As overcast days pick up frequency and layers of clothing begin to increase, that regular drip coffee or cappuccino is feeling less and less festive. The combined flavors of chai, cinnamon and clove are a perfect fit for settling into the season while simultaneously scratching that caffeine itch. Whether plain, dirty, traditional or trendy, OKC has a range of options for you to chai.
Toast & Coffee
“Chumpkin” Latte Chai & Pumpkin
Tucked aside at the entrance to Jefferson Park, Toast & Coffee greets sleepy neighborhood regulars. The shop emulates a 1970s living room with vintage-looking furniture and a warm color scheme of burnt orange, brown and yellow racing across the walls. Its “Chumpkin” Latte (chai and pumpkin) pairs well with the open-faced specialties, most of all the seasonal “pot roast” toast.
Cafe Antigua
Hot Dirty Vanilla Chai
One of OKC’s favorite brunch spots is the family-run Guatemalan restaurant Cafe Antigua. The environment welcomes guests into a charming dining experience sealed with the friendliness of customer service while sustaining the hustle and bustle of one of OKC’s favorites. You can basically throw a dart at the menu and be more than satisfied. The dirty vanilla chai, almost too stunning to drink, is sweet with a dash of spice dancing behind the vanilla. You’re bound to finish your beverage and meal feeling cozier but heavier with each step leaving the restaurant.
HQ Coffee + Matcha
Kabocha Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
A newer addition also in the Asian District, HQ Coffee + Matcha is an Asian-inspired coffee and tea drive-thru and walk-up spot that swiftly made its way into many neighbors’ morning routines with its specialty flavors. One of its fall features is the Kabocha Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte, a unique take on the commonly deemed “basic” drink, the PSL.
Gold Dome Coffee Stop
Moneyball Chai
This drive-thru has made quite a reputation as it never falls short on creative out-of-the-box beverages. With any of its special combinations, you can sub out espresso or tea to fit your fancy. The most complementary toward the flavors of chai would be the Moneyball with chai as the base. This includes peanut butter, banana, honey and maple in addition to the tea. If you’re anything like me, who used to eat peanut butter out of the jar, you will go to sleep dreaming of this drink.
Classen Coffee Company
Dirty Chai Latte
Classen Coffee has been a staple for students and remote workers since opening in 2017. For the extra sluggish mornings, when last night’s thunderstorm rolls into dawn, the double shot of KLLR Coffee espresso beans is a necessary addition into the regular chai latte. The sweet spice of cinnamon followed by a slight bite of espresso is a siren call, the only thing more appealing than hitting “snooze” for the third time.
Taj Cuisine of India
Hot Masala Chai
Taj is a well-known and well-loved restaurant near the Asian District of OKC, serving up hot and fresh Indian food buffet-style. Its selection of rich, flavorful curries will welcome any Indian food beginner with warm and open arms. The guests have no choice but to pile their plate up high and still go back for seconds. After an impressive high pour from the kettle, the masala chai is just as irresistible as the food. Once the smell of cardamom wafts up, even a scalded tongue won’t stop your constant sipping.
Kebabish Bites
Masala Chai
This Norman restaurant focuses on the harmonious merge of soulful Punjab cuisine and global influences. Kebabish Bites is a peaceful dining experience decorated in a fusion of mid-century lighting and an abundance of greenery. Abandon the frills of latte art and sweetness when tasting its masala chai; this tea is the most distinctive on the list as the spices take full uninhibited control. Leave the sugar packets in their caddy and enjoy the ride of cinnamon, ginger and clove.
This article appears in Fall Flavors.