Have you ever found yourself wanting to order a chai at a cafe? But you have never ordered one, and are not quite sure what to say. Here are all the options.
If you are unsure of what it is or which you want, leading to you ordering the same thing you always do? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Selecting the right type of chai with all of its variations can be a daunting task, but fear not, keep reading and we’ll give you some tips and tricks to help you choose the perfect chai for your taste buds.
What is the most popular chai order here in Australia?
While there are many to choose from, the most popular chai drink to order here is a classic chai latte.
The chai latte has a delicious flavour thanks to the blend of black tea and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. The spices in chai lattes also have health benefits, such as improving digestion and reducing inflammation. Chai lattes can be customised with various milk options, sweeteners, and additional flavours like vanilla or caramel. Chai is often not keto friendly, as sometimes a lot of sugar is added especially in the powdered chai.
In Australia, many people are looking for alternatives to coffee, and chai lattes provide a flavorful and comforting option.
Why is ordering a chai latte at a cafe so popular?
Getting a chai at a cafe is great for people who want to go on coffee catch ups with friends, colleagues or partners that either don’t like coffee or just want to try something different.
Why do people prefer to order chai latte at a cafe over making them at home?
Ordering a chai at a cafe, whether iced or hot, is convenient. Making a good chai from scratch requires time and effort, including the preparation and blending of spices, boiling water, and steeping tea. It can be difficult to find the right balance of flavours and get the right consistency. Ordering a chai at a cafe saves time and effort, while still allowing you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying drink in a great social atmosphere.
Many people also prefer to support local cafes and small businesses by ordering their chai from them. By doing so, they can contribute to their local community and help to ensure that their favourite cafes continue to thrive.
The top 5 chai drinks and how to order them
As will be the case with any order you make from this list, there will be some choices you have to make first:
Choose your favourite milk- Cow’s milk is considered regular milk, but there re many people that choose to drink chai with a plant based milk such as oat, soy or almond
Size of your drink- Most cafes will give you the choice between small, medium and large for hot drinks or regular and large for cold ones. Chai can get quite sweet, especially if you choose to add toppings, so make sure you choose a size that won’t be too much for you.
Add ons- decide if you want any additions to the basic chai drink, whether that be syrups, sweeteners or extra spices.
+ Chai latte
A chai latte is a warm, spiced tea drink that is made by steeping black tea with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Milk is added to the spiced tea and heated until steaming, before the mixture is then strained and sweetened with honey or sugar. It is usually served hot and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
+ Iced Chai
Similar to the iced latte, an iced chai is made by brewing a pot of strong chai tea, letting it cool, and then pouring it over ice. Often milk and sweeteners, such as honey or sugar will be added to taste. Some cafes may also use a pre-made concentrate or syrup to make the process quicker and ensure a more consistent taste every time.
You could even ask for cream on top.
+ Australian Chai
Australian chai is a type of chai tea that uses a blend of native Australian botanicals and traditional spices. It’s only found in select cafes in Australia but is becoming more widespread.
Australian chai is made using Australian black tea, combined with ingredients such as pepper berries, aniseed myrtle, cinnamon myrtle, roasted wattleseed, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. This unique blend of ingredients gives Australian chai its distinctive flavour and aroma.
+ Dirty Chai Latte
A dirty chai is a classic chai latte with an added shot of espresso (or two!) and is a great option for those coffee lovers out there. It can be made either hot or iced and with the addition of the espresso you’re left with a drink that’s both spicy and fulfils your caffeine cravings.
+ Matcha Chai Latte
A matcha chai is a classic chai latte customised to your liking, with matcha powder mixed in to add hints of earthy richness to your spicy latte. While this may not be a set item on all menus, make sure to ask if your local cafe will add this customisation.
Honourable mention:
+ Dirty Chai Martini
A dirty chai martini is a delicious twist on the chai latte. It’s typically made with a combination of chai tea, espresso, vodka, and cream or milk. The chai tea and espresso are steeped together to create a strong and flavorful base. Vodka is then added to the mixture, along with ice, and the ingredients are shaken or stirred to combine.
The final touch is a splash of cream or milk to add a creamy texture and balance out the bold flavours. The cocktail is usually served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
Once you have decided on which drink you would like to order, simply go up to the cafe counter and ask for the drink, size, milk and sweeteners/ add ons you have chosen.
What is a long drink order?
There are several ways to customise your chai drink to enhance its flavour and texture. These customizations are known as long orders.
Milk: You can choose from different types of milk, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk, depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions.
Sweetener: If you like your chai sweeter, you can add sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, or any sugar substitute, like stevia.
Foam/Cream: For a hot chai drink like a latte, you can ask for extra foam, or if you prefer your drink chilled, adding cream can be a great option.
Syrups: While not as common, some cafes may offer flavoured syrups such as vanilla or hazelnut.
Spices: While chai is made up of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, star anise and clove, you can ask to add extra on top if you prefer yours to be stronger.
It may take some practice to get comfortable with ordering your custom chai, but it’s worth it to find the perfect drink that keeps you coming back. Keep in mind that not all cafes offer all of these customizations, so don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure.
How do I order a healthy chai?
Chai itself is high in antioxidants which do great things for your heart and general health. However, if you want to order a healthier hot or cold chai drink you can do the following:
+ Ask for a reduced amount of sweetener or request a sugar substitute such as stevia
+ Opt for a low fat milk and ask for no cream or ice cream to be added.
What is the difference between a chai latte and a chai tea?
While the chai tea and chai latte are often used interchangeably, they do have some differences. Chai tea is a type of spiced tea from India, brewed with loose-leaf tea and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. You can add milk and sweeteners like honey or sugar. Chai latte is a modern version that’s popular in places like the US, UK, and Australia. It’s made by mixing spiced syrup or powder with steamed milk and sweeteners. It’s creamier and sweeter than chai tea. The two drinks differ in their brewing method and sweetness level.
Do you drink chai tea with milk?
You can enjoy chai with either milk or water, depending on your personal preferences. In India, traditional chai is prepared with water, resulting in a strong and pure flavour. On the other hand, adding milk to chai, like in chai lattes, makes it a creamy and milder drink. Some people like the sweetness and creaminess that milk brings. Ultimately, it’s your choice, so if you’re new to trying chai, you can try both and decide which one you like better!
Now that you’re equipped with all of this information, you can feel confident ordering a chai anywhere in Australia. Try one as a coffee alternative, if you are looking for something with less caffeine. Try them all and find your favourite, you might even customise yourself a whole new drink. So what are you waiting for? Head down to your nearest cafe, the world of chai is waiting for you!
