Local Spiced Chai~~
BY CATHERINE LITCHFIELD '23
|
What is fall? For some, fall means the start of school, colder weather, or simply a change in season. For me, fall is when I pull out all my aesthetic cozy gear: sweaters, boots, and leather jackets. But, more importantly, fall means changing my coffee order. As temperatures drop, what’s better than warming up with a spiced chai latte to get into the fall ~vibe~? Spiced chai—also known as masala chai—is an Indian tea made with milk and has a bold and earthy flavor. Most coffee shops refer to it as a chai latte or a chai tea latte, but “chai tea latte” actually redundant. Chai is already means tea, so “chai tea latte” would really mean “tea tea latte.” The warm spices of this drink make it perfect for fall, so if you really want to emulate those vibes, stick around to learn the best local places to try a spiced chai!
Acton Coffee House A local favorite, Acton Coffee House is a three-minute drive from ABRHS, making it the best place to stop by during a free period or after school hours. Their spiced chai is a flavorful blend of warm but bold spices that easily make it my personal favorite on this list. Acton Coffee House also offers an array of flavored syrups to elevate your drink, including some fall-flavored syrups like pumpkin spice and maple syrup. Blackbird Cafe Blackbird Cafe’s spiced chai is ideal for those with a sweet tooth, as it has a strong but slightly sweeter flavor. They also offer a unique chocolate chai for those who wishing to expand their palettes. Blackbird Cafe is perfect for those days when you want to enjoy your spiced chai with a sit-down cooked breakfast, as their cafe feels just like a diner. But if you’re in a rush, Blackbird Cafe offers online ordering! Heads-up: they close on Tuesdays. Boston Bean House Check out this coffee shop on Main Street, Maynard. The ambiance is an ideal blend of grand and quiet, with a large dining area that can also serve as a calm study spot. Their spiced chai is great if you want a softer, sweeter, and muted spice flavor. This coffee shop also offers some festive flavor shots like pumpkin spice and gingerbread if you want to sweeten your drink even more. Haute Coffee This coffee shop is tucked away in a side street of central Concord which gives it a cute, hidden nature. To add to their charm, Haute Coffee has an adorable exterior seating area complete with fairy lights and picnic tables. Their spiced chai has a milky nutmeg flavor. This coffee shop is popular, so I recommend coming earlier if you are in a rush, but keep in mind they are closed Mondays. Main Street Market and Cafe This chai is best for those who don’t want strong flavors; their chai is sweeter and milkier than the rest. This cafe is also perfect for those who want to sit down for breakfast—although they typically have a waitlist, so be sure to get there early! The best drinks are the ones made locally with care, so get into the fall aesthetic by trying out these places and supporting your local businesses! |
