Varli in Williston Park, New York serves three different kinds of chai, or tea. They also serve Indian street food.
Although I’ve had a number of delicious meals there (including breakfast on the weekend), this review will focus on the three types of chai that Varli serves.
I visited Varli in Williston Park several times before writing this review of their chai. It was important to me to try their different types of chai on different visits.
Types of Chai at Varli
Let me start by saying all their chai is kadak, or strong, to me. Their tea is bold, thick, creamy and rich. It’s very satisfying and cozy. The chai includes a good quantity of black tea and milk boiled with spices. It packs a punch of flavor and caffeine.
Varli offers several different types of chai.
- Kadak Chai (strong tea)
- Pudina Chai (mint chai)
- Saffron Elaichi Chai (saffron and cardamom chai)
Flavors of the Tea
The Kadak Chai clearly has green cardamom (or elaichi) in it. That’s the predominant spice I tasted. I love green cardamom, so this chai delighted me.
The Pudina Chai was also boiled black tea with milk. And, it has mint, too. Straight mint herbal tea doesn’t often call to me. Usually, it’s too minty, for me. The black tea and milk with the mint at Varli, by contrast, was lovely. I could clearly discern the mint. But, the black tea and milk tone it down. I really enjoyed it that way. The presentation was also lovely, with a mint leaf resting on top to the chai.
The Saffron Elaichi Chai was just what you would expect–with the saffron and the cardamom clearly coming through in each sip. They serve it with a few strands of saffron on top. I really enjoyed this tea, too, even though I have mixed feelings about saffron in general. If you already love saffron (and, of course, cardamom), you’ll love it!
How Varli Serves Their Chai
If you order chai as part of your meal dining in at Varli in Williston Park, it arrives steaming hot on a colorful tray in a painted clay cup without handles. A plate of Parle G cookies and packs of sugar are served beside it.
I deeply appreciate that Varli prepares their chai without sweetener and serves it with sugar packets on the side. It’s great that patrons can customize the sweetness to their preference.
If you order a chai to go, it comes in a to-go cup with a handful of Parle G biscuits in a separate container. Both are placed in a handheld, cardboard carrying container.
It brings to mind the metal carriers you might have seen holding glasses of chai from photos in India. Very cute.
Interior of Varli in Williston Park
The eating area inside Varli has lots of natural sunlight on one side due to the large exterior windows. The floor has patterned tiles.
One wall has photographs of Indian street scenes and an agrarian scene.
The wall opposite has a huge mural of a woman’s face over a table full of nostalgic Indian products of all types–food, spices, hair accessories, etc.
Varli decorates their tables with small vases of faux flowers (orange, yellow, or red). It’s a really pleasant space.
Varli Cares
Varli’s website includes a “We Care” tab. After clicking it, I was happy to learn that they support a wonderful cause.
Their website says:
Varli Indian Street kitchen has partnered with the Varli Foundation in helping to make a difference in the lives of children in need globally.
2% percentage of proceeds from the sales in the restaurant will go to the Varli Foundation.
Address and Parking in Williston Park
Address: 78 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596
Parking/LIRR: Free parking is available on Hillside near Varli but it can be hit or miss with availability. Luckily, there is additional parking (time-limited) behind some of the businesses across the street on Hillside Avenue and on the side streets. Make sure to read the signs as some parking near that area is reserved for cars with certain permits.
Varli Indian Street Kitchen in Williston Park is a short walk from the LIRR East Williston station (Oyster Bay line).
More Tea Options in Williston Park
Interested in other locations with good tea in Williston Park, New York?
For really good matcha lattes, hojicha lattes, or other tea that isn’t boba, check out my Review of Humble Cafe in Williston Park.
For really good boba tea (AKA bubble tea) and sweet treats, check out my Review of Tea Magic in Williston Park.