Husband and wife open chai café with no-tipping policy in Pickering

A husband and wife from Whitby are bringing authentic chai to Pickering with the opening of their new café.

High On Chai, founded by Abrar and Mirza, recently opened in Pickering after first building a loyal following serving chai at local markets, festivals and community events.

“Chai has always been a big part of our lives and culture, bringing family and friends together,” the owners told INsauga.com. “After moving to Canada, we realized there weren’t many places where chai was celebrated the way we knew it.”

The couple said the support they received from the community gave them the confidence to open a permanent café.

High On Chai serves authentic chai alongside matcha, coffee and specialty beverages. Signature drinks include the café’s Karak Chai, as well as Kashmiri Chai, Zafrani Chai, Banana Matcha, Mango Matcha, Saffron Latte and Cardamom Latte.

Their motto, “For the chai addicts, by the chai addicts,” reflects the couple’s passion for chai while putting a modern twist on matcha and coffee beverages.

The café also has a no-tipping policy and does not charge extra for milk substitutions.

“We believe great service shouldn’t depend on whether someone leaves a tip,” the owners told INsauga.com. “Whether someone chooses oat, almond, lactose-free or whole milk, we don’t think they should have to pay extra because of a dietary preference or restriction.”

For the owners, High On Chai is about more than serving drinks.

“We wanted to create a place where people genuinely feel welcome,” they told INsauga.com. “At the end of the day, we’re not just serving beverages — we’re trying to build a community.”

High On Chai will celebrate its official grand opening on Saturday, July 25.

The festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe at noon. Guests can also enjoy free chai throughout the day, 15 per cent off all drinks, and complimentary henna and face painting from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“It’s our way of saying thank you to the community that has supported us from day one,” the owners told INsauga.com.

The couple said they hope High On Chai becomes a place where people gather with family and friends, celebrate milestones, study, work remotely or simply enjoy a cup of chai.

 

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