High On Chai brings chai-focused menu and service model to Pickering
A new café built around traditional chai is opening its doors in Pickering, and it is doing so with two clear pledges: a no‑tipping policy and no extra charge for milk substitutions. High On Chai — started by spouses Abrar and Mirza after building a following at markets, festivals and community events — has launched its first permanent location in the city.
The founders say the concept grew from their own experience with chai as a gathering point for family and friends, and from noticing a gap in local options after they moved to Canada. Their goal is to offer a space where chai is the centrepiece while making pricing straightforward for customers.
Grand opening details and community invitation
The café will mark its official opening on Saturday, July 25, with a ribbon‑cutting featuring Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe at noon. The owners are planning a day of promotions and family‑friendly activities.
- Free chai available throughout the day
- 15% off all drinks
- Complimentary henna and face painting from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Ribbon‑cutting with Mayor Kevin Ashe | 12:00 p.m. |
| Free chai (all day) | Opening to close |
| Henna and face painting | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
Menu highlights and milk options
While chai is the anchor, the menu includes matcha, coffee and specialty beverages. Signature items include Karak Chai, Kashmiri Chai and Zafrani Chai, alongside drinks such as Banana Matcha, Mango Matcha, Saffron Latte and Cardamom Latte. Customers can choose from oat, almond, lactose‑free or whole milk without added cost — a notable point as many cafés apply surcharges for milk alternatives.
The owners say they want to keep choices simple and transparent for customers who have dietary preferences or restrictions. They add that the no‑tipping approach is meant to make service consistent for every order rather than influenced by tip prompts.
“Chai has always been a big part of our lives and culture, bringing family and friends together,” the owners said. “We believe great service shouldn’t depend on whether someone leaves a tip.”
No‑tipping policy and what it means for customers
Tip prompts and add‑ons have become common in quick‑service and café settings. High On Chai’s no‑tipping model removes that step at the till. The owners say the decision is about creating a straightforward purchase experience and ensuring all guests receive the same level of service. The café is also positioning itself as a social space for study, remote work and small celebrations, reflecting how coffee and tea shops often serve as informal community hubs in Pickering.
From pop‑ups to a permanent space
Before opening the café, Abrar and Mirza built a customer base by serving chai at local markets and events. That response, they say, guided their decision to establish a permanent operation in Pickering. Their stated aim is to make the shop accessible to families and residents who want a place to gather while trying traditional and modern takes on chai, matcha and coffee.
“We wanted to create a place where people genuinely feel welcome,” they said. “At the end of the day, we’re not just serving beverages — we’re trying to build a community.”
What to know if you go
- Grand opening: Saturday, July 25
- Ribbon‑cutting: 12:00 p.m. with Mayor Kevin Ashe
- Offers: Free chai all day; 15% off drinks; henna and face painting 1–3 p.m.
- Menu focus: Traditional chai varieties, matcha, coffee and specialty lattes
- Policies: No tipping; no surcharge for milk alternatives
High On Chai’s launch adds a chai‑centric option to Pickering’s café landscape, with a service model that removes common add‑ons at the counter. The owners say the opening‑day promotions are meant as a thank‑you to customers who supported them at pop‑ups and festivals, and as an invitation for new visitors to sample the menu.
