Bangkok’s best cup of chai.
By Tom McLean
Whether you’re a traditional coffee fanatic or strictly a tea drinker, we caffeine aficionados can all agree that there’s nothing quite like a steamy cup of chai to warm the soul and nourish the senses. With that classic combination of rich, foamy milk, flavoursome tea leaves, and warming spices, the popularity of chai has exploded in recent years and can now be found nearly everywhere. But where should you go in Bangkok for a twist on the classic cup? Masala Recommends some of the city’s chai masterpieces.
BLACK TEA LATTE, CHATRAMUE (THB 55 – 65)
ChaTraMue provides a creamy and flavourful Black Tea Latte that impresses with its skilled tea leaf infusion. This joint is widely recognised for its expert Thai tea baristas and their premium take on traditional chai is an impressive endeavour. Their skillful blend of quality ingredients elevates the milky, dreamy mixture to new heights. Furthermore, this chai is also served Thai style, with plenty of ice to cool down the concoction, making it the perfect cup on-the-go for hot days. Overall, ChaTraMue’s take is an excellent pick-me-up for any occasion.
CHAI ROSÉ, CPS COFFEE (THB 150)
For an off-kilter choice that throws a curveball with its inspired flavour pairings, try the fragrant Chai Rosé at CPS Coffee. Perfect for vegans, this beautiful beverage forgoes the traditional dairy element and instead infuses cold-brewed tea leaves with a mixture of traditional chai spices, rose syrup, and lemonade, resulting in a uniquely lip-smacking concoction. Their tea leaves are cold brewed for 10 hours, resulting in a strong, intensely flavourful drink that refreshes and delights.
CHAI TEA LATTE, SIMPLY W (THB 95-130)
For a very luxurious take on the chai experience, Simply W, which has branches in malls like Siam Paragon and Central Plaza Ladprao, provides a brilliant rendition of our favourite comfort drink. Their Chai Tea Latte is a brilliantly frothy and satisfying beverage that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Served both hot or cold, you can customise your chai experience depending on your mood. A generous topping of warming spices are sprinkled atop the dreamy drink, enriching the brew with intense aromatic flavours.
CLASSIC CHAI, THE COFFEE CLUB, THONGLOR (THB 120-130)
For an exemplary chai that sticks to the rules and delivers, The Coffee Club offers a delicious brew that doesn’t break the bank. Velvety and rich, The Coffee Club’s Classic Chai is a perfect entry point for chai beginners, providing a good frame of reference for how traditional chai should taste. With comforting, age-old flavours, this brew is easy to recommend to both newbies and connoisseurs and is further complemented by The Coffee Club’s comfortable interior.
