The Chai Spot — Restaurant in Sedona

Love the vibes and the concept claiming themselves as the first "chai dhaba". Dhaba refers to the traditional "small shops" on the streets of India. Chai Spot's decor, music, and the balcony / lounges on the floor to just relax and sip on chai really tries to mimic a scene from a postcard.

The problem is with the chai. If you're going for this level of authenticity, you would expect truly authentic Indian chai. Yes, they may have started off with a great receipe, but somewhere, it has morphed into a slightly watered down, less flavorful, just "decent" chai. Yes, of course it is more Indian-style marsala chai than Starbucks will ever be. But unfortunately, not by much. I hope the folks that prepare these cups behind the counter one day truly travel to India and get a cup for themselves. And they'll understand my feelings.

Now, another huge issue. Chai in Indian dhabas are served inthese small metallic cups that probably is even less than a Starbucks Short size - the one smaller than Tall. It's probably about 2~3 espresso shots big. What the Chai Spot has done is serve you a Starbucks "short" size or so, but charges you $6.95 for a cup. Yup, you heard that right. $7 for a small cup.

Yes, I understand that I'm paying for the experience. But then, please get the chai "right". Any Indian would immediately understand my review and would concur. Chai in India is the people's drink. Chai at the Chai Spot is a feigned attempt that is costly and unsatisfying, and lives off the fumes of tourist perceptions of a core daily ritual.

If you are at the Tlaquepaque center, yes... grab one. But probably that'll...

A Mixed Experience at The Chai Spot in Sedona

Location: 36 AZ-179 b201, Sedona, AZ

Venturing into The Chai Spot in Sedona promises a sensory journey of flavors and ambiance, but my recent visit left me with mixed feelings.

Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere and charming decor. The traditional touches and cozy seating arrangements created an inviting space to relax and unwind. However, my initial enthusiasm waned when I glanced at the menu and saw the prices.

While I was eager to indulge in a cup of chai, I couldn't help but feel taken aback by the steep prices. $16.00 for two small cups of tea felt exorbitant, especially considering the modest portion size. To make matters worse, I was surprised to find myself being asked to tip before I had even taken a sip of my beverage.

Despite the high prices, I must admit that the chai itself was undeniably delicious. The rich blend of spices and flavors offered a comforting warmth that was perfect for a cool Sedona afternoon. Additionally, the traditional chaats I sampled were a highlight of the experience, bursting with bold and authentic flavors.

In the end, my visit to The Chai Spot left me with conflicting emotions. While I appreciated the inviting ambiance and flavorful offerings, the steep prices and pressure to tip detracted from the overall experience. For those willing to overlook the high cost, The Chai Spot may offer a delightful retreat from the bustling streets of Sedona. However, budget-conscious travelers may want to proceed...

Dear Owner or management of “The Chai Spot”

I am writing to express my disappointment regarding the service experienced during my recent visit. While I appreciate the overall quality of your establishment, the excessively long waiting time significantly impacted my experience.

Firstly, I was informed that the waiting time for my order would be around 20 minutes. However, it took 45 minutes to receive just two cups of tea. We get “Dinner served even before that”. Such a delay is not only inconvenient but also misleading based on the initial time estimate given.

The prolonged wait not only dampened our enthusiasm but also affected the overall ambiance of our visit. Waiting for almost double the anticipated time without any communication or update from the staff was frustrating.

I believe that timely service is a crucial aspect of customer satisfaction. Delays can happen, but it's important to manage expectations realistically and keep customers informed about any unexpected hold-ups.

I hope my feedback will be taken constructively. An improvement in service time and better communication with customers can greatly enhance the overall experience at your...