Chai Map

I love Chai. A lot!

Wherever I travel, I try to find the best Chai that town has to offer. Check out my map below to see all the places I’ve pinned that serve, what I consider to be, some of the best chai.

If you have any suggestions to where I should get Chai, let me know and I’ll add it to the map.

How do I find a good Chai (besides recommendations)? I find a cafe and ask about their Chai. If they say that they make it, I ask them to tell me more. If they say that they use a name-brand, pre-made, concentrated Chai, I keep walking. I have been known to wait in line, ask about the Chai and leave without ordering anything. I’m not wasting this sophisticated palate on Oregon Chai. Not sorry.

What makes a good Chai?

• They start with a home-made ginger reduction of some sort

• They blend their own spices or use a blend from a local company that cares about good flavor

• It’s a little spicy and only a little sweet

• It takes at least several hours or sometimes days to properly brew

What makes a not good Chai?

• Almost any concentrate or powder blend made in large quantities. These usually are very sweet and lack a sophisticated flavor balance that good Chai has. There are some that are okay and that will work in a pitch but usually they’re a no go.