elaichi co.

Visited Elaichi today after a friend recommended it. Lovely ambience and the fresh smell of cardamom is quite inviting. I ordered the Elaichi Bun and Karak Chai as it’s the most popular among visitors! They offered to warm up the bun and it tasted heavenly. Not too sweet or heavy - it’s just right! They were making a fresh batch of chai - so I waited a few mins and it was worth the wait! Don’t expect to get a table on a Saturday evening - there’s enough place to stand and enjoy the ambience at this lovely cafe! Highly recommend this place!!!

TLDR: muted flavor from the chai, $6.25 for 8oz is very overpriced We came and ordered a cardamom bun and two drinks. The masala chai was not spicy at all admins had very muted flavors. The iced Karak chai surprisingly had a stronger tea flavor but no other flavors stood out, just a strong tea flavor. Also paying over $6 for an 8oz pour just feels too much. I did enjoy the outdoor seating area

Ordered a hot choco and chai latte! Decent hot choco. Nice art on top! Nice atmosphere. Bunch of students with laptops as usual. I like the chill music they have on.

Flew in from Portland to check out this place and it was certainly worth it. Nestled in the heart of Berkeley you’ll find Elaichi co which is a south Asian inspired coffee shop. Walking in you’re immediately surrounded by the traditional desi ambience which I love. The attention to detail and decor is very cool. The service is fantastic with workers who are available to answer any and all questions. I went for the Karak chai and pistachio cake which were amazing. The chai was served in a clay cup which I wish I could have taken home with me. Pricing feels slightly on the higher end but it may be relative to the area. They also have a prayer room in the back which is sincerely appreciated. Overall, I love this place and will certainly return!

Elachi has one of the best authentic karak chais according to Karachi, Pakistani preferences. The tea is a balance of evaporated milk, tea, and cardamom. There are other spicy chais and rotating beverages which are also nice. I especially like their pistachio pound cake. The cafe is a bit overrun by Cal students. It's hard to find a seat most of the time. Just FYI. Parking is rough here. I've gotten a couple of ridiculous tickets (bumper in the yellow zone and parked 2 min over time). So beware.