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Guide to Oakland

Chai spots

You have a specific standard for how your chai should be spiced and steeped.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sana'a Cafe image 1
Sana'a Cafe image 2
Sana'a Cafe image 3
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Coffee shop

Small space with authentic Yemeni decor offers a cozy spot for work or prayer with plenty of outlets and WiFi. Adeni chai delivers a rich flavor that pairs well with sweet treats. Quiet back area suits meetings, creating a calm, welcoming vibe for students and friends.

Adeni chai stands out with its rich flavor and careful preparation. It tastes strong but not bitter, making it a consistent favorite and pairs well with sweet treats like pistachio milk cake.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the rich and flavorful coffee here."

"I loved their vast selection of delicious pastries and baked goods."

"I found the Adeni chai here to be rich and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Sana'a Cafe is open until midnight, making it a late-night option.

2

The cafe is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

3

WiFi and power outlets are available for those who want to work.

02
Damask Rose image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy coffee shop offers a homemade chai recipe with options like Kashmiri chai latte and exotic syrups. Floral decorations and big windows create a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Mediterranean-inspired menu includes thoughtful vegan options for diverse tastes.

Chai here comes from a homemade recipe, not a premixed blend. Options include a Kashmiri chai latte and choices to serve it unsweetened or with exotic syrups.

People are saying

"This cafe is adorable and beautifully decorated with flowers."

"You have to try the amazing lamb or cheese flatbreads."

"I found the chai latte to be excellent and not overly sweet."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so consider alternative transport options.

2

They offer oat and almond milk alternatives for dairy-free options.

3

The outdoor seating area has great shade until early afternoon.

03
Nunu's Cafe image 1

Light, airy space offers chill vibes with multiple seating options including a small outdoor spot. Iced chai latte provides a refreshing twist, while the dirty chai delivers a bold espresso kick. Mellow music creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for work or casual visits.

Iced chai latte offers a refreshing twist while the dirty chai stands out with its bold espresso kick. Almond milk is available as a creamy alternative in the chai tea latte.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast sandwich here was the best I ever had."

"The cafe's staff was friendly and efficient."

"I paired my drink with a Chai tea latte using almond milk."

Good to know

1

Street parking is always pretty easy to find near Nunu's Cafe.

2

The cafe mostly does take out, so seating is never a problem.

3

A cappuccino at Nunu's Cafe is an 8oz serving for a small size.

04
Jebena Cafe image 1

Open, airy space with Ethiopian cultural touches offers a warm vibe. Spiced and sweet chai, including a hot latte and iced version, blend creamy sweetness with bold flavors. Soft jazz and friendly energy create a lively yet relaxed spot for socializing or quiet moments.

Chai comes in spiced and sweet varieties, including a hot latte and an iced version that blends creamy sweetness with bold flavors. Ethiopian spiced chai adds a unique twist to the selection.

People are saying

"I had the best coffee and amazing food at this Cafe."

"I loved the exquisitely spiced Ethiopian tea here."

"The chai here is exquisitely spiced and comfortingly sweet."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The cafe offers a variety of traditional Ethiopian coffee and tea.

3

Parking is generally easy to find in the surrounding area.

05
Cafe Uccello image 1

Walls covered in customer drawings create a creative vibe with a fun community feel. Spacious seating blends upbeat energy and calm moments, while reggaeton music adds liveliness. Chai offers a balanced sweet and spiced flavor with smooth lattes and a tasty dirty chai option.

Chai here has a good balance of sweet and spiced flavors with a hint of ginger. The chai latte and iced chai come well-made and smooth, including a dirty chai option that pairs well with cookies.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The coffee here is amazing, especially the egg coffee."

"I loved the iced chai, it was on point and well-made."

Good to know

1

They offer plant-based and halal options on the menu.

2

The cafe has free wifi available for customers.

3

Expect a wait during busy hours due to catering orders.

06
Poppy Bagels image 1
Bagel shop

Small shop buzzes with a spacious outdoor patio where kids and dogs roam safely. Bagels shine with fresh ingredients and unique flavors. Spiced oatmilk chai offers a fabulous spiciness and can be mixed with espresso or cold brew for a fresh twist.

Spiced oatmilk chai stands out with its fabulous spiciness and flavorful profile. Options include adding espresso or mixing with cold brew for a fresh twist.

People are saying

"I'll get the green bagel again next time I'm in town."

"The back patio is a spacious, safe place for kids to run around."

"I loved the chai's perfect spiciness and flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect about 20 minutes for your order to be ready.

2

There is limited indoor seating due to construction on the patio.

3

The outdoor patio is a nice spot for enjoying bagels on sunny days.

07
Highwire Coffee Roasters image 1

Cozy seating and chill atmosphere make this coffee shop a favorite. Strong, hot chai with a rich masala blend pairs well with bold coffee. Weekend crowds bring a bustling energy despite limited space and nearby street noise.

Strong, hot chai stands out here with a rich, masala spice blend. This chai matches well with coffee offerings and delivers a bold flavor.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the superb coffee and the variety of very nice biscuits."

"I loved sitting outside on the bench in the warm sun."

"Their masala chai was the best I had experienced."

Good to know

1

Highwire Coffee Roasters opens at 6am daily.

2

Parking is available in the nearby BART lot for free on weekends.

3

Expect crowds and longer wait times on weekends.

08
Delah Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop boasts authentic Middle Eastern decor and a lively vibe with loud music, perfect for socializing. Rich, woody Adeni chai offers customizable sweetness, paired well with milk cakes. Comfy seating and free Wi-Fi create a cozy spot for casual hangouts.

Rich and woody Adeni chai stands out with customizable sweetness levels. The Yemeni chai latte offers a flavorful twist, paired well with milk cakes for a dreamy combo.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was the best I've ever had."

"I found the milk cake to be super delicious."

"I thought the Adeni chai was perfection."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in front of Delah Coffee.

2

Seating can be limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

WiFi is available but may be slow and unreliable.

09
Blackberry Bistro image 1

Bistro blends cozy atmosphere with a unique menu of Eritrean and Ethiopian dishes plus brunch classics. Chai tea arrives in a small iron kettle with a rich aroma, while chai lattes offer a smooth, comforting flavor. Outdoor seating invites relaxed, family-friendly meals.

Chai tea comes in a small iron kettle with a memorable aroma that stands out. The chai latte, including versions with oat milk, offers a smooth and comforting flavor.

People are saying

"The breakfast service here is super friendly and welcoming."

"I loved the delicious and authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian dinner."

"The chai latte here is a real treat."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the Ethiopian/Eritrean dinner menu nights.

2

Parking may take some effort, so plan accordingly.

3

The restaurant accommodates larger groups well.

10
Kinfolx image 1

Gorgeous space with afro centric artwork and comfy seats creates a warm, lively vibe. Rich, creamy dirty chai and frothy matcha lattes offer excellent flavor. Frequent live DJs add to the laid-back energy, making it a welcoming spot for work and culture.

Rich and creamy chai lattes stand out here, especially the dirty chai made with care every time. Both chai and matcha lattes offer excellent flavor and a frothy texture.

People are saying

"It's a thoughtful, calm space that feels right for working."

"I loved the breakfast and the cozy, inviting atmosphere here."

"I loved their chai latte; it was rich, creamy, and frothy."

Good to know

1

Kinfolx does not accept cash; only credit cards and mobile payments are allowed.

2

Wi-Fi at Kinfolx is restrictive and blocks many popular websites.

3

Arrive early to secure a seat, especially during busy hours.

11
Yafa Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy space with bold flavors and elegant decor invites you to relax or work with plenty of charging spots and free wifi. Adeni Chai offers complex Indian desi chai that can be customized to taste. Friendly vibe encourages lingering over coffee and treats.

Adeni Chai offers a great complexity and tastes like Indian desi chai. It can be tweaked to suit preferences and stands out as a hot beverage option.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be strong and authentic."

"You have to try the Adeni Chai; it's the best hot beverage."

"The Adeni Chai had a great complexity to it."

Good to know

1

Yafa Coffee offers a selection of high-quality coffee, teas, and pastries.

2

All food items at Yafa Coffee are halal.

3

Yafa Coffee is conveniently located near the airport.

12
Biryani Tika Kabab (برياني تكا كباب حلال)Halal Indian & Pakistani Cuisine image 1

Spacious Indian restaurant blends colorful Pakistani decor with a warm, family-like vibe. Chai lovers enjoy creamy doodh pati chai with rich, classic flavor. Cozy sit-down and efficient takeout options make it inviting for all.

Authentic Pakistani chai stands out with a rich, classic flavor. The doodh pati chai offers a creamy, outstanding taste that complements the meal well.

People are saying

"I thought the biryani was the best Indian food I've ever had."

"The lamb biryani was perfectly spiced with tender lamb and fluffy rice."

"Their authentic Pakistani chai is amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers authentic Pakistani cuisine with generous portions.

2

The total cost is around $42 with tax and tip for two people.

3

The prices are very good for the generous servings.

13
Desilicious image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen creates a family-owned vibe and cozy feel. Chai is made dum style, simmered lightly with a milky profile and prepared fresh in your cup. Upstairs seating suits small groups, adding to the homely charm.

Chai comes dum style, simmered lightly with a milky profile rather than bitter. Staff prepare it directly in your cup when requested.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly balanced with spices."

"The naan here is crunchy and sprinkled with sesame seeds."

"The chai here is milky, strong, and heavenly."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can have a wait time of up to 20 minutes for food.

2

Expect to pay over $100 for a meal for 2-3 people.

3

Credit card payments incur an extra 10% fee, which is illegal in California.

14
ID Cafe image 1
Indian restaurant

Basement cafe offers a casual vibe with simple interiors and self-service seating. Masala Chai comes with sugar on the side and pairs well with crispy dosas. Quick, authentic South Indian meals make it a welcoming spot for a light bite.

Masala Chai comes with sugar on the side to add yourself. It pairs with dishes like idly and dosas. The chai has a decent flavor but could be stronger.

People are saying

"The Indian food here, especially the dosas, is amazing."

"I thought the mango lassi was delicious and perfect."

"You have to try the Masala Chai with the idli and dosa."

Good to know

1

ID Cafe offers unlimited vegetarian dosa nights on select days.

2

The restaurant is located in the basement level of the Ramada Inn.

3

Prices at ID Cafe are reasonable compared to other Indian restaurants.

15
Tea On Piedmont image 1

Bright space with Scandinavian decor and natural light creates calm vibes. Iced chai latte has a strong spiced flavor but can feel harsh. Comfortable seating with Wi-Fi and outlets supports work or quiet chats.

Iced chai latte offers a strong spiced chai flavor with oat milk and is not overly sweet. Some find the iced chai harsh, even burning the throat.

People are saying

"I loved their delicious tea, especially the jasmine oat milk latte."

"It's a great spot to get work done and just hang out."

"I enjoyed the tasty, spiced chai latte."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult near the cafe.

2

You can bring your own cup for a small discount.

3

The menu includes customizable drinks and seasonal additions.

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Oakland, California

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