Cafe Chai
1315 31st St Suite 3, Des Moines, IA
Crema's Take
“Tucked into Des Moines, Cafe Chai is a warmly run neighborhood spot where the chai is genuinely exceptional—fragrant and beautifully spiced—and the owner's genuine hospitality makes you feel like a regular from your first visit. The food leans into creative Indian-inspired dishes that go beyond the expected, with the butter chicken naan pizza and inventive chaats earning real devotion from regulars who come back again and again. It's the kind of place where you can linger over a cup, grab lunch on a bike ride, or settle in for meaningful time with friends, all while tasting flavors that clearly come from care and skill.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
We visited Cafe Chai and tried the Samosa Chaat, Aloo Papdi Chaat, Dahi Puri, and Cardamom Chai. The food was decent and satisfying. What truly stood out was the chai — absolutely top notch. Fragrant, perfectly spiced, and comforting. Definitely one of the best I’ve had in Des Moines. The ambience is cozy, clean, and inviting — a relaxing spot to sit and enjoy a conversation. The owners were kind and welcoming, and we had a great chat with them during our visit. Overall, it’s a lovely place that clearly cares about the customer experience. I’d come back again, especially for the chai. A solid 4 stars!
Stopped by for lunch while out on a ride today. The owner was so friendly and welcoming! The food was amazing! I had the butter chicken naan pizza and a mango lassi to drink. The owner even brought me a sample of strawberry lassi to try! Everything was delicious! I will definitely be back for more and will recommend this place to my friends! Thank you for the excellent food and hospitality!
Food is incredible. Butter chicken naan pizza was out of this world. Lamb kebab wrap an amazing experience. Great mixture of spice and great combination of flavors. The tumeric ginger chair was beautifully spiced as well. Great Indian fusion. We will 100000% be back
Everything we’ve had here has been amazing. The samosa chaat, dahi puri, paneer wrap, and butter chicken naan pizza are a few of our faves. The owners are very kind and helpful. Do not miss out on this hidden gem!
Today I noticed this place inbetween Haiku and 8 Degrees where Subway once was and had to try it. They have only been open for a few months and the food I ordered was delicious. I got an order of fried veggie samosas which were perfectly flaky and crispy on the outside. The filling is a very flavorful mix of seasoned potatoes and veggies, and the dipping sauce is tangy and delicious as well. I also tried a wrap with lamb. If you've ever had kofta- the meat is like that dish- ground lamb with herbs and spices inside a wrap with a cilantro sauce and lettuce. I haven't had kofta in so many years so I'm happy I found this spot today. The owners are a very kind and welcoming couple. The prices are low and there's lunch, snack, dessert, and drink options. I will be back to try their Naan pizzas. Check this place out if you're in the Drake University area!
Crema Reviews
You might also like
US Coffee
★ 4.8 (412)
US Coffee is a welcoming neighborhood spot where the espresso pulls with…
Freedom Blend Coffee
★ 4.7 (380)
Freedom Blend's rustic cabin aesthetic and in-house roasted coffee create an…
A Bar
★ 4.7 (335)
This Des Moines cocktail bar feels like the neighborhood spot everyone wishes…
Smokey Row Coffee
★ 4.5 (2,709)
Smokey Row is a sprawling Des Moines favorite where creative signature drinks…