This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Lock Up Your Daughters, Pirate's Chai Takes Over LA

Pirate’s Chai is the new everything. Healthier than coffee and yummier than moon pies, it’s about the best beverage i've ever tasted. To put it another way, it’s sell-your-mother amazing. I’m not convinced it’s not drugs.
This “less sweet - more spice” bevvie tastes like it should look orange, but really it’s green. Because it’s green tea; Matcha to be exact. And in case you do not know (I did not know) Matcha is a powdered green tea that is ridiculously good for you (cancer inhibiting flavonoids, antioxidants, and oxygen radical absorbers that will keep you young and beautiful forever).
The Pirate people blend the Matcha with Ayurvedic Chai spice extracts, and Muscavado cane sugar and the next thing you know you’re rubbing the dust on your gums. Really. Unexpected AHHHHHs will undoubtedly fall from your mouth. Don’t bother trying to control that.
The green delicious powder is hand crafted in small batches, and I recommend that once you’ve had a few made for you, go ahead and sport for the 9 oz package and make them yourself at home. All you need is some unflavored soymilk (I like it with SILK), a wooden spoon to stir, and a heating apparatus of your choosing.
Shakti’s Elements (a groovy yoga studio/store/coffee & tea spot) in Santa Monica is my supplier, pusher and new best friend. But oh happy day, you need not trek to the land of chain stores and yuppiemobiles to get your fix. According to THIS LIST, Pirate’s Chai is loose all over the city.
You have been warned.
-
Cruise off the highway and hit locally-known spots for some tasty bites.
-
Fentanyl and other drugs fuel record deaths among people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County. From 2019 to 2021, deaths jumped 70% to more than 2,200 in a single year.
-
This fungi isn’t a “fun guy.” Here’s what to do if you spot or suspect mold in your home.
-
Donald Trump was a fading TV presence when the WGA strike put a dent in network schedules.
-
Edward Bronstein died in March 2020 while officers were forcibly taking a blood sample after his detention.
-
A hike can be a beautiful backdrop as you build your connection with someone.