LOGAN SQUARE — Chiya Chai Cafe, a tea house focused on all-things chai opened in Logan Square Wednesday.
The cafe, a family operation with direct ties to Nepalese tea exporters, is now pouring 20 varieties of chai alongside a menu of curries, pies and dumplings at 2770 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chiya — which means tea in Nepalese — held its grand opening Wednesday night.
The cafe will source some of its tea from co-owner Rajee Aryal's father-in-law, who still lives in Nepal and was one of the country's early exporters of tea to Europe.
Guests can choose from a black, green or caffeine-free chai with rooibos, before adding milk and a spice or flavor blend to their tea. All teas can be served either hot or cold.
A selection of chai from Chiya Chai in Logan Square. [DNAinfo/Paul Biasco]
The cafe features eight traditional tea varieties including masala, spicy masala, ginger cardamom, anise and ginger fennel, and 12 more adventurous blends, including dark chocolate spearmint, salty pink Himalayan with almond butter, lavender blueberry and "horchaitea."
The horchaitea is a nod to the Latino population of Logan Square, according to Nadine Schaefer, who opened the shop along with her family.
"This is our homage to Logan Square because we think this is such a nice neighborhood with a great history," she said.
The 100-seat cafe also features a selection of sandwiches, soups and salads. Chiya Chai's menu includes coffee, wine, beer and a few cocktails.
The cafe's owners, who also operate Namaste Cafe in Minneapolis, have been offering a slimmed-down version of their menu at the Logan Square farmers market while preparing to open.
Chiya Chai is open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. The business will be closed Mondays.
Chiya Chai Cafe Menu by PaulBiasco
Related: Nepalese Family Opening Chai-Focused Cafe In Logan Square
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