Five of the best chai lattes

Chai latte as we know it is a delicious, milky drink made using an assortment of spices that gives regular black tea a run for its money. Check out these five hot spots to get your spice fix.

Assistant manager Cassie Lund takes a break with a chai latte at Lost Freight Cafe at The Springs. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Chai as we know it is a delicious, milky drink made using an assortment of spices that gives regular black tea a run for its money. Originating as brewed black tea infused with Indian herbs and spices, it has changed and spread in popularity worldwide, all the way to little old Hobart. Check out these five hot spots to get your spice fix.

Lost Freight Cafe

The Springs, Pinacle Rd, Mt Wellington

The converted shipping container on the way to the summit of kunanyi/Mt Wellington doubles as an information centre for the area, making it a great pit-stop before continuing to the summit or along the area’s walking tracks. Owners Megan and Chris Spillane make own chai mix using whole spices, serving the brew with soy milk and coconut sugar for a caramel flavour. Try this vegan, gluten-free drink for $4, or grab a jar of their spice mix for $10.

A Lost Freight Cafe chai latte. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Parklane Espresso

3 Salamanca Sq, Hobart

The baristas at the coffee shop tucked away in Salamanca use its house chai syrup in their take on the creamy latte. Made using an assortment of Indian spices, the mix is as close to the traditional flavour of brewed spiced milk as you can get. Stop by for a drink, or for a bottle of chai syrup for $22.

Pollen Tea Room

56 Hampden Rd, Battery Point

This cozy cafe serves an assortment of treats that cater to any brunch-lover, including chai. Try the masala chai made with quality Earl Grey tea, spices and rice malt syrup brewed with milk for $6 or with a shot of house-made raw chocolate for $6.50. Also available is the Tea Tribe wattleseed chai brewed with milk for $6.

The Stagg

138 Elizabeth St, Hobart

The trendy coffee house operated by Sue and Jono Stagg — who also run Atlas Espresso further down the street — has been in business for close to two years now and shows no signs of slowing down. They craft chai lattes with their own chai syrup and can be purchased for $3 (small) or $5 (large).

Machine Laundry Cafe

12 Salamanca Sq, Hobart

What better way to pass the time while your washing is being done than sitting back with a hot drink? Machine Laundry is your one-stop shop. Their chai brew is available made with your choice of milk with a side of honey for $5 or brewed with milk into a latte-style drink for $5.50.

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