Kolkata Chai Co - East Village — Restaurant in New York

Kolkata Chai Cafe is where you go if you’re into chai. but i am not really a chai guy, however i am a fan of the cafe menu. the cafe itself is really small but it really clean, colorful, and has a friendly visual vibe with nice touches of fun decor. there are a couple of seats at the window, but the majority of seating is outside, uncovered in front—it’s this open shed sorta of area. there is no formal kitchen—just a behind-the -counter setup where you can watch your drink or food being made.

the cafe’s focus is the chai and coffee drinks, but the food menu is made up of 4-5 dishes. the eats are vegetarian comfort food options that are Indian / Bengali / South Asian influenced. the portions are more towards the solo eaters than groups unless you get the samosas. last time i was here…i got the “breakfast paratha” — two eggs, vegan sausage, amul cheese, and tomato jam all wrapped up in a thin fried flatbread aka paratha. i’ll be honest this was totally delicious. not heavy, flavorful, savory, satisfying fatty carbs all rolled up in a flaky ghee/buttered paratha. it was perfect as a light lunch and hit all those hangry stomach wants without weighing me down as i was on the move. the breakfast paratha is ~ $5-$6 + tip.

the staff is chill and friendly. the food items do take a little bit of time to make because it’s cooked on a single cooking surface (not stove), so expect a little wait if there are food orders...

Really excellent tea. I can't speak to atmosphere of a physical space, because I started ordering from IG, but I love their energy and message. The packaging when you order mug and such is super sturdy and the gift packs I've given have been a hit.

However, the customer service leaves much to be desired. Last year, I ordered something directly after the holidays that was never processed. I had contacted the company was told there was a backup because of the holiday rush. Not a problem. Totally understand. I didn't need my particular package until well into January.

Fast forward a few weeks, my order still isn't processed and wouldn't arrive until after I needed it, resulting in me having to spend a not insignificant amount of money to mail it or wait another 2 months before I can give it to the intended recipient. I told this to customer service. They had nothing to say except "Sorry for the inconvenience." In my mind, that would warrant a discount coupon or free box of biscuits or something for what was a mistake on their end.

I've not ordered from them in awhile because of that incident, but I am sure I will in the future. I will just make sure not to do it in...

Coming from an Avid Chai Drinker

Firstly They claim to make Chai fresh ,however they premake chai fill in their warmers and dispense (Quick Serve) ,sugar is preadded,so not at all meant for people who drink chai without sugar. So I didn’t order as they couldn’t make my order ,my friend did and I tried couple sips only as they claim to be best Chai in Ny.

Some Indian Restaurants serve Fresh Karak or Masala chai as a part of their Menu but it’s Real,this was 25% of being close to Real.

Secondly the chai was very watery possible taking a lot of condensation sitting & diluting in the warmer.

Thirdly It was a Masala Chai we ordered with no spice kicking in ,May be the tea is strong and overpowering Masala but not the case at all,NO SPICE,Not sure about their tea leaves either as the tea strength was missing.

Meant for people in Ny in cold days to drink hot beverage,not truly Chai,but assuming to drink it as a Chai.

If you want real Indian tea buy Red Label or Bagh Bakri loose tea from Indian grocery store ,brew it with water add grinded spices( clove, cardamom,ginger & cinnamon), boil multiple times with some milk &...