The chai lover’s guide to Canberra

Posted on 4 June, 2022

It’s hard to believe, we know—but some people don’t drink coffee.

What’s the alternative other than hot chocolate? Chai tea! But we’re not talking chai lattes or powdered drinks—we’re talking the real deal, infused in milk in a traditional pot. We set out across town to round up some of our favourite spots.

Two Before Ten

Two Before Ten

Summary: You can choose to have this chai infused with milk or just in hot water with milk on the side. A little bit more earthy and not as sweet, it has beautiful hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Where: various locations

Web: twobeforeten.com.au

Monster Kitchen and Bar

Summary: If you opt to settle in a corner by the fire for your chai here, you’re in for a treat – they are served in delightful oriental cast-iron pots with matching mugs. We’ve found Monster’s chai to be on the stronger side so if you like your drink with a kick, this is the place for you.

Where: 25 Edinburgh Avenue, NewActon

Web: monsterkitchen.com.au

Fox and Bow

Summary: Infused with bonsoy, this chai is the perfect comfort drink and consumed quick as a flash. If you don’t like your chai too spicy, this is a top pick. Not to mention Fox and Bow offer online ordering, so if you’re in a rush you can order in advance so it’s ready when you arrive.

Tea at Monster. Image: James Grajdan

Where: 4 Farrer Place, Farrer

Web: Foxandbow.com.au 

Mocan & Green Grout

Summary: You can often smell the chai wafting through the air before you actually get to this NewActon café – that’s because they make their chai extra spicy, so be prepared! This cup is bound to please those after something strong and earthy.

Where: 19 Marcus Clarke Street, NewActon

Web: mocanandgreengrout.com

And then there’s…

Southside

Penny University || 15 Kennedy Street, Kingston

A Bite to Eat || 8 Chifley Place, Chifley

Maple + Clove || 7 Burbury Close, Barton

Stand By Me Café || 1 Lyons Place, Lyons

Common Grounds || 4/1 Jeffries Street, Gowrie

Fika Cafe & Deli || 17 Botany Street, Phillip

Little Garran || 2/28 Garran Place, Garran

38 Espresso || 4/2 Trevillian Quay, Kingston Foreshore

Local Press Café || 81 Giles Street, Kingston Foreshore

Beess & Co || 5/29 Bentham Street, Yarralumla

4th seed || 227 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan

Urban Pantry || 5 Bouganville Street, Manuka

DOUBLESHOT || 7 Hopetoun Circuit, Deakin

ONA Manuka || The Lawns, Palmerston Lane, Manuka

Farmers Daughter || 27 Bentham Street, Yarralumla

As Nature Intended || 4/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick

Northside

Ricardo’s Café & Patisserie || Jamison Plaza, Bowman Street, Macquarie

The Knox Made in Watson || Shop 1, 13 Watson Place, Watson

The Front Gallery & Café || 1 Wattle Place, Lyneham

My Rainbow Dreams || Shop G1, Dickson Chambers, Dickson Place, Dickson

Kynefin || Victoria St, Hall

City-ish

Barrio Coffee Collective || 59/30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

The Cupping Room || 13 University Avenue, Canberra City

The Goods || Level 1 House/40 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra ACT 2601

Got any more chai recommendations? Hit us up in the comments!

Photography: Tim Bean