Who We Are
Bringing the spirit of India's street-side chai culture to the Pacific Northwest
Bringing the spirit of India's street-side chai culture to the Pacific Northwest
In India, a "tapri" is more than just a roadside tea stall. It's a gathering place — a democratic space where office workers, students, rickshaw drivers, and artists pause their day to share a cup of chai and conversation. No reservations, no pretense, just good tea and genuine connection.
Chai Tapri was born from a simple longing: the desire to recreate that warm, inclusive atmosphere in the Pacific Northwest. We started at farmers markets in 2025, serving authentic Indian chai made the traditional way — boiled with whole spices, fresh ginger, and whole milk, then strained into small glasses just like they do on the streets of Mumbai.
But we're about more than just chai. Our menu celebrates India's vibrant vegetarian street food culture: buttery bun maska, spiced makhanas, cardamom-scented nankhatai cookies, and protein-rich yogurt bowls inspired by traditional lassi. Every recipe honors authentic flavors while meeting the food safety standards required in a WSDA-licensed kitchen.
You'll find us at Sammamish and Woodinville Farmers Markets, brewing fresh chai and serving food made with care.
Growing up in Mumbai, chai wasn't just a beverage — it was a ritual that punctuated the day. Morning chai with the newspaper, afternoon chai at the office tapri, evening chai with friends. The taste varied from stall to stall, but the warmth and community remained constant.
After moving to Washington State, I missed that daily ritual — not just the chai itself, but the culture around it. The Pacific Northwest has incredible coffee culture, but I wanted to create a space that celebrates chai with the same reverence.
Chai Tapri is my love letter to the tea stalls of India and an invitation to experience that tradition here.
Our menu celebrates India's rich vegetarian cuisine traditions. From chai spiced with cardamom to yogurt bowls topped with roasted makhanas, every item honors plant-forward eating without compromise.
We never pre-brew chai. Each cup is made fresh when you order, with whole spices crushed and steeped in boiling milk. This is how chai should be — made with care, served with warmth.
Our Greek yogurt bowls use certified gluten-free oats, and we're expanding our gluten-free offerings. Good food should be accessible to everyone.
Every item is prepared in our WSDA-licensed commercial kitchen, meeting the highest food safety standards. You can trust what you're eating.
We don't compromise on flavor or authenticity. Our recipes are rooted in Indian tradition, using whole spices, real ingredients, and time-honored techniques.
Just like the tapris in India, we believe food brings people together. We're building a community around good chai, good conversation, and genuine hospitality.