Chai Latte, Iced Chai and Dirty Chai — simply explained
What are Chai Latte, Iced Chai and Iced Dirty Chai? Simple explanations and a guide to which to pick at SiP on Weinmarkt in Lucerne.
A Chai Latte is a spiced black tea with milk. The Iced Chai is the same drink served cold over ice. A Dirty Chai is a Chai Latte with added espresso — "dirty" because the coffee 'muddies' the chai. At SiP on Weinmarkt in Lucerne you can get the Chai Latte hot (CHF 7.00), the Iced Chai (CHF 7.50) and the Iced Dirty Chai (CHF 8.50).
What does "Chai" mean?
Merriam-Webster describes chai as a drink made from a blend of black tea, honey, spices and milk. The word "chai" simply means "tea" in many languages; in German-speaking café life it usually refers to this spiced milk tea. (Source: Merriam-Webster, "chai")
Which spices, which chai base and how much sweetness SiP uses are not listed on the menu. If you're interested, ask at the counter on Weinmarkt.
The three chai variants at Weinmarkt
Drink | Temperature | With espresso | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Chai Latte | Warm | No | CHF 7.00 |
Iced Chai | Cold, on ice | No | CHF 7.50 |
Iced Dirty Chai | Cold, on ice | Yes | CHF 8.50 |
Prices according to the current SiP Weinmarkt menu. The Dirty Chai is listed on the menu as an Iced variant.
Dirty Chai: Chai meets espresso
The term "Dirty Chai" has become common in cafés for a Chai Latte with a shot of espresso. The drink combines the spices of chai with the roast character of coffee — and adds the caffeine from the espresso, which Merriam-Webster describes as coffee brewed under pressure. (Source: Merriam-Webster, "espresso")
Which variant suits you?
- You want something warm and spiced without coffee: Chai Latte.
- You want it cold but without coffee: Iced Chai.
- You can't decide between chai and coffee: Iced Dirty Chai.
- You want a different milk: Oat, coconut (both plant-based) or lactose-free milk for an extra CHF 0.50.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Chai Latte caffeine-free?
No. Chai is based on black tea, and black tea contains caffeine. A Dirty Chai adds the caffeine from the espresso.
Do I need to reserve at Weinmarkt?
No, SiP at Weinmarkt 14 is a walk-in café in the Old Town. You can find all the info on the Weinmarkt location page.
Another alternative
If you're after something without spices but with its own character, read our guide to the Matcha Latte at the Weinmarkt.
