Bristol Chai is the first chai bar in Quebec, located in the heart of Montreal – corner of Prince Arthur and Clark. It is operated by Gabriel Svaldi, partnered with Camellia Sinensis. Chai (also referred to as masala chai, spiced milk tea, or the redundant term chai tea) is the most consumed beverage in India and has become increasingly popular worldwide. It is not simply a drink that you pour hot water over tea leaves. It is more than that.
Chai is brewed for at least 15 minutes in milk to extract all the flavours of the dried spices and tea leaves. Bristol Chai brings the traditional art of making chai and the world of spices to Montreal for us to experience. If you don’t like chai, it is likely that you don’t like the ones that are sold in tea bags. Try Bristol Chai and taste the difference.
Gabriel and his team have concocted five unique chai recipes for us to explore:
Arthur is their classic chai (same blend as Camellia Sinensis). It’s an authentic and perfectly balanced cup of tea. It is made from brewing Assam black tea, ginger, cinnamon, green cardamom, and black peppercorn.
Winston has notes of spiciness and smokiness. It is made from Assam black tea, chicory, ginger, cloves, black cardamom, and black peppercorn.
Clark is a chocolate-flavoured chai. It uses Assam black tea, ginger, green cardamom, cinnamon, coriander seeds, and black peppercorn.
Scarlett is a fruity and soothing (caffeine-free) chai. It is brewed with African rooibos, licorice, rose petals, ginger, cinnamon, and green cardamom.
Eva is an energy-boosting chai. It consists of gunpowder tea, ginger, turmeric, green cardamom, and black peppercorn.
All the chai are lightly sweetened, and brewed either in cow’s milk, soy milk, or almond milk.
The chai bar has 12 seats. You can sit near the windows for some quiet time and people watching, or sit at the U-shaped counter to mingle.
To accompany your chai, they offer a wide range of homemade pastries including sweet & savoury scones, raspberry almond tarts, sanshō financiers, rhum vanilla cannelés, far breton, etc…
Soon Bristol Chai will be featuring “Toast Yourself” where you will be making your own toast (bread from Automne Boulangerie) in their red retro toaster while your drink is being prepared. It is served with homemade jams. Avocado toasts will likely be on their menu.
Bristol Chai is also offering workshops on making your own chai where you will learn and concoct your own chai blend.
*Opening Promotion*
From June 1st to June 15th, follow @bristol_chai and tag a picture of their decor/food on Instagram in order to receive a free 8oz chai.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm.
30 rue Prince Arthur O., Montreal, QC
(438) 383-7650
Photos by Victor Yu (@randomcuisine).
