Chaiwale & Co — Restaurant in Orange

A rarely write a review the instant I come home after trying a new place but this place deserved it. I saw there's a yelp event here next week which is how I found out about the tea house but I had a vacation day today and was so intrigued about the place I knew I had to try it. I love old town Orange but since my parallel parking skill suck I rarely come. Even at 10:30am on a Friday I had to park really far away from here and all the old school spots I remember from years ago are permit only now. Anyways, worth the challenge since I LOVED THIS PLACE.

I truly feel like I just got back from vacation. I'm so relaxed now thanks to the atmosphere, music, food, and drink of Chaiwale. Even walking back to my car blocks away I didn't care. There's teapots hanging on the ceiling, comfy leather chairs, counter seating, table seating, fantastic music, mouth watering aromas. As others mention, you just feel like staying.

Since it was a challenge to park I figured I need to go multicourse here. I ordered a large Masala Chai, a saag paneer burrito for my lunch, and a kulfi tres leches cake for dessert.

The saag paneer burrito was large and stuffed full of spinach, paneer cheese, and seasoned rice. I was surprised it didn't come with any sort of sauce but after a bite I knew why. It didn't need any. So much flavor and tasted amazing down to the last bite. No burrito blow out either, was able to eat the whole thing without any drips or filling come out. At this point my Chai was the temperature of the sun so I drank water while eating. They had a self serve water area. They had a lot of unique burritos such as Tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and some hand pies.

OK, so now I finished my burrito and I'm ready for my Chai. They have three types, Masala, Karak, and cardamon. I went with Masala so I can compare it with others. They make it from scratch to order, no mixes here. The flavor was delicious and made me feel relaxed. It came with two Parle-G biscuit cookies which a quick google search told me they're from India. I loved how the Chai wasn't too sweet and loaded with spice flavors. For $4.99 this was a HUGE cup and lasted me a long time. I was a bit disappointed it was served in a disposable cup when they were advertising clay cups but maybe because I had a large? Either way was one of the best tasting Chai I have had.

The kulfi tres leches cake..... wow. Flavors of rose, pistachios, and heaven all in a slice of cake. Truly an epic dessert worthy of the calories. I was cutting slabs off the slice and laying them in the liquid on the plate to soak it up. Liquid tasted like melted kulfi which I assume is the point! Paired perfect with the Chai. They had so many unique desserts such as mango lassi cheescake, gulab jamun cheesecake, and earl grey tea pie.

After finishing I ordered another large masala chai for my wife and they made it less sweet for her, also ordered two samosas. I was a bit dissapointed to see she didn't get any of the Parle-G biscuits with her order but since she's not supposed to have sugar it's for the best. Guess I was disappointed I didn't get to eat them for her. She loved the samosas.

Prices are very reasonable. You must try this place. I'd love to come back but I cannot imagine the parking on the weekend. Next time I have a day off work I'll definitely be...

Very cute cafe with delicious chai. It’s was surprisingly busy for 9pm on a Monday night, there’s lots of cozy seating to sit and chat with friends. The tea is great and very authentic in how (very) hot they serve it- be careful you don’t burn yourself. For their dessert we tried the mango lassi cheesecake, pistachio cheesecake, and the rose pistachio loaf. Mango cheesecake was more sweet cream than mango but the puree on top was good- I personally would prefer a stronger mango flavor and tart. The pistachio cheesecake I thought was pretty good with a decent flavor and texture. The rose pistachio loaf could have done with a stronger pistachio flavor to balance the vanilla/rose frosting on top. The predominant flavor is more of a general vanilla sweetness than rose or pistachio.

The saffron chia was excellent. I also tried the rose latte which was good. I’d be interested in the cardamom chai next time but probably pass on...

Had to make a stop in my old stomping grounds while I was in the area to check out this new chai spot. So refreshing to finally have a REAL chai (or cha) spot in the heart of Orange. The customer service was great, I decided to go with their most popular drink the classic Karak chai as is, it was the perfect amount of flavor and sweetness. You can also substitute for non-dairy milk as well. Also had to get their butter paneer burrito. I love fusion dishes & the butter paneer burrito with raita sauce on the side hit the spot & is so easy to eat. Their menu also offers coffee & non-coffee drinks. It’s a great cafe to work from or catch-up with friends, they play chill Bollywood music in the background. This place gives me nostalgia from when I would do work from chai cafes in London. Welcome to the neighborhood Chaiwale & co! Looking forward to be back to try their desserts &...