Chicken Tikka Bowl
Samosa chaat, masala chai
Vanilla Nutmeg Chai
a cup of coffee on a table
a cup of coffee on a table
Chai
Stop serving chai in to-go cups. It ruins the experience of drinking chai.
interior
a picture of a sign on a wall
menus on the wall
Menu
interior
Right - please make use of these to grind your masalas
food
Yes but not here
Samosa Chaat
menu
food
Creamy Masala Chicken
Aloo chaat
Bhel puri
Place at river walk
Sahara T.
Jul 12, 2024
I've had this place on my radar for a bit and finally had the opportunity to try their palak paneer and cardamon chai latte. The palak paneer wasn't my favorite, but I will appreciate the freshness of the dish. I wish it was spicier bu that is my personal preference. I relly enjoyed the chai as well! During the summer, I'd like to try some of the more snackable items like the samoas as well as the raspberry chai as a raspberry lover. I'll be back soon!
Read MoreJeff M.
Sep 4, 2024
Unimaginably slow service. I started typing this review while waiting on my drinks that I ordered almost 20 minutes ago (12:22 pm). The young lady who took my order is friendly and helpful, but she needs backup, y'all. Her bosses did her dirty by leaving her to work by herself. Unless she is the boss, then bad form on her part. Also, it's hot as hell. I don't mean the actual chai. Which, that's also scalding (more on that in a bit). It's actually cooler outside on a summer day than it is inside the shop. I saw some complaints about prices, but it's not bad. It's $4.25 for a small (12 oz) and increases by 25 cents until it gets to a large (20 oz) drink for $4.75. You can't get a third-wave coffee shop latte from anywhere for under $5. So the "it's too expensive" noise (especially considering its proximity to Millennium Park) is silly. The Raising Cane's across the street charges $20 for 6 tenders and you're mad about spending less than $5 on a flavorsome chai? The fact that I managed to get two drinks for under $10 is genuinely impressive in this day and age. I got to try the Ginger Cardamom and the Mumbai Cutting. The Mumbai Cutting was better; sweet and strong. The Ginger Cardamom was meh. It was hot as the surface of the sun (didn't drink it until 1:35 pm). Once it was drinkable, it was mostly decent, but the really strong tannin quality kinda ruined it.This whole thing would be more stars overall if it didn't take a total of 23 minutes (the fact that I was able to calculate this tells you how much free time I had) to even get my order. Also if she hadn't boiled the milk to oblivion.
Read MoreTracy R.
May 7, 2024
Fast, conveniently located in the Loop, very nice staff, and DELICIOUS FOOD! It's a no frills type place so don't expect bells and whistles here, but the food is always top notch.Another reviewer mentioned expensive prices - please keep in mind YOU ARE IN THE HEART OF THE LOOP. Prices were reasonable and comparable to neighboring fast food corporate chains, however quality and taste are great! Thanks for the extra jalapeños!
Read MoreKay P.
Mar 20, 2024
Chiya Chai is a casual Indian spot with a few locations. They have a smaller location on the riverwalk which I would try for its convenience and just the vibes of eating along the riverwalk in the summer. The location in the loop is a really small space without much seating. It was also incredibly hot (not sure if they have AC) so it made it a little uncomfortable to enjoy the drinks/food.The momos were alright, not sure I would have liked them without the sauces. I also got a Chai with oat milk which tasted a bit artificial and too sweet. Maybe I would try their regular iced Chai next time and some of their other food items on the riverwalk location.
Read MoreAyds M.
Aug 13, 2024
Authentic feel, I liked seeing all of the cooking equipment behind the counter. I was actually surprised by how big the menu was upon entering, next time I go I'd like to try some of the hot food! The chai is the star of the show and rightfully so, if you're between this and coffee I beg you to leave your comfort zone. I got the vanilla and nutmeg flavor but I wish I got something with more spice. It came out super fast, and the girl taking my order was understanding when I explained I wasn't super familiar with all of the flavor options. I will be back!!
Read MoreDivya V.
Apr 2, 2024
My boyfriend and I decided to get some hot piping masala tea from Chiya Chai on a gloomy rainy day. We also shared a samosa chaat along with our tea and the combination was very fitting to uplift us on a dull weather day. Chiya Chai is located in Loop and they also have a stall on the riverwalk that's usually open during the Summer time. It's a decent place to get good Indian snacks, tad bit expensive though!
Read MoreAnita P.
Mar 25, 2024
I went here on a whim fully expecting watered down chai, but was completely blown away!! The tea flavor was so strong and tasted pretty much identical to typical chai I have had in the past. The location tbh can't be beat - it's right beside the heart of Michigan Ave. I need to come back and try the other flavors asap
Read MorePratima M.
Mar 22, 2024
A cozy chai spot right next to the Bean -- stopped in for a morning pick-me-up and this was such a cute space with plenty of seating! They have Indian snacks and pastries in the display case, but I just got the chai. I really loved the Cardamom Chai and even the smallest size is pretty large (aka perfect to share) -- it was flavorful, perhaps a bit on the sweet side. My friend's Masala Chai tasted too strongly of the actual chai masala for my taste, but I'm sure you could explain your preferences to the baristas. Overall, would come back!
Read MoreTanya M.
Jun 8, 2024
I ordered the cauliflower peas and potatoes curry bowl, samosa and blueberry lavender chai. After the meal, I probably would have given them 4 stars. I decided to try another flavor of Chai. Omg! The ginger cardamom is the best chai I have ever tasted! You can tell that it's made with love. I will be back to try all the flavors now!
Read MoreMike A.
Jul 4, 2024
When we walked in at the counter, they were closed-the kitchen was closed so we just grabbed mango lassi. I think the prices are reasonable. Part of the fact it's in a very heavily populated downtown area near river walk.
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