize sweetness and spice levels. Matcha and hojicha lattes offer a rich tea aroma and smooth sweetness, making them popular choices.

People are saying

"This coffee spot feels like a cozy second home."

"This cozy cafe is a great place to grab some tea."

"I enjoyed the spicy chai latte."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially with a large vehicle.

2

Seating indoors is limited, with only around 12 seats available.

3

The cafe gets packed on weekends, so expect longer wait times.

13
Milyar Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

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.

Adeni chai stands out with its full flavor and comforting taste, crafted with care by the barista. Other chai options include a regular iced chai that tastes mostly like milk without much flavor.

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.

People are saying

"It's a great work-friendly spot with comfy seats and plenty of outlets."

"I found the Adeni tea to be superb and full of flavor."

"The chai here is full of flavor and made with love."

Good to know

1

Milyar Coffee is open late, making it a good spot for evening visits.

2

Expect a variety of coffee and pastry options at affordable prices.

3

There are plenty of seating options available for working or relaxing.

14
Himalayan Bite image 1
Indian restaurant

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 here has a consistent presence and is generally good. Some find it just okay, but it remains a common choice.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"I found the chai to be very good."

"I found the chai to be very good."

Good to know

1

Himalayan Bite serves free rice with curry orders.

2

A student BOGO free lunch special is available.

3

They serve halal meat options.

Discover more

Berkeley, California

Area guide
Loading Map...