Hi downtown,
With the hot weather we’ve been experiencing, I’ve been in the mood daily for my favorite cool drink! I’m a chai lover at heart, and I thought now is the perfect time to explore some of the different iced chai options downtown has to offer. Follow along as I explore the unique chai each coffee and tea shop offers…
Trident Booksellers and Cafe was a delightful place to sit and enjoy a cup of chai. With a vast selection of unique specialty coffee, fine tea, and used books, it's easy to see why people flock to the small, independently owned bookstore and Cafe on the West End. While I’ve been to Trident before, I’ve never stopped in for a drink. I ordered the Iced House Chai with whole milk, which was described on their menu as not too sweet and not too spicy. My initial take on their chai was that if you’re looking for a more low-key flavor that's not sweet and has a spicy kick to it, this is the chai for you. While I typically enjoy my chai with some spice, I also need a splash of sweetness so my throat doesn’t burn after every sip. While it was good, I would most likely try the alternative chai available on the menu. However, where I think Trident shines is with its cozy environment and speedy, personable customer service. It took no more than five minutes between when I got in line at the cafe and when I had my chai in hand. Plus, the employees were friendly and efficient! The highlight of the visit was discovering the backyard patio, where they offer a courtyard with more seats and tables (plenty of shade too!). This place was the perfect spot to escape the louder, fast-paced environment of the inside.
Let me just say, I absolutely love Boulder Dushanbe Tea House. I’ve never been there, so I had no clue what to expect from the Persian tea house, but it sure blew my mind. With its gorgeous architecture, hand-painted walls, and rich history, the tea house is one of a kind. Did you know, the tea house was given to Boulder by our sister city, Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, back when they were part of the Soviet Empire in 1987? As a history buff, I love the rich and unique story of the tea house, which makes it all the more memorable. In addition to the beauty of the building, the food and tea provide a true Persian experience. I sat at the super cool tea bar, and was ecstatic to hear that they give out free refills of chai! Their iced chai was on the sweeter end, and I’d recommend a different option if you’re not a fan of super sweet drinks or prefer more of a spicy kick. However, I thought the taste was unique and pleasant, so I would definitely order again. I’ve already sent a text to my mom letting her know this is our next lunch date destination. So, Dushanbe Tea House, I’ll see you again soon.
Did you know Ku Cha House of Tea is the largest specialty tea retail shop in Colorado? Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, Ku Cha House of Tea first opened their doors back when YouTube got started and President George W. Bush was in his second term. Now with multiple locations in Colorado, Ku Cha House of Tea continues to share over 300 years of Chinese tea culture. Out of all the coffee and tea shops I’ve mentioned so far, Ku Cha has had the largest variety of chai flavors to select from. I chose the iced Firefly Chai, which came highly recommended, and let me just say, it was one of my favorites so far. This unique flavor of chai had a subtle presence compared to the others I’ve tried, and the taste of vanilla, cardamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon was most noticeable as a lingering aftertaste. There isn’t any spicy tang, and it isn’t all that sweet, resembling more of a laid-back bitter taste, so if that isn’t your style, don’t worry, there are plenty of other flavors to choose from. In the back of the shop, there's an opening with tables, a cute water feature, a high ceiling, and lots of natural lighting. The perfect place to enjoy your tea. I’m eager to try more of their Four Seasons Chai options, and I encourage you to as well, downtown!
As a coffee shop and retail location on East End’s on 16th Street, and a block up from Pearl Street, Süti & Co feels like a secluded gem, offering a more laid-back off-the-beaten-path vibe. I think their layout and Scandinavian aesthetic is cute and different from any other coffee shop downtown. They have an adorable sitting area outside with a few tables and umbrellas, and if you’re like me and want to beat the heat, you can enjoy one of their quaint air-conditioned seating areas inside. Having multiple rooms inside allowed for a more secluded and private experience, perfect for a work or study environment. Süti and Co. also offers a variety of fun coffee-related merchandise and a small selection of homemade necklaces and earrings that are super cute. As far as their iced chai goes, Süti & Co has the perfect mix of spicy and sweet, leaving a little bit of spice in my mouth after every sip. If you’re near the east side of the mall, I’d encourage you to check it out and try a Danish-inspired pastry; they looked AMAZING.
Boxcar Coffee Roasters may be on the far side of the East End, but it sure draws in a lot of coffee lovers. The most noticeable factor about Boxcar is the strong scent of freshly roasted coffee beans that you can smell from outside. Locally owned Boxcar offers plenty of seating to relax, and there's even a small hidden area in the back if you desire a quieter place to work. Per downtown-style, the customer service was efficient and genuinely friendly. Overall, I enjoyed their iced chai. The flavor is more unique, with a presence of honey. I enjoyed how the initial taste was pretty mild, but it left a lingering spicy flavor in my throat. Price-wise, it was pretty reasonable, and for a small price, I ended up paying around $4.50. With their industrial vibe, minimal decoration, exposed brick, and upbeat music, I’d recommend Boxcar Coffee Roasters if you’re looking for a fun and energetic place to hang out or simply use as background noise when you work.
This blog has been a blast to write! I’ve loved exploring chai from different cultures, and I hope this helps you decide where to go next time you’re in the mood for a cold refresher. Stay cool and hydrated out there, downtown!
Till next time,
Wylie
Tagged: Coffee