Chais Worth the Try
As a self-proclaimed chai latte connoisseur and new resident of the Winston-Salem community, I’ve decided to spill the tea on the chais worth the try, and the ones that are simply not my cup of tea. Over several years, I’ve ranked dozens of chais and wasn’t sure if any new ones could top my list. However, Winston-Salem changed things. If you also love a spiced, sweet, cinnamon-coated fall treat, read this list to uncover which Winston-Salem chai claimed my #1 spot:
On Campus:
Smith’s: While I appreciate a conventionally located coffee shop, I found this chai extremely subpar. It tasted watery and overall lacked flavor in every sense. I definitely recommend sticking to an iced latte, which was MUCH better, when grabbing a study drink in the library.
⭐️⭐️/5
Pete’s Coffee: This is a sugary and sweet chai that consistently hits the spot. As someone with a huge sweet tooth, I find this chai a great morning pick-me-up. However, the taste is definitely less authentic and maybe not the best choice for someone seeking a spicier drink.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Off Campus:
Dough Joe’s: Consistently good iced chai latte, as it is both sweet and a little spicy. Many of the speciality chais are seasonal, with my personal favorite being the “Iced Banana Bread Chai.” Dough Joe’s is also a perfect place for a study session with a warm donut or a cozy way to wrap up a Reynolda walk. Bonus points for ambience, Halloween decorations, and seasonal flavors.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Bookhouse: By far the most underrated chai! The Bookhouse is a homey bookstore complete with a delicious coffee bar. Their seasonal drinks each have a special book title, like the “Catcher and the Chai” (which I highly recommend). Though this spot is a little more hidden and often overshadowed by Dough Joe’s, it’s such a great place to snuggle up doing homework, reading a book, or trying new fall flavors.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Chad’s Chai: I first tried Chad’s when I went on a campus tour of Wake Forest. Now I’m not saying this is the reason I chose Wake Forest, but I’m also not not saying that. They offer a wide selection of chai flavors, as the name suggests, as well as other coffees and teas. While you really can’t go wrong with any of the pastries, I highly recommend the chai chocolate chip cookie for the ultimate chai indulgence. And if that’s not convincing enough, the entire shop is filled with the warm aroma of chai the moment you walk in. The store is large with plenty of tables for studying, a cozy atmosphere, and floor tables. This is a must-try chai!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5