Cafe Chai

1315 31st St Suite 3, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States
+1 515-255-9269
$$$ Cafe
(27 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Welcome to Cafe Chai, your new favorite cozy nook tucked away at 1315 31st St Suite 3, Des Moines, IA 50311. This charming café uniquely blends traditional Indian flavors with a modern, casual atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both quick bites and leisurely conversations. With an inviting ambiance and welcoming staff, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you walk in.

A highlight of Cafe Chai’s menu is, of course, their signature chai. At just US$5.99, this fragrant and comforting drink is artfully spiced, providing a sensory experience that elevates your visit. Each sip transports you with its balanced flavors and aromatic warmth, making it a must-have while you’re here.

For those with an appetite for something heartier, the gyros and wraps section features enticing options like the Falafel Gyro at US$8.99 or the succulent Lamb Gyro for US$10.99. We recommend trying the Butter Chicken Naan Pizza, an extraordinary fusion dish that has already won the hearts of many guests. Customers rave about its heavenly combination of spiced chicken and freshly made naan, proving it's not just food—it's an experience!

Accompany your meal with a delightful beverage like the Mango Lassi, which is not only refreshing but also a popular choice among regulars. As one satisfied customer, Kyle Yoder, puts it, “the food was amazing!” and he emphasizes the exceptional hospitality provided by the owner, who takes pride in crafting personalized experiences for each guest. You might even get a sample of something new while you’re there!

Another standout dish is the Samosa Chaat, lauded for its perfectly flaky and crispy exterior paired with flavorful seasoned potatoes and veggies, tangy dipping sauce included. The customer reviews consistently highlight the chai as being one of the best in Des Moines, with Nitin Janagam praising its top-notch quality. He notes the café’s cozy and inviting atmosphere, encouraging patrons to linger and enjoy great company.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Cafe Chai is more than just a café; it’s a destination for those seeking vibrant flavors and warm hospitality. From tasty small plates to delightful drinks, this establishment offers a genuine taste of Indian cuisine fused with a modern twist, ensuring that each visit is both delicious and memorable.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a friend, immerse yourself in the delightful ambiance, and treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure at Cafe Chai. You might just find yourself planning your next visit before you even leave!

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours
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Monday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

27 Reviews
Kyle Yoder

09 Oct 2025

Stopped by for lunch while out on a ride today. The owner was so friendly and welcoming! The food was amazing! I had the butter chicken naan pizza and a mango lassi to drink. The owner even brought me a sample of strawberry lassi to try! Everything was delicious! I will definitely be back for more and will recommend this place to my friends! Thank you for the excellent food and hospitality!

Devin Barr

07 Oct 2025

Cute little fast casual spot with small plates and small prices. The garbanzo wrap was lovely. I was given a sample of the mango shake while waiting and it was also tasty. Excited to have an affordable and tasty indian spot near me.

Jules Haru

01 Oct 2025

Today I noticed this place inbetween Haiku and 8 Degrees where Subway once was and had to try it. They have only been open for a few months and the food I ordered was delicious. I got an order of fried veggie samosas which were perfectly flaky and crispy on the outside. The filling is a very flavorful mix of seasoned potatoes and veggies, and the dipping sauce is tangy and delicious as well. I also tried a wrap with lamb. If you've ever had kofta- the meat is like that dish- ground lamb with herbs and spices inside a wrap with a cilantro sauce and lettuce. I haven't had kofta in so many years so I'm happy I found this spot today. The owners are a very kind and welcoming couple. The prices are low and there's lunch, snack, dessert, and drink options. I will be back to try their Naan pizzas. Check this place out if you're in the Drake University area!

Nitin Janagam

13 Sep 2025

We visited Cafe Chai and tried the Samosa Chaat, Aloo Papdi Chaat, Dahi Puri, and Cardamom Chai. The food was decent and satisfying. What truly stood out was the chai — absolutely top notch. Fragrant, perfectly spiced, and comforting. Definitely one of the best I’ve had in Des Moines. The ambience is cozy, clean, and inviting — a relaxing spot to sit and enjoy a conversation. The owners were kind and welcoming, and we had a great chat with them during our visit. Overall, it’s a lovely place that clearly cares about the customer experience. I’d come back again, especially for the chai. A solid 4 stars!

T M

02 Sep 2025

Food is incredible. Butter chicken naan pizza was out of this world. Lamb kebab wrap an amazing experience. Great mixture of spice and great combination of flavors. The tumeric ginger chair was beautifully spiced as well. Great Indian fusion. We will 100000% be back

Jessica Taylor Erwin

08 Aug 2025

Everything we’ve had here has been amazing. The samosa chaat, dahi puri, paneer wrap, and butter chicken naan pizza are a few of our faves. The owners are very kind and helpful. Do not miss out on this hidden gem!

Jacob Schmale

05 Aug 2025

We got the gyros and the samosas and they were delicious! The gyros were made with very fresh ingredients and I've never had samosas before but I highly recommend them. Please come and support this business! The owners are very polite and extremely friendly!

Vanessa Lee

13 Jul 2025

Came here for a quick bite because I saw in the window that they had veggie samosas. Super good and warm and fast. Owners are very kind and friendly. So yummy and the filling was great, not at all just pure dough. Will be back soon! Gulab jamun was hot and fresh.

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