Masaala Chai Cafe

This authentic chai is amazing! Several options to choose from and it pairs perfectly with the fresh baked goods. It’ll be your new favorite spot!

I was curious after seeing a new chai cafe had opened and I'm so glad I decided to check it out!! This past weekend was only their second weekend being open, so they're still in a soft opening phase with a limited menu. The inside of the cafe is very cute and inviting and there was plenty of seating available when I stopped by. The owner is a very sweet woman who kindly explained the menu to me and the different types of chai, lattes, lassi drinks, and pastries. I had never tried a traditional chai before so she suggested the masala chai. She explained that masala is a Hindi word for mix or blend because it refers to a mix or blend of spices. For this drink, she makes her own blend of spices, which includes ginger, cardamom,and black pepper to name a few. She also let me know that all of the pastries are baked in-house. I decided to get The gulab jamun donut (a traditional syrupy fried Indian dessert re imagined as a baked donut) and a freshly baked masala chai chocolate chip cookie. Both were incredibly delicious. The donut was subtly sweet, with a fluffy golden dough topped with a syrupy glaze and a few rose petals. The cookie reminded me a bit of a Mexican hot chocolate with the way the spices intermingled with the chocolate. The traditional chai is made on the stove and only comes with whole milk (or without milk perhaps). There is a lactose free option, which I ordered. However, the latte versions can be made with oat or almond milk. The drink also came unsweetened and while there was sugar available to sweeten it to my liking, I found it to be perfect as it was. It was warm and spicy and comforting. Something to note is that I am quite sensitive to caffeine, so I have to be careful with coffee. This tea was caffeinated, yes, but not so much that I was left shaking. There is a stronger option on the menu for those who seek it (though I forget the name)! The price point is comparable to many of the matcha cafes in the area, so I found it to be quite reasonable :) I'm hoping to go back soon and try a rose lemonade or a lassi!

Chai Pyala is such a gem for Tacoma and the entire Puget Sound. From the moment we walked in, the space felt cozy, welcoming, and genuinely family friendly the kind of place you want to slow down, sit for a while, and enjoy being there. We had the chance to meet the owners...Guru and Honey who were absolutely wonderful. They were friendly, warm, and clearly proud of what they're building. You can feel the heart behind this café and the care that goes into every detail. We ordered two orange cardamom buns, a gulab jamun donut, s’mores cookies, and a chai chocolate chip cookie and everything was fresh, thoughtful, and made with that small batch “made in house” quality you can taste. The flavors felt authentic and comforting, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. And the chai… wow. We both ordered masala chai teas that were slow brewed, rich, and full of depth the kind of chai that warms you up and makes you want to take your time with every sip. Honey also offered us a rose saffron chai latte, which was such a beautiful treat. It felt special and fragrant without being overpowering, and it was the perfect “try something new” moment. If you’re looking for a unique place that offers more than just drinks and desserts a place with culture, hospitality, and warmth Chai Pyala is it. Veteran owned, authentic, and full of heart. We’ll absolutely be back (and we can’t wait to try more of their specialty drinks and creative events).

This is no ordinary “coffee shop” — in fact there’s no coffee at all. And that’s a wonderful thing! Chai Pyala (“Tea Cup”) serves authentic chai, chai lattes, and specialty iced chai beverages that put to shame drinks made with the instant chai mix used by most of the industry. Owner Honey Batth grinds and blends the chai spices herself. She also bakes all of the wonderful treats you see in the display case… every cookie, cake, sweet roll, cheesecake, donut, and crème brûlée, is crafted with love. Treat yourself — visit Chai Pyala soon and often!

Bought the strawberry lemonade, masala choc chip and smores cookie, black forest cake, and 2 iced Chai lattes, one ginger and one masala. Everything was exceptional! Its all made in-house, and you will taste that high level of quality in every bite and sip. Owners are very friendly and welcoming.