Ottawa and Barrhaven
Finding authentic chai in Ottawa.
Ottawa has plenty of places that sell something called chai. Here is how to tell a simmered, spiced pot of tea from a sweet syrup latte, and where to find the former in Barrhaven.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Look for
Brewed, not syrup
Order
Kadak or masala chai
Pair with
Bun maska, samosa
In Barrhaven
Tapri Chai
01
What “authentic” means for chai
It does not mean a particular price or decor. It means the drink is made the way chai is made in India: black tea, milk, sugar and whole spices simmered together in a pot and strained into a small cup.
That method is what produces the colour, body and rounded spice that a sweet concentrate poured into steamed milk cannot copy.
02
Five signs of a real cup
Use these when you are choosing where to go:
- The menu says brewed, simmered or made fresh, not “chai syrup” or “powder”.
- It lists ginger and cardamom, ideally as fresh or whole.
- The tea is strong and can be tasted, not just sweetness.
- Sizes are small, because the drink is meant to be sipped hot.
- The cafe serves snacks designed for chai, like buns, samosas or vada pav.
03
What to order
For a bold, classic cup, order a kadak or masala chai. For something gentler and richer, ask for Kashmiri chai. If you are not sure, tell the staff how strong and how sweet you like it.
04
Chai at Tapri Chai, Barrhaven
Tapri Chai is a 100% vegetarian Indian cafe at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, near Strandherd in Barrhaven. Our house chai is Kadak Chai at $4.49, bold and milky and brewed slowly with fresh ginger and cardamom. Kashmiri Chai is $4.99.
We built the menu to match: Bun Maska ($3.49), Samosas ($4.99), Vada Pav ($5.49) and parathas, the same snacks that sit beside a cup of chai at a tapri in India. We are open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm, and closed Mondays.
05
Getting here
The cafe is in the Strandherd Meadows area of Barrhaven, a short drive from Nepean, Riverside South, Manotick and the rest of south Ottawa. Hours and directions are on the location page, and you can call (343) 547-8199.
Questions, answered.
Where can I get chai in Ottawa?
Tapri Chai at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, serves Kadak Chai and Kashmiri Chai alongside Indian street food. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm.
Is there a vegetarian Indian cafe in Barrhaven?
Yes. Tapri Chai is a 100% vegetarian Indian cafe serving chai, chaat, parathas, vada pav and Indo-Chinese dishes.
How much is a cup of chai at Tapri Chai?
Kadak Chai is $4.49 CAD and Kashmiri Chai is $4.99 CAD.
What time does Tapri Chai close?
The cafe is open until 11pm Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays.
Do you have chai for takeout?
Call Tapri Chai on (343) 547-8199 or see the location page for hours and directions.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.