Meet Chai Pyala Café in Lakewood, WA | A Dream Brewed with Culture, Community, and Heart

Feb 16
3 min read

Updated: Feb 17

There’s something special happening in Lakewood — the kind of place that feels warm the moment you walk through the door. I was thrilled with they asked me to photograph their soft opening day!

Chai Pyala, a newly opened chai café located at 3810 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, Washington, is more than just a place to grab a drink. It’s a story of courage, culture, family, and connection — years in the making.

I had the honor of photographing their soft opening, capturing the energy, excitement, and heartfelt moments as this long-awaited dream officially came to life.

With the grand opening in the near future, the community is just beginning to experience what makes Chai Pyala so meaningful.

A Journey That Started with Love for Chai

For owner Honey Batth and her husband Guru, chai has always represented something deeper than a beverage.

It was:

Conversations in the kitchen
Family gatherings
Celebration
Comfort
Quiet reflection
Cultural connection

After starting as a farmers market vendor in Lakewood nearly 9 years ago, Honey recognized something missing in the area — a space where chai wasn’t simply labeled as tea, but experienced as a tradition rooted in warmth and storytelling.

That vision became Chai Pyala.

The path wasn’t easy. Permits, inspections, long nights, recipe testing, budgeting, and moments of doubt all became part of the journey. But with persistence and faith, the dream continued to grow.

Their goal was clear:

A cozy space filled with positive energy

Authentic chai flavors made intentionally

A welcoming environment where people feel at home

And today — that vision exists.

Brewing Tradition with a Creative Twist

Chai Pyala offers both beloved traditional flavors and creative fusion options that feel indulgent, aromatic, and memorable.

Classic chai favorites include:

☕ Masala Chai

☕ Cardamom (Elaichi)

☕ Ginger (Adrak)

☕ Turmeric (Haldi)

For those who love a creamy café experience, they also serve smooth, frothy chai lattes.

But where Chai Pyala truly shines is in its fusion menu, blending Indian dessert inspiration with chai culture:

Gulab Jamun Chai

Rasmalai Chai

Rose Saffron Chai

These unique offerings create something entirely new — rich flavors layered with nostalgia and innovation.

Whether someone prefers bold spice, delicate floral notes, or sweet indulgence, there’s a cup crafted for every mood.

A Space Designed for Community

The atmosphere inside Chai Pyala reflects the heart behind the business — welcoming, cozy, and full of intention.

It’s the kind of place where people:

Meet friends
Study or work
Share conversations
Slow down
Connect

The energy during the soft opening was filled with joy — family members supporting the owners, customers excited to try the menu, and a sense that this space will become a meaningful gathering place in Lakewood.

This café isn’t just a business.

It’s culture.It’s courage.It’s community.It’s heart.

And every cup served carries that story.

Supporting Local Dreams in the Tacoma–Lakewood Community

Small businesses like Chai Pyala are the heartbeat of local communities across Lakewood, Tacoma, University Place, Steilacoom, and Pierce County. They bring culture, creativity, and connection into everyday life.

Photographing their opening was a reminder of how powerful entrepreneurship can be — especially when it’s driven by passion and purpose.

For local businesses, strong visual storytelling through photography and video helps share that journey with the world — allowing more people to discover, connect, and support.