Chai Garden

Chai Garden brings the comforting cadence of Indian breakfasts to West Auckland’s brunch beat.

Mornings begin with a nod to Mumbai cafés and family kitchens alike: egg kejriwal on sourdough, slicked with smoky chilli oil and sesame, or akuri, softly spiced scrambled eggs with grilled tomato and a crisp potato cake.

Later, the scene shifts streetside with chole puri halwa balancing savoury and sweet, and pav bhaji served with buttery buns and a bright squeeze of lemon. Plates made for sharing keep conversation flowing. Kale palak chaat tumbles together greens, fried potatoes, yoghurt and chutney, while vada pav delivers the beloved spiced potato bun.

Naan rolls answer hunger with a playful wink - bacon and egg with manuka-smoked bacon, or lamb merguez and egg, neatly wrapped for hands-on eating - while sides of masala beans and that golden potato cake raise the comfort stakes.

Drinks are a highlight. Purists can linger over a flat white, while the chai bar pours masala chai and Irani chai alongside cool sips like a cardamom vanilla frappe, cucumber mango sarbath and spiced jamun fizz, with wines and beers for later in the day.

The atmosphere at Chai Garden is relaxed and convivial, ideal for slow catch ups or quick pit stops. So come gather the favourites and give it a chai!