Why Coffee Shops Should Add Chai to Their Menus

Chai, with its rich blend of black tea, aromatic spices, and creamy sweetness, has become a customer favorite in cafés worldwide. More than just a beverage, chai offers a cozy, indulgent experience that appeals to tea lovers and coffee drinkers alike, making it a versatile addition to any café menu.

At Dilworth Coffee, we know the right products can help set your shop apart. That’s why we’re proud to carry chai for coffee shops, featuring trusted brands like Two Leaves and a Bud, known for their organic, full-leaf teas and authentic spice profiles, and Oregon Chai, celebrated for its smooth, balanced flavor and easy preparation. With these options, café owners can serve a chai latte for cafés that’s consistent, delicious, and memorable. Whether enjoyed hot, iced, or as a creative specialty drink, chai invites customers to slow down, savor the moment, and come back for more—a perfect fit for the welcoming spirit of any café.

What Even is Chai?

Chai hails from the Assam region of India around 5,000 years ago. Originally, it wasn’t even a tea—it was a blend of spices used for medicinal purposes. When black tea was discovered in India, it was added to the spice mix, creating the iconic spiced tea blend we know today.

The beauty of chai is its adaptability. Every region of India developed its own version by swapping spices in or out, making chai sweet, savory, or bold and spicy. The caffeine level also varies depending on how much black tea is used.

Fast forward to today, and chai is a beloved café staple—especially as a warm, comforting option on chilly days. Traditionally, whole spices and tea leaves are simmered with milk and sugar, then strained into cups. While some cafés still prepare it this way, most use high-quality concentrates or powders that deliver authentic flavor without slowing down service.

Should Chai Be On My Menu?

Short answer: yes. Including chai for coffee shops is a smart way to expand your menu, appeal to non-coffee drinkers, and boost sales. A chai latte for cafés offers a unique, aromatic alternative to coffee that works across seasons—hot in winter, iced in summer—and can easily be customized for dairy-free or less-sweet preferences.

Here are four reasons chai deserves a spot on your menu:

• Menu Variety: Attracts tea lovers and coffee drinkers looking for something new.
• Upsell Potential: Easy to dress up with seasonal flavors and specialty recipes.
• Year-Round Appeal: Cozy hot lattes in winter, refreshing iced options in summer.
• Premium Positioning: Quality chai shows customers you care about more than just coffee.

And don’t worry—Dilworth has your back with excellent chai options and barista training to make prep a breeze.

Creative Ways to Use Chai

With Oregon Chai Concentrate and Two Leaves and a Bud Nice Chai, you can whip up crowd-pleasing drinks in no time. Here are a few recipes to spark inspiration:

Vanilla Maple Chai Latte—12oz

1. Combine 5oz milk with 5oz Oregon Chai Concentrate, 1 pump Torani Vanilla Syrup, 1 pump Torani Maple Syrup in a pitcher.
2. Steam until frothy.
3. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Spiced Orange Blossom Chai—12oz

1. Add 1 tbsp Nice Chai in 8oz hot milk with 1 pump Monin Honey Syrup and 1 pump Monin Orange Syrup.
2. Steam until frothy.
3. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Iced Coconut Cream Chai—12oz

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Mix 6oz Oregon Chai Concentrate, 4oz coconut milk, and 2oz cold water.
3. Top with toasted coconut flakes.

Adding chai for coffee shops isn’t just about another drink—it’s about giving your customers a reason to linger, indulge, and order again. With the right products and a little creativity, chai can be a game-changing part of your café menu.