This shop and chai came recommended by friends and so us sisters ventured out to try it.
Background
This shop is located in a residential area of Escondido and is nestled in a small shopping center. Although we were not able to go inside the store front, there looked to be seating and a traditional coffee shop set up. There was plenty of parking and the overall area seemed cozy. Unfortunately, this coziness doesn't exactly mean instagramable.
First Impressions
As we were walking up to the little shop a man jokingly told us they had "run out of coffee." Although the joke didn't land with all of us (I actually believed him for a second), his relaxed and friendly disposition told me that we were in a spot that reflected those qualities. Outdoor seating is closed due to COVID; however, a few groups of people brought their own chairs and were enjoying coffee time together.
Initial pros of this shop are that it is currently pushed to only outside due to the pandemic and has a "No mask No service" policy (a stark contrast to our experience at Koffie in Escondido). The women working were very kind and we ordered one 16 0z. vanilla dirty chai with oat milk and one 16 0z. spiced dirty chai with oat milk. We ordered one of each because you know: science.
The Chai
Ok wow. These chais really took us on a ride that honestly none of us knew we wanted. Let's start with the spiced chai because this one was just not good. The drink tasted acidic and a little like orange juice according to Hannah. The chai flavor was distant and masked by the harsh coffee flavor and watery orange juice notes. Overall, would not recommend.
OKAY but the vanilla chai. Where do I even start. This is by far the most interesting chai flavor profile we have come across. Right off the bat, each of us tasted different flavors. Micah swears that her tongue was washed with coconut and described the flavor as that of a coconut macaroon. Hannah tasted chocolate and got Starbucks frappuccino vibes where as I (Kayla) thought it tasted like how an old person smelled. I told you it was complex.
I eventually came around to the chocolate idea but with every new sip came more depth. I still don't know what it tasted like exactly. All I can say is that it's delicious and intriguing and had us literally chaiing and chaiing again.
It is not a traditional chai in any respect but it is definitely something I would recommend for people to experience. It hits the creamy notes and sweetness that we wanted but wow, she is funky and fresh.
Conclusion
This is one for the books and one that I think everyone should go out and encounter. 5 out of 5 scones would recommend that everyone try and for me personally 4.3 scones for taste. If you guys go, leave a comment and add the flavors you taste to our list!
Hugs & scones,
Kayla from Chai Everything
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