A Taste of Kerala: Chayakada Brings Authentic Indian Flavors to the Bay Area
Berkeley, CA – Forget your usual coffee run. Chayakada, a new cafe in the Bay area, is offering a deeply authentic taste of Kerala, India, from its meticulously poured chai to its vibrant street food. More than just a beverage provider, Chayakada is a cultural experience, aiming to introduce a wider audience to the rich culinary traditions of the Malayali people.
The cafe’s signature chai service is a spectacle in itself. Owner Thomas explains the technique harkens back to a time before modern frothers. “Before we had coffee machines and frothers, you needed to get air into your beverages,” she says, demonstrating a high, sweeping pour.”Most of the people who do it are taller…we try to get it as far as we can.”
But the artistry doesn’t stop at the presentation. Chayakada distinguishes itself by sourcing its tea and coffee directly from small farms in India.Thier coffee partner,The mils (find them on Instagram), is a Bay Area roastery with roots in a family farm in Chikmanglur. And for coffee purists, Chayakada is currently one of the only spots in the Bay Area serving traditional
