Raman’s Coffee and Chai

I am not sure how someone can maintain a customer base, when the owner of the business is right down rude. I have heard people refer to him as the equivalent to the soup Nazi, now I know why.

I live an hour away in Marin County and I make trips to HMB just a cup of his Chai. Best in the world!

Ok so I’ve never been to India and this is probably as close as I will get to real chai — short of Indian friends making it for me. I have tried chai cart In San Francisco but I have to admit this one is better. It’s a tad sweet for me so next time I will ask to back off on the sugar. The lady in line behind me said no sugar. I wanted to try it as it should be made though. Plenty of seats and the café is clean and spacious. I did chuckle at all the Costco stuff for sale. And also the little list of senior moments that the café owner keeps. Hubby and I have tried to come before but it s closed on Sunday. Now I can cross this off the list! I will stop by again if I am in the area.

Raman makes the absolutely best chai, I’ve patronized his shop from when it was in the previous location that is now a Peet’s Coffee. His Chai is very sweet, spicy and rich. I’ve tried a lot of different chai but this is by far the best I’ve had.
To those who knock Raman, he may be a bit grumpy — but he eventually warms up to you after a few visits, and yes he does sell stuff from Costco but I’m not there for the baked goods, I’m there for the stellar Chai and a nice drive down the coast.
Who cares if it’s on the sweet side, I’ll order a small and exercise a little longer/​harder that day or perhaps I’ll have a salad for dinner; Ramen’s Chai is worth it.

The Best chai I have had in USA. All of my friends liked it and the ambience was good too.

Very rude and bad service walked in to purchase some coffee and asked if my daughter could use the bathroom and he told me to be quiet. As he was making coffee and I interrupted him (supposedly)
Then he told me to raise my hand like kindergarten and that I needed to go back to kinder ?? Really weird

Raman makes the absolutely best chai. It’s very unique. Being Indian I’ve tried a lot of different chai but this is by far the best I’ve had.
FYI…Raman can be a bit grumpy and forth coming. And yes he does sell stuff from Costco. So go in with that in mind before you knock the guys small shop.

A hidden jewel in Half Moon bay. Perfect place for the real Indian style masala chai. Aptly named ‘Real chai’.

First impression: wow, all their food is from Costco. Guess I’ll eat later.
I was really looking forward to trying the chai. I always have a shot of espresso in my chais because I like the taste and added benefit of a little caffeine. The owner was completely disrespected when I made this request. He asked why I wanted to ruin it. *awkward pause*
I immediately backtracked and said never mind I’ll have it just the way you make it. He didn’t want to let it go though. *another awkward pause*
He said his chai is the real chai and all the others are fakes. Low and behold his chai tasted real but it was in no way unique. It tasted like Coupa Café’s chai in Palo Alto, one of my favorites.
One customer ordered hers without sugar, which I wished I tried because it was on the sweeter side. The owner wasn’t insulted by her request though.

Very bad customer service. Owner refused to communicate about the ingredients in his Chai, then wouldn’t take it back to exchange or offer a refund when told I was allergic to the milk he put in it. The store is full of «grumpy people won’t get served» type signs that make me think he doth protest too much. I think it’s his problem.
Totally ruined what was supposed to be a nice family stop for coffee.
I gave it two stars because my sister says her cappuccino was good.

Everything they say about the chai is true.
The SF Gate even called Raman’s chai the best cup this side of Bombay.
It’s perfect.
I love coming to Half Moon Bay and I’m always in the mood and on the hunt for caffeine so it’s crazy that I only discovered this place today. It’s definitely tucked away and certainly not a place I would’ve looked twice at if it weren’t for it showing up in a random search for nearby coffee & tea on Unilocal.
There’s a bit of parking in front and plenty of seating inside, though I chose to sit outside on the sidewalk since their were some super ogle-​y construction guys inside who annoyed the crap out of me as soon as I walked in wearing a dress. Creeps.
I ordered up a chai and the man behind the counter wasn’t unfriendly, but his silence and distant demeanor weren’t exactly welcoming. As he was making my chai I looked over at the baking pans full of goods, including what looked like several red velvet muffin type things. I asked if they were in fact red velvet and got a what sounded like a mumbled mmhm and decided to err on the side of caution and get one just in case it was.
The total for both of my items was $ 5.50 and there isn’t an option to sign a tip on if you pay with card so be sure to bring some cash to toss in the jar.
Inside is full of snacks and a zillion photos and knick knacks that make the place really fun to explore. There was even a free book bin outside on the day I came.
Excited to make this a regular stop on my HMB excursions and hoping to have a less ‘case of the Mondays’ experience next time, but even if that doesn’t happen the chai is still good as gold.

The chai was delicious and super aromatic. The décor was pretty awesome. He has these books of poetry that he wrote that I sat and read while I finished my chai.

Best chai anywhere.
Found this place by accident.

Stopped in for a drink and to use the restroom. This is not far away from the highway.
Glad we stopped in. Small shop is a strip mall. This place is a coffee shop and mini market. Shop owner and his dad also owns a similar shop (articles on wall indicate)
Worth the stop. By far one of the best chai tea we ever ordered. It was wasn’t dense or overly creamy. Hot and on point for the beverage. Delicious. Plenty enough of spice.
I’m not much of a chai drinker but would come back solely for that alone.
Good chai.
Bad nothing.
Will definitely come back someday.

Delicious chai. Every sip was flavorful and rich. You can tell his spices are very fresh. Wish I lived near by, I’d be here all the time. Yum! I asked for a chai latte with espresso and he said to try the chai by itself before adding any coffee, but that he would give me some espresso on the side. It was amazing by itself, but I needed the caffeine so I added the coffee. It was just as delicious :)

As someone who regularly makes Chai at home, I am very particular about buying chai. Raman’s is the best chai I have ever had, including in Nepal and India! Perfectly balanced spices and high quality milk.
Raman also happens to be an amazing historian and kind hearted person. I think his 80 years of life goes into every cup of chai. He has been perfecting his chai recipe for 24 years.
I was able to have a two person meeting there at thhe tables inside. There are about 4 to 5 inside tables and one outside too. Wonderful place to meet or have mellow time. Tucked back off Main street, its not your crowded Starbucks scene.
You may be able to connect to New Leaf’s WiFi, but no WiFi there so come to get your Zen rather than toil away. Trust me, you will want to focus on your cup of liquid happiness anyway.
Raman does also have several muffins (costco giant ones) and snack items. Believe me, come for the chai, leave your worries at the door.

I finally got to try this place! I went awhile back to try the famous chai, but it was closed that time. Next time I drove out to Half Moon Bay, I knew I had to stop here. My boyfriend and I walked in and there were a couple people sitting at the tables and a bit of a line. We waited our turn and then ordered our chai tea lattes. We got them to go and they were so good, very different from something you would get at Starbucks or the like. Definitely amazing.
It is slow paced and Raman does not talk much, but I just think that adds to the charm. Tons of snacks and parking available.

Come here to get a cup of Chai with a side of surliness. This guy knows his stuff, and he’s opinionated about how you should consume your chai.
It’s good, but don’t expect a sweet Americanized version of chai.

I was craving some coffee and thought I would take a break from the usual chain coffee shops I frequent. Ordered a white mocha latte with whole milk and was quite happy. Not overly sweet (which was a good thing).
Worth a stop if you are in the area craving some coffee!

The chai is good. No… it’s great. In fact, it’s one of the best chais I’ve ever had.
While shopping for groceries at New Leaf across the street, I was in the mood for some coffee. I usually go to Peet’s next door, but I was just browsing on Unilocal and noticed this place with an average 4 star rating. Drove next door and decided to order an iced chai first just to sample the taste and Wifey and I both liked it. We were sitting down at the table at first and after confirming it was good, Wifey decided to order another one.
I got up from the table and ordered another coffee for the road and she ordered hot chai. Raman said, «How come you didn’t order these in the first place? You’re just wasting time.» I was taken aback at first, but I quickly let it roll off my shoulder. The Wifey replied that she just wanted to sample it first before deciding whether to order another one. Raman replied, «My chai is the best!»
I agree it’s the best I’ve tasted so far; but you don’t have to be so arrogant about it. I don’t know if it’s a cultural thing and that’s just how he speaks, but he could learn to be more diplomatic and not try to alienate your customers. I don’t think that’s your intention… I hope not. I hope you were trying to be funny and it came across the wrong way. Then you better work on your delivery if you want to moonlight as a Stand-​up Comic.
But I like your chai… that is why I came back for some more.
You just need to work on your customer service skills as I found it ironic that you had this posted on your wall for everyone to see: