A new independently owned café is bringing traditional chai, specialty drinks and a customer-friendly pricing policy to Pickering.
High On Chai, founded by Whitby residents Abrar and Mirza, has opened at 1132 Baltic Lane, Unit B, in Pickering. The couple developed the business after serving chai at markets, festivals and community events, where growing support encouraged them to establish a permanent location. The café’s official website confirms the Pickering address and describes the business as specializing in handcrafted chai blends made with natural ingredients.
The Pickering chai cafe aims to offer a social space where customers can meet friends, study, work remotely or celebrate everyday occasions over a warm drink. Its founders have said chai has long represented hospitality, connection and shared time with family in their culture, and they wanted to create a local business built around that experience.
Pickering Chai Cafe Offers Traditional and Modern Drinks
The menu centres on several styles of chai, including Karak Chai, Kashmiri Chai and Zafrani Chai. Customers can also order matcha, coffee and specialty beverages such as Banana Matcha, Mango Matcha, Saffron Latte and Cardamom Latte.
High On Chai’s retail website also offers packaged blends, including Karak, Zafrani, Masala and Kashmiri chai, allowing customers to prepare some of the brand’s flavours at home. The business promotes its blends as vegan, gluten-free and made with natural ingredients.
One feature that distinguishes the new café is its no-tipping policy. The owners say service should remain consistent regardless of whether a customer leaves an additional gratuity. The café also does not charge extra for common milk substitutions, including oat, almond and lactose-free options.
That approach may appeal to customers managing dietary restrictions or looking for clearer menu pricing. Rather than treating alternative milk as a premium addition, the business includes those choices without an extra fee.
Grand Opening Planned for July 25
High On Chai will hold its official grand-opening celebration on Saturday, July 25. The event is expected to include a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe at noon, followed by complimentary henna and face painting from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors will also be offered free chai during the day and a 15 per cent discount on drinks. The celebration is intended to thank residents who supported the company during its earlier market and event appearances.
The Pickering chai cafe adds another independent food-and-drink option for residents of Pickering, Whitby and surrounding Durham communities. Its permanent storefront also gives the owners an opportunity to expand beyond temporary events while maintaining the community-focused identity that helped build the business.
The café’s published hours currently list service from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Customers are advised to check current listings because operating hours may change.
High On Chai’s opening reflects the continued growth of culturally inspired independent businesses in Durham Region. By combining traditional chai flavours with contemporary matcha and coffee drinks, the owners hope to create an inclusive gathering place for customers with different tastes.
The café is designed for more than quick beverage purchases. Its founders hope residents will use the space to gather with family and friends, work remotely, study or celebrate milestones.
Residents planning to attend the July 25 grand opening should verify the latest event schedule and promotional details directly with High On Chai before travelling.
