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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Santa Clara

Chai spots

You are looking for a cup of chai that balances its spices with precision.

Based on 530 Opinions
+527
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Updated May 2026
01
Pav Bhaji and More Santa Clara image 1
Pav Bhaji and More Santa Clara image 2
Pav Bhaji and More Santa Clara image 3
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Modern Indian restaurant

Modern Indian restaurant offers a clean, spacious setting with a cozy vibe. Amrutulya Chai is rich and pairs well with snacks like Vada Pav. Clear vegan and Jain options show care for diverse diets.

Amrutulya Chai stands out with its rich flavor and is often called the best chai in the Bay Area. The Masala Chai here pairs well with snacks like Vada Pav and Pav Bhaji.

People are saying

"The Indian food, especially the pav bhaji, is amazing."

"I thought the chai here was delicious and amazing."

"There was plenty of parking available nearby."

Good to know

1

There are roughly 12 to 15 parking spots available at the restaurant.

2

The restaurant is spotless, including clean bathrooms.

3

The place can easily accommodate about 15 tables.

02
Chatori Chaat Food Truck image 1
Indian restaurant

Food truck serves authentic Delhi street food with spice levels you can adjust. Covered seating with heated lamps keeps it cozy despite road noise. Enjoy strong, milky chai served free, adding to the vibrant, casual vibe with music enhancing the experience.

Strong, milky, and spicy chai comes complimentary here, showing a clear focus on quality and customer service. The chai is consistently described as amazing and a delightful free treat.

People are saying

"The food here is unbelievably delicious and fresh."

"I loved the Indian street style pasta from the food trucks."

"I loved the complimentary chai; it was strong, milky, and spicy."

Good to know

1

Catering services are available for events with customizable menu options.

2

The food truck specializes in authentic Delhi flavors and vegetarian dishes.

3

Parking is plentiful nearby, making it easy to visit the food truck.

03
Idly Express Drive-Thru image 1
South Indian restaurant

Drive-thru cafe offers authentic South Indian flavors with quick service and outdoor seating. Vegan masala chai delivers a rich, spicy flavor that pairs well with vegan filter coffee. Casual vibe suits those craving classic South Bay snacks like medu vadai.

Vegan masala chai stands out with its rich, spicy flavor. The chai pairs well with vegan filter coffee and medu vadai for a classic South Bay experience.

People are saying

"The Indian food here is outstanding, especially the uttapam."

"I loved their tasty filter coffee."

"I thought their vegan masala chai was the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Drive-through ordering is available and very efficient.

2

The restaurant has no indoor seating; only outdoor tables are available.

3

Expect limited seating, especially during peak hours.

04
Voyager Craft Coffee - Santa Clara University image 1

Coffee shop shines with rainbow latte art on its smooth chai latte and tasty breakfast. Bright, cozy space with wood grain accents invites work and study despite crowd and parking woes. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly, drawing a lively weekend crowd.

Chai latte comes with rainbow latte art and pairs well with breakfast items. The chai latte offers a smooth, flavorful experience.

People are saying

"The coffee here is excellent and tastes great."

"It's a great spot to work from, with a nice atmosphere."

"I enjoyed the chai latte; it was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Finding parking at Voyager Craft Coffee is very difficult, especially around noon.

2

The coffee shop is often busy, with expected wait times of 10 to 15 minutes.

3

They donโ€™t serve any food after 3 pm on Sundays.

05
Chandni chowk image 1
Indian restaurant

Experience nostalgic street vibes with colorful Bollywood art and lively cricket tunes. Sip on richly spiced kulhad chai served in traditional clay pots for authentic flavor. Cozy space fits small groups, perfect for an immersive cultural hangout.

Kulhad chai offers a perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and milkiness just like homemade chai. Matka chai comes in traditional clay pots, served piping hot and richly spiced for a comforting experience.

People are saying

"The Chandni Chowk theme's decor is stunning and immersive."

"The decor and 90s ads made it feel so nostalgic."

"I found the chai here to be outstanding and richly spiced."

Good to know

1

Chandni Chowk is open till 1am on most days.

2

There is a decent amount of parking available, making visiting convenient.

3

Chandni Chowk is one of the only restaurants open late in the area.

06
Flying Idlis image 1
Indian restaurant

South Indian food truck serves authentic tiffins with quirky painted drum tables and heated outdoor seating. Irani chai offers a rich, authentic flavor that stands out. The atmosphere blends a local Indian vibe with a relaxed, welcoming energy.

Irani chai stands out with its rich, authentic flavor and is often described as better than other local options. The masala chai also offers a strong, spicy taste that complements the food well.

People are saying

"These food trucks serve delicious dosas and tangy sambar."

"The Indian food here, especially the idlis with podi, is next level."

"I thought the Irani chai was too good to be true and loved it."

Good to know

1

Most menu items range from $7 to $10, making it affordable.

2

Parking is limited, especially during peak dinner hours.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy periods, especially on weekends.

07
Star Chaat Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Bold orange walls and a live pani puri counter create a vibrant, family-friendly space with Punjabi music. Rich, authentic chai shines with rose cardamom and Kashmiri chai varieties. Comfortable seating suits small gatherings well.

Rich, authentic chai comes in several varieties including rose cardamom and Kashmiri chai. Hot chai is served consistently with attentive service.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the Amritsari Kulcha."

"The Paneer Tikka here is delicious and well-spiced."

"The chai here is rich and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant just opened today, offering a fresh menu.

2

Monthly specials feature unique dishes not available regularly.

3

The restaurant is completely vegetarian, catering to plant-based diets.

08
Milyar Coffee house image 1

Bright, open space with marble paneling and Middle Eastern decor invites guests. Freshly brewed Adeni chai offers a strong, rich taste. Comfortable seating with many power outlets supports long stays for work or socializing.

Freshly brewed chai stands out here, made individually rather than served ready-made. The Adeni chai tastes strong and rich, offering a warm and comforting experience.

People are saying

"The cafe's drinks are delicious and perfectly made."

"It's a great spot for getting work done, especially with the comfortable seating."

"The Adeni chai here is brewed fresh and tastes rich."

Good to know

1

The cafe is open 20 hours a day, from 8 am to midnight.

2

Street parking is limited, but there is a nearby parking lot.

3

Expect long wait times for service, especially during busy hours.

09
The Ketli Chai image 1
Indian restaurant

Outdoor seating with board games creates a lively vibe blending desi college canteen energy and cozy cleanliness. Ketli chai shines with badaam milk and saffron notes, including vegan and masala options. Late-night hours make it perfect for spicy snacks and relaxed hangouts.

Ketli chai offers a refreshing blend with floral hints of badaam milk and saffron. Options include vegan chai and masala varieties, consistently delivering a satisfying experience.

People are saying

"The ginger chai here is super cozy and flavorful."

"It's a great spot to chill and hang out late at night."

"I found the paneer sandwich delicious."

Good to know

1

The Ketli Chai is open late at night for snacks and tea.

2

Parking can be a challenge when it gets busy.

3

Getting a table can be difficult during peak hours.

10
Madhu Idiyappa Kadai image 1
Vegetarian restaurant

Food truck offers authentic South Indian snacks like red rice idiyappam and puttu in a casual outdoor setting. Chai is often weak, scoring about 4 out of 5, needing better preparation. Evening visits bring a friendly, safe vibe for enjoying unique flavors.

Chai here often lacks flavor and quality, sometimes served as just water with floating tea powder. It rates around 4 out of 5 but generally needs better preparation before serving.

People are saying

"I highly recommend their live dosa counter for any party."

"The puttu and kadala curry here is excellent and authentic."

"I rated the chai here a solid 4 out of 5."

Good to know

1

The dosa costs $9, which is a great deal.

2

Madhu Idiyappa Kadai offers authentic Sri Lankan food.

3

They serve red rice idiyappam and puttu, unique to the Bay Area.

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