The weather outside is frightful, but the CHAI is so delightful! If temperatures these days make you want to throw on fuzzy slippers and sip on a hot cup of something sweet and frothy, then you have a lot of options in Bed-Stuy.
Hot chocolate with whipped cream is always an option. But hot chai latte is more grown-up and sexy. And chai lattes are being sold in coffee shops all over Bed-Stuy.
What I discovered is that chai lattes vary more than you might guess–in flavor, sweetness and creaminess–and a really good chai latte is not necessarily an easy thing to find. But nothing beats a hot mug of chai that satisfies all the senses. Here are some of my favorite finds in the neighborhood:
7. Outpost
1014 Fulton Street
This chai latte, brewed in the cafe, is mild and tastes more like a lightly flavored steamed milk drink -- perfect when you're in the mood for something hot and creamy, but not too strong.
6. Common Grounds
376 Tompkins Avenue
If you are a fan of sweet, creamy chai lattes, then this is the place for you. I do not like overly sweet drinks, so I tended towards the more mild chai latte, but this one has a great spice and apple flavor to it.
5. Bedford Hill
343 Franklin Avenue
This newly opened cafe offers a chai latte that is made with green tea. The flavor is light and mildly bitter. But it complements it's creaminess. I suggest adding a little extra sugar to this drink, because it brings out the green tea flavor.
4. Bread Stuy
403 Lewis Avenue
Bread Stuy offers egg nog chai lattes during the holiday season. The egg nog chai latte is thicker and creamier than regular chai lattes (which they also offer). So if you're craving that rich flavor and smooth, thick consistency, then this is the drink you've been waiting for!
3. Square Root Cafe
584 Myrtle Avenue
What I love about the chai latte here is how frothy it is! I love skimming some froth off the top with my spoon, and letting it melt in my mouth. In addition, this chai is sweet without too much spice -- a perfect alternative to hot chocolate.
2. Colador Cafe
1000 Bedford Avenue
Colador Cafe offers both spiced chai lattes and green tea chai lattes. And their green tea flavor works well with this latte, adding an immense amount of flavor without overpowering. The spiced latte is rich in flavor as well, and has the taste of the holidays.
1. Bush Baby
1197 Fulton Street
This was by far my favorite chai latte in the neighborhood. Bush Baby will make you a latte out of any of their tea options, so if you don't feel like having a chai, there is a long list of hot, creamy drinks to choose from. The flavor is light and mild but slightly spicy. And there is a thick, wholloping layer of froth on top of this perfectly sweet, perfectly creamy drink.
