elaichi co.

A truly amazing cafe in downtown Berkeley. Takes a minute to breathe it all in, but once you do you realize the deep attention to detail.. the various syrups derive from common spices used in Indian chai, the menu keeps chai at the top before coffee which is bold and awesome! The pastries and items being sold all have origins in South Asia. It’s remarkable and unique! Highly recommend My only advice - more outlets :). And would be nice to designate a space to stand for to go drinks. And kiosk ordering will move the line faster :). Appreciate the service and amazing chai ☕️☕️🔥

We have fallen deeply and madly in love with this beautiful cafe. Inclusive, inviting, kind, and lovely experience. The staff are so incredible kind, respectful, patient, down the earth, loving, and great energy overall! I enjoyed my experience here trying the spicy masala chai drink and the cardamom elaichi bun pastry. Plenty of seating outside and inside, beautiful interior, and we can't wait to be back!

Nice and cute cafe at the heart of Berkeley, very close to Berkeley campus. It has really nice and cozy ambience with light music. Karak Chai and Masala Chai were amazing. Must recommended for all chai-lovers to visit this place!

Karak chai was so smooth and just the perfect amount of sweetness. The bun. Just try it and you’ll know a cardamom bliss that is rarely experienced. Ambience is very calming and elegant. Everything is intentional. A wonderful spot to grab tea or coffee with a friend. May God bless this shop and its people.

RUN, do not walk to this place…because they make quite literally the best chai I’ve ever had in my life. What an absolute treat. The signature is of course their chai—full of malty dark tea flavor, warming fresh green cardamom aroma, and just the perfect balance of sweetness. And yes, they have both regular milk and oat milk options!! The cafe itself was cute and cozy with plenty of seating, snacking options, and WiFi. Shannon who helped me at the register and made my drink was incredibly friendly and warm; she was so patient and answered all of my questions. So rare to have this level of customer service these days —especially in downtown Berkeley. Go Shannon! I can’t wait to come back, kudos to all the team running this wonderful establishment ❤️

Hands on best chai in the Bay Area is served here. It’s smooth and bubbly. Try the Oat Chai. The cafe is very well designed with a fusion of modern and South Asian. They have a dedicated prayer room and that’s a great convenience for those working for long hours. The cafe is quite convenient for coworking. Overall it’s one of my favorite spots in East Bay!

Lovely oat milk chai and the elaichi bun was great too! I hope they add more vegan baked goods. Loved the ambience and music selection as well :) Def going back for more. Also, can you guys open one location in LA pls?

everything is so good here, which checks out given that they have a very talented recipe developer on their team (i stalked her insta lol). their vibe is so calm, clean, and friendly. everything in there reminds me of home. all the pakistani decor + recipes they came up with for the pastries. it’s so good. they have cute free stickers i put on my laptop! one thing i would suggest is a muslim shower installed in the bathroom so it really feels like home lol. indoor/outdoor/disabled seating available. elaichi co if ur reading this i see the thought & effort u put into everything. thank u

Thursday, December 19th, 2024 14:00 Oat-milk Chai ($6.75) (12 oz, iced) with lavender syrup ($0.75) - strong masala Chai with light floral notes from the lavender chocolate chip jaggery cookie ($4.75) - I love that they use quality chocolate (from a brand called Dandelion Chocolate) - balanced flavor profile with sweetness from the chocolate and cookie dough, slightly bitter and umami jaggery, and salt on top

I ordered an oat milk rose chai "for here" with a friend and after looking around to see that there was no seating, worried briefly that the decision was a mistake. The pillows and large tables were perfect for either getting work done or catching up with a friend, but it was PACKED on a Thursday evening. Even the standing tables were full, so we huddled for a few minutes to wait for something to free up. Due to the crowds (presumably associated with UC Berkeley being in session), I don't think I'd come back and set up camp again. I absolutely would pick up another chai sometime, though, because it was of the highest quality.

This was a great place to send some time on a rainy day. It was packed, but they did have some standing tables in the back that were a nice place to put my stuff down and lean for a while haha! I had a cup of the Oat Chai and the Elaichi bun and both were okay. The service was super fast since both were premade. * Oat Chai - nice and warm with depth of flavor but not one of the best I've had or anything * Elaichi Bun (cardamom spice bun) - mild flavored, not very sweet; a bit dry (admittedly I was there around 4pm)

Discovered this place through TikTok so had to give it a try. Tried the Karak Chai and it was a solid 7/10. Although, I could use a bit more cardamom. I wish there was a bit more variety and options. The Pastries were a bit dull during my visit. I love the idea, A chai stop! Very unique!!

A friend of a friend recommended elaichi co. to me at a group dinner after I mentioned I hadn't found a solid spot for chai in San Francisco. I'm super grateful for her recommendation, as I've found my new favourite chai spot on the West Coast. Both the oat chai latte and elaichi bun I ordered were 10/10. This place is worth the trip from the City, and I can't wait to come back.

Traditionally brewed chai served in earthenware mugs? A walkable location with limited parking? A particularly dismal seating situation? You won't find a location that absolutely bellows "Berkeley cafe" more than elaichi co. Before we begin, the only real gripe I have with elaichi is the guilt of having to become a circling shark while waiting for one of their 5(?) tables with enough seating to study with a friend. We arrived earlier in the evening around 5 PM on a weekday to a packed house and multiple fellow circlers, who we luckily beat out for a seat in the back corner. Our order, a small cup of karak chai and an elaichi bun, was ready in around 10-15 minutes. The chai came out blisteringly hot (I burned my tongue) but cooled quickly within an hour of being served, with a thinner consistency and heavier herbal profile that I found preferable to every chai inspired beverage I've had to date. The elaichi bun also came warm, with a thick croissant-like shell that gave way to a very dense interior that wasn't particularly to my liking. Props to ensuring that the cardamom flavor was maintained throughout the entire bun, though. Water and wifi are provided that make for a very enjoyable study experience if you can get a seat. I'll be back if I'm in a patient sort of mood but it's definitely worth the wait.

Love this place! First discovered it when a friend got some elaichi buns takeout and they were incredible. Came in late night recently - place is open in 11pm, very chill & non pretentious, and the chai is amazing. Elaichi buns are my favorite and I can't resist taking a bunch to go. They legit get it right. Would love it if they open in SF also!! But the drive from the city is not bad later in the night.

A cafe that specializes in chai? I had to come try it. I got an iced karak chai. I loved the spices. I wished I got it warm, but it was a hot day when I was there. They make it in batches in house. One of the pots spilled over while I was there, and the aroma just wafted in the air. Solid place to come for a drink.

A legitimate chai spot in Berkeley! We can't stop going back - the chai is true to form and is excellent. This place is located just a few blocks from campus and it's been hard to find space sometimes because there is a lot of footfall. (Annoyingly a lot of students camped out with laptops too, but hopefully that's good for business!) They have an interesting pastry collection too that fuses together Western favourites with South Asian flavours (e.g. elaichi bun, pistachio loaf cake, etc.).

Elaichi is the ultimate study spot serving delicious hot chai, perfect for cold weather. This quaint coffeeshop is tucked away in a corner of downtown berkeley, but inside hosts a wonderfully warm and inviting atmosphere full of students and lively music! They have free unlimited wifi and the ambiance is both cozy and comfortable --the best for a rainy or cold day in. I came here with a friend to study and we ended up staying for the whole night. At 5PM, you can expect it to be pretty packed and the chances of getting a table low, however, if you stay persistent one eventually opens up and I believe it's worth the wait! I loved the cups they serve their drinks it and the quality of their chai and coffee were top-notch. I definitely want to come back to study and to try their pastries!

I came to elaichi co on a chilly day, perfect for a cup of chai. As other reviewers said, the seating was limited on a mid morning Saturday. I'm the ambiance was warm and the server was friendly. Parking was easy to find. My daughter said she walked by here frequently and hadn't noticed it before. We watched the barista pour two cups while holding the pot high in the air. The added show pour was a sweet extra flare. The menu had different selections of cafe items with two chai options. I went with the oat chi and she had the karak chai. We shared a slice of pistachio loaf cake. If you're not a fan of cardamom this isn't the chai for you. My chai had almost a fruity pebbles flavor and the cake was a bit too sweet. I enjoyed both and would com back for a chai to go.

Elaichi is a newer spot that I've added to my study rotation when I'm up in Berkeley. It is a relatively busy place, but it has quite a few spots to sit and study for a few hours. Their specialty is their chai, and they have an impressive way of pouring the chai from an ornate pot and creating a long stream of chai. The serving cups for dine-in have a wonderful homemade pottery vibe to them. They are sturdy and come with cupholders that really make you feel right at home as you dine. Elaichi is a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the main street, and their high quality chai is a must-try. They also have games and books, as well as pillows on their benches - these small details are really wonderful.

I love this cute cafe. Nice hangout spot! A good vibe in Berkeley. Their chai and the way they pour it.. love it! And I love all the cakes and pastries! Wish they had savory stuff too! Nevertheless nice spot for a date or with friends!

Chai is in the DNA of every brown person and it's refreshing to see Elaichi take a bet and creating an identity around chai. Surprisingly, the menu has more coffee options than chai -- which was a downer as I drove an hour north on my work trip. On the bright side, the Kadak Chai lives up to the name. It is strong and is flavorful and makes an impression. It's not a chai concentrate (cough cough Kolkata Chai co) but freshly made and served. I yearn for a strong ginger tea and was expecting to find this at Elaichi; but didn't. My search will continue.

This is the best coffee I've had since moving to the Bay Area! We came in to try the cardamom bun which was so delicious. But was so impressed by how cute the coffee shop is and very very impressed by how delicious my cortado was! The quality of the coffee was so good. Will definitely be back. Also the barista was very kind!

Why wasn't this open when I lived across the street as a student?!! (Maybe good thing it wasn't, for my wallet) I dragged my friends up to Berkeley to try this place. They have an extensive menu of chai, coffee, various syrup flavors like rose and cardamom, non-tea drinks like mango shakes, and non-masala teas like sparkling yuzu peach. They also offer several pastries like cardamom buns, pistachio cardamom cakes, and various other cookies. I ordered the oat chai (for my sensitive tummy). If you order hot for here, you get to drink the chai out of these beautiful hand made clay cups, which really adds another level to the experience. Tbh, I found the chai less spice forward than Kolkata Chai Co in NYC which was a bit disappointing but perhaps I can try the cold version another time, as sometimes flavors are muted when hot for me. The cardamom bun made up for it in it's perfectly cardamom, butter, and sugar forward flavor. Logistics: - indoor and outdoor seating; perfect place for a friend catch up, book time, people watching, or light work - limited street parking nearby, a few paid public garages in the area, plenty of public transit options - I don't think any of the pastries are GF but not 100% sure - OPEN LATE (for a cafe) !! For when I want a sweet treat after 3pm thank god

Back after soooo many months away! I've started alternating my morning coffee w chai to not get slapped awake every morning and elaichi.co is truly some of the best I've had in the Bay! Tried their Karak Chai which has whole milk, elaichi/cardamom, and other warm spices which makes the perfect not too sweet morning drink. They also have a variety of syrups to try with their drinks as well & they have all your standard espresso drinks too. Also tried the Elaichi Bun which was stellar and had whole cardamom grounds in it which was so flavorful! I'll definitely be back to try the rest of the drinks (and pastries hehe!) 5/5 experience for food and drink

It's not every day you run into a Chai specialty establishment. In fact, most cafes in the Bay Area seem to confine themselves to the matcha and cafe worlds with little attention devoted to chai. I stumbled across elaichi co. on Instagram through their modest social media following and decided to try it with a few friends during our Berkeley visit. We ordered a few chai lattes and an americano (for me). Not sure what convicted me to order a coffee at a tea spot, perhaps it was my vice for black coffee or the need to pump caffeine into my bloodstream from the sleepless night before I'm not sure. Regardless, the americano was just alright for being five dollars including tip. The chai lattes were good according to my friends though. I'm not a huge chai person, so I can't say I'll be back for that. But, the pastries looked divine in their display case and also featured prominent Indian flavors. I've never heard of a paratha quiche before, but I appreciate the creativity it takes to invoke a classic French dish with a South Asian spin. The cafe was a bit loud so not entirely conducive to a study atmosphere, but it makes for a great place to enjoy tea and catch up with friends which is exactly the environment I sought today.

Now that Starbucks is forcing people to pay for the privilege to sit in their stores, more people should support their neighborhood coffee & tea houses like Elaichi that is welcoming & serves better coffee & chai. When i am in Berkeley i make it a point to come here for a cup of the delicious Oat Chai. Elaichi is often packed but outdoor seating is available & fresh air is preferable especially since we have been blessed with beautiful weather

Was in the Berkeley downtown area and came across this spot. The aroma of cardamom and chai calls out to you where you walk past the cafe, can't not make a stop! Finally an upscale chai spot in Bay Area that serves authentic string India chai. Tried the karak chai and cake rusk and the nanikhatai. I love the way the way they pour the chai- just like a chaiwala and in a kulhad (cup) too!!! There is ample seating. Lots of students were studying. The decor is beautiful. The servers are so friendly. All in all.. a great experience! Wish they would open up somewhere on the peninsula as well

Yummy chai spot in Berkeley. Street parking is available, sometimes hard to find. It gets crowded pretty easily so keep that in mind as tables and seats fill up quickly. Chai is so delicious and warming, especially during the colder months. They also have a prayer space in the back for all my Muslim folks! Absolutely love this place.

Summary: A way better HK milk tea (??) Details: Yeah, yeah, that's a ridiculous description, but having had some pretty solid HK milk tea recently, then having the chai at elaichi soon after, there's definitely a similar vibe. Silly comparison aside, this is some pretty delicious chai: nicely spiced and seasoned, and pretty importantly, not overly sweet. Probably one of the best milk tea variants I've had in recent memory in the Bay, and one I'd hit up SO much more often if I were local. The place is usually pretty packed, though there's mixed non-chair seating outside, or you can just grab and go. Buyer beware, their chai is served burning hot, so take it slow! Accessibility: Pretty spacious cafe with a variety of accessible seating, with the caveat that when they're busy (every time I've been), it can be pretty hard maneuvering around.

I was thrilled to find some karak chai! Definitely tasted authentic. Loved the aroma of cardamom (elaichi). The chai shop was packed to capacity!! There wasn't a lot of room to wait inside. I guess that's what happens when the tea is great! ;) The chai does take a little while to be made. We waited about 15mins. Interesting to watch the process and the pour. It was worth the wait though. However the pastries were just ok. I tried the milk rusk and the pistachio loaf, which were both a little underwhelming.

Finally! The strongest of chai tea drinks from the Arab world had made it here throughout the Bay Area, in Berkeley that is. My love for chai had guided me to Elaichi co., where we chai lovers gathered to try the best of the best. Now that my search is over, I was itching to try the Karak Chai, so that I'm willing to share how good this drink was. It's very bold with dominant hints of cardamom which made Karak Chai so authentic. I would definitely come back and have it again as a strong tea different from spiced tea (masala chai) I had from Curry Up Now. It's amazing to see top-notch pouring from a highly trained chai wallah. People who were a long way from home can be a good new addition to our communities throughout the Bay Area. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are what creates hospitality. Though Elaichi co. didn't have charging stations, I still admire a tall interior space. I highly recommend Elaichi co. to those who love strong milk tea.

05/26/2024 Today's morning adventure is to find another coffee place. Hubby found this one just a couple blocks from the hotel we were staying at. This coffee shop was clean and cozy, located about a block from the university. Not very busy at 8:30 am on a Sunday and they offered free WiFi. My macchiato was flavorful but was warm. Not too happy about it since yesterday's morning coffee (the first one) was also warm.

I wanted to love this place, but maybe I came on an off day? I remember learning about Elaichi co. when they recently opened up at the beginning of the year. I brought the idea up to multiple friends and thought it would be a great idea to come with my best friend. The cafe is so homey and cozy! Right when stepping in, I liked the vibes to it. We came on a weekday and all tables were taken with students working--a hot spot for working. There's also a few tables outside, WiFi available, and a chill ambiance. The barista working was friendly and helpful, making our drinks relatively fast and interesting to watch--never seen tea poured into a cup that way at a cafe. I had the Oat Chai and I was expecting much more in taste but left yearning for more. Unlike other reviews, my drink was not creamy or spiced. It was quite diluted and there was no pronounced tea or cardamom flavor. My friend had the Karak Chai and we were both quite disappointed. They also offer coffee options and baked goods which sound good and if I wasn't too full I would've wanted to try one! Cal students flock to Elaichi co. for an all-day and night study and hangout spot. The cafe specializes in chai, other beverages, and baked goods; but I wouldn't go out of my way to come back. Find them tucked off Allston Way with street parking and easy access on foot.

I love their chai, story, and ingredient sourcing. Amazing chai, hours, and atmosphere. The chai tastes very rich and fresh. Customers can watch the chai baristas make the drinks. It's an amazing process. (also shoutout to Diaspora Co. - super cool amazing awesome sustainable supply chain spice company) Also, wonderful cafe space. Great natural light. Amazing booth seats with the comfortable pillows. Unfortunately, no chargers... so make sure you come with your devices charged. I'll definitely be coming back and you should check it out too!

They have great wifi and the inside is nice and cozy, perfect for studying. I got a hot dirty chai and loved the strong taste and energy it gave.

Omg I love their elaichi bun it's just so perfectly made we go there often whenever we feel like goi out and relax it's the best place to go and the whole vibe of the cafe is really calming and relaxing

Spotted Elaichi on a visit to Berkeley and decided to give it a try. Was really glad to see cardamom all over their menu as it's a flavor I really enjoy. I got the karak chai which was pretty good (they also have an oat milk version)! Karak is actually supposed to be a stronger version of the regular masala chai so I wished it had a bit more of a kick for me personally but overall still good. Vibes were on point and if I went to Cal I'd probably be here all the time!

I am obsessed. The most delicious coffee, the perfect assortment of sweet and savory foods, wifi, and great atmosphere. The baristas are all so kind and helpful. A must try!

I am generally not in the area but had just read about Elaichi last week and by chance was in Berkeley over the weekend on a cold rainy day!! Best time to grab a hot drink! The tea shop is decent size but was packed with customers. I noticed most wear there for the chai which is their specialty! I opted for the chai as well. It is was an aromatic tasty tea and lovely with a delicate flavor. The staff is friendly and efficient, the setting is beautiful and inviting. When in Berkeley next time, I will for sure stop for another cup of tea...

The ambience is nice and casual. We see a lot of students sitting here with books and laptops. We ordered the Kadak chai and Masala chai. The teas were hot and refreshing but nothing out of the ordinary. they do not have variety in the menu for chais and hoping they do so in future. Would definitely stop here again for a refreshing cup of chai!

For my first time, the chai was really good. The menu is simple. The place is super clean and has a very minimalist vibe to it. There's a cute patio area outside that you can sit at if you don't want to be inside. I got my chai on the sweeter side but overall I really enjoyed it.

Cute cafe with fresh made chai tea lattes and good desserts pairings. Friendly staff and cute ambiance. I love to sit outside in the courtyard under the big oak tree. Perfect to enjoy a lovely day with good drink in hand.

This chai is incredibly strong, a small cup will have me awake all day. I don't know what's their recipe, but it's entirely worth spending money here as opposed to making it at home. Currently this has replaced my need to purchase coffee outside of my home. The space is clean and nice and the service is good. I'm becoming a weekly regular and for good reason.

This is a beautiful spot to study, however, it does get busy. The chai is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend this spot. It's definitely one of the best in the whole bay! Their pumpkin chai base drink is the best thing I've had in my life. Please come here and support this awesome business!

We have fallen deeply and madly in love with this beautiful cafe. Inclusive, inviting, kind, and lovely experience. The staff are so incredible kind, respectful, patient, down the earth, loving, and great energy overall! I enjoyed my experience here trying the spicy masala chai drink and the cardamom elaichi bun pastry. Plenty of seating outside and inside, beautiful interior, and we can't wait to be back!

An incredible cafe in Berkeley with a beautiful story and high quality chai. What stood out: - great customer service and efficient system - chai was some of the best I've had -cardamom buns are 10/10, bold in flavor and super soft - fast WiFi with no time limit -open 8am-10pm (very rare in the Bay) You must visit, you won't regret it! Hoping they expand to other locations, they have quickly outgrown this space ( no surprise given how easy it is to fall in love with them).

Brief Summary: - Really good chai tea - Coffee is not sour - Indoor and outdoor seating available - Customer's name is called when your drink is ready The cafe caught my attention when I was looking for a new place to sit down and have a cup of coffee. In this case, it was chai tea as the main character of this post-lunch experience. After having lunch, we like to relax and have a cup of coffee or tea. This is located on the righthand side of the Target store. The walk feels skeptical for a moment because it's a stretch of bare walls with emergency exit doors in between, but after exceeding half a block there is an opening that widens up to the cafe. When we went in, we were welcomed with a cozy and vibrant sounds of socializing and enjoyment, the sweet aromas of the chai tea, a stark contrast to the quiet walk to this cafe. On the menu, the first item on the list is chai and the following section is coffee. Seeing that, of course it prompted me to try the chai tea. There were two types of chai tea; one is a chai with milk and the other with oat milk. Today I was thinking of drinking the refreshing oat milk chai. We also got a cup of latte. Cups came in two sizes and for this round, since we just left from a big lunch, we ordered the smaller 8oz cup. Pastries lined along the right side of the counter. All looked appealing for me, and each one looked to have cardamon inside. The wait wasn't that long and we got our drinks. Students with laptops sat along seats near the windows. There were tables near one side of the wall, but these were the ones where one remains standing. For this round, we decided to take our drinks outside. I drank both of the drinks, and I believe the chai has a nice sparkle to the experience. If you are planning to come here I strongly recommend the chai tea. This doesn't mean the coffee wasn't good. The coffee was not sour and the coffee flavor mixed well with the milk. However the chai tea had a spark of "Delicious!" the moment I took a sip of it. I loved the floral flavor of the cardamon. Even my relative, who is not a fan of cardamon, preferred the chai tea over the coffee. It was a delicious experience and I would love to try here again.

Came by this place while waiting for my "toogoodtogo" from Cancun across the street. Very nice young man helped my daughter and I. Ordered 2 iced chai teas, 1 with rose syrup and whole milk and 1 with simple syrup and oat milk. Both good a little bitter but good.

Delicious Pakistani elaichi (cardamom) chai with cake rusk - a staple!!! Highly recommended if you're in the area. They keep it simple and delicious

Great hang out spot! We decided to check it out with some friends on a rainy day and loved the chai, vibe and conversations. The fragrance of the cardamom welcomes you in as you approach the cafe. We tried the karak chai and oat chai and an assortment of pastries - naan khatai bites, rusk and cardamom bun and liked them all. The oat chai was fragrant, creamy, not too sweet and spiced just right with notes of cardamom and black pepper. It can be hard to find a table though and the cafe can get very crowded with Berkeley students, something to keep in mind. Definitely see ourselves returning for tea time conversations.

The ambience is chic and the staff is friendly. However, I went in expecting authentic chai taste with elaichi flavours. The chai seemed to be reheated multiple times and had a bitter taste to it. It had no flavour of elaichi too. (Elaichi is one of the ingredients mentioned). We ordered the pistachio loaf, nan Khatai and elaichi bun. We visited at 6pm and they were already out of the nan khatai and elaichi bun. The staff nicely apologised and asked us if we would like to get a refund or try something else. We decided to try the rusk. The Nankhatai and rusk were both very fresh and very tasty- the right amount of sweet. The menu is small and simple, staff is courteous and the location is very cute. There's street parking available and you can find a lot of college students doing homework in the cafe making it difficult to find seating easily.

This was so delicious oh my goodness! I was greeted with a welcoming smile + energy when I walked in. I also love the way the cafe looks and they have a lil outdoor seating too. The drink was a 10/10 - slight bitterness but I actually like it.

Place has a great seating area with tables and pillows and good lighting from above and windows. The bun was amazing warmed up, tender bread with cardamom and sugar flavor and some bites a little juicy with sugar but not overwhelmingly so. The oat chai drink (hot) is really good and unique -- I can't quite place the flavors but I enjoy it, very earthy. Will definitely come back.

We ordered Chai which was served unfortunately within secs from a pre made steel kettle (they had few lined up). It had a bitter over cooked flat taste. We also ordered cake which stale texture. There is serious problems with limited seating where college kids were "camping" with laptops and headphones in no mood to leave soon so we were told by the staff to take it outside in the cold rain. There is no free parking nearby so we basically paid for parking and then did a take away. I didn't find anything special in this place and won't recommend especially for someone driving to it from farway like we did.

Ambiance is cute in the place. I had a few things: - chai: more cardamom tasting than usual chai I've had and less spicy. overall not bad. Mildly sweet. - cardamom bun: not strong cardamom flavor, better heated up otherwise kinda crunchy on the top. - pistachio loaf: very dense so much it is off-putting, has mild pistachio flavor.

As a half-Indian married to a Swede (two cultures that love their cardamom), I had to check this place out. Specifically, I wanted to try their cardamom bun, which is a classic Swedish pastry I *adore* and have sampled across Sweden. They are hard to come by in the US...and the ones I have found rarely do this divine pastry justice. If you too are a kardemummabullar (Swedish cardamom bun) fan, you'll want to try elaichi co's version - it's a perfectly executed classic version, down to the characteristic Swedish knotting of the dough (not a basic spiral as in American cinnamon buns). The buns are baked to a lovely dark golden brown, have a tender chew, and are cardamom-forward without being too sweet. Honestly, I went on a kardemummabullar quest when I was last visiting Stockholm, and I didn't have anything better than these buns at elachi co. I didn't try the chai - it was a heat wave day and I couldn't bring myself to order a hot drink - but the chai spice smell in elachi co. was intoxicating and I would love to give this signature item a try next time I am in the area. This place also has a great ambiance - cozy, hip, and just different enough from a coffee house to be novel. Makes me wish this spot was around when I was a Cal student. Perhaps they'll open up a second location down on the Peninsula one day? Until then, I'll look forward to my next trip up to Berkeley for some top tier cardamom buns (and chai!).