When chai is made well, it hits the spot every time. Derived from the Mandarin Chinese term ‘cha’ meaning tea, this spiced black tea is a guaranteed way to warm your soul. 

The HUNTERhunter team simply won't take sugary milk with some cinnamon on top masquerading as chai, thank you. Instead, we found the best chai in Newcastle and popped them in this handy guide for you.

Autumn Rooms

Autumn Rooms pours The Tea Collective's Gingerbread Chai and Coconut Chai, both of which are robustly spiced and served in their own little chai pots. The Gingerbread Chai in the cafe's iced chai with soy milk and agave is a game changer on sweltering days where a piping hot drink just won't do.
Where: 127 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Bolton Street Pantry

Warm up with a Gingerbread Chai Latte at Bolton Street Pantry. This one is a full-bodied, spiced Assam CTC tea, steamed with macadamia milk, and served with honey. Sip it while you devour Bolton Street Pantry's indulgent French toast.
Where: 45 Bolton St, Newcastle

East End Hub

East End Hub brews local business Bon Chai's Indian Spiced and Vanilla Rose blends on water, then warms the tea with milk. It all comes together in the pot with a side of honey, ready to be sipped (preferably at an outside table in the sunshine).
Where: 3/3 King St, Newcastle East

Equium Social

Mayfield favourite Equium Social know what's up when it comes to chai. Try the Chai Latte created with house-made chai syrup, or a pot of the Herbal Chai and Sticky Chai for your tea fix. 
Where: 1-5 Maitland Rd, Mayfield

Hubro

Another local cafe serving up Bon Chai's blends in a Chai Latte and Chai Tea, Hubro gets chai right. Thankfully, Hubro is an easy walk to the beach – a great excuse to grab your chai and sip it while you watch the waves.
Where: 295 Darby St, Bar Beach

Momo Wholefood

Momo Wholefood take chai seriously. Its offering is brewed the traditional way by simmering whole spices and black tea until fragrant – think spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and fresh ginger. The Momo Chai is made on soy milk, with the option to add honey or coconut nectar for sweetness.
Where: 227 Hunter St, Newcastle

Moor

Blended by Tea Journeys, Moor's Sticky Chai features organic black tea, Australian bush honey, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, clove, and cardamom. It's an aromatic tea ideal for warming you up on a cold day.
Where: 33 Hunter St, Newcastle East

Mockingbird

Bon Chai is brewed to perfection at Mockingbird in Hamilton, featuring in the cafe's Chai Latte and Iced Chai Latte, as well as on its own. There's four alternative milks on offer, if full cream isn't for you. Don't miss the cafe's stand-out food menu while you're at it.
Where: 131 Beaumont Street, Hamilton

New Slang Coffee Brewers

Want a little more pep with your chai? Try New Slang Coffee Brewer's Dirty Chai – chai tea with a shot of espresso. New Slang don't mess around with coffee, pouring Unison Coffee Roasters' locally-roasted blend.
Where: 480 Hunter St, Newcastle 

Praise Joe

Praise Joe have you covered no matter what variety of chai you fancy. Grab a dirty chai, a chai latte, or a pot of chai tea at the cafe's Tighes Hill and Kotara locations. Don't forget to pick up a sweet treat to accompany your chai!
Where: 8/20 Elizabeth St, Tighes Hill | Westfield Kotara, Northcott Dr, Kotara

Slingtown Espresso 

Slingtown Espresso may be known for its coffee, but its chai deserves acclaim too. Made from whole spices on-site, including ginger, cinnamon, and star anise, this chai is a delight for the senses. Turn it into a dirty chai for an extra 55 cents.
Where: 3 Beaumont St, Islington

Talulah

Take your pick of Talulah's Honey Chai Tea or Real Chai Latte, both brewed on your milk of choice and both equally as delicious. We also love Talulah's Iced Chai, especially when the weather starts warming up.
Where: 52 Glebe Rd, The Junction

The Kiosk Newcastle Beach

Made from Chai Me tea, The Kiosk at Newcastle Beach serves up an excellent Chai Tea and Chai Latte. Better yet, it's made on your choice of milk, so you can order your chai to suit you. Best enjoyed sitting on the steps as soak up the beach views.
Where: 42 Shortland Esp, Newcastle East

The Press Book House

The Press Book House might just be one of the best places to enjoy a chai in Newcastle. The cosy cafe and book store is ideal for making camp on a rainy afternoon in the city, armed with a cup of Origin Chai Tea, brewed on milk. Want to take your chai game to the next level? Try the Chai Sour cocktail, a twist on a whisky sour made with chai syrup, vegan whites, and navy-strength gin.
Where: 462 Hunter St, Newcastle

Three Monkeys Cafe

Newcastle institution Three Monkeys Cafe is well-loved for many of its menu items, including its range of chai. Not only does the cafe pour a tasty chai tea, but there's a honey-infused option, a Chilli Chai, and a Dirty Chai – all your chai bases are covered!
Where: 131 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Do you think we've missed somewhere great? Email us!