Being a chain yogurt store in DC, I really wasn’t inclined to like Caliyogurt. I think supporting local businesses is crucial, it fosters restaurant diversity and helps the heart of our economy, small business. And supporting them is more important than ever this year. But as much as I was biased against Caliyogurt from the start, I left completely satisfied and looking forward to returning. Yes, they lack some of the originality the local rivals have, but they more than make up for it with their product. With the most flavorful yogurt around, a fun scene and good toppings, Caliyogurt is a success.
Walking in feels like diving into a cup of frozen yogurt, with brightly colored walls resembling the various flavors. And while the space is strange, they make good use of it with chic and modern seating on the first floor (pictured above) and the ordering counter on the second, equipped with a large flat screen posting the ordering information.
A partial view from the second floor, with tea products along the wall
While the decor’s noteworthy, Caliyogurt’s major strength is their yogurt. Here it actually tastes different from it’s competitors. The flavors are strong, just like real ice cream, and there’s an array to choose between. Their standard flavors are green tea, raspberry and original tart, while they have a weekly rotation for one extra flavor: pink grapefruit, peach, pomegranate, strawberry and mango. Finally, yogurt with lot of options and really distinct flavors. Who knew it would actually be this elusive. Just make sure you really enjoy the flavor you’re ordering because the taste will be loud and clear... and it will cost you. The original tart is manageable at $2.95, $3.95 and $5.75 for 5, 8, and 12-ounce sizes, but the others cost $3.50, $4.50 and $6.35 - a steep price for yogurt.
While the decor’s noteworthy, Caliyogurt’s major strength is their yogurt. Here it actually tastes different from it’s competitors. The flavors are strong, just like real ice cream, and there’s an array to choose between. Their standard flavors are green tea, raspberry and original tart, while they have a weekly rotation for one extra flavor: pink grapefruit, peach, pomegranate, strawberry and mango. Finally, yogurt with lot of options and really distinct flavors. Who knew it would actually be this elusive. Just make sure you really enjoy the flavor you’re ordering because the taste will be loud and clear... and it will cost you. The original tart is manageable at $2.95, $3.95 and $5.75 for 5, 8, and 12-ounce sizes, but the others cost $3.50, $4.50 and $6.35 - a steep price for yogurt.
A small green tea yogurt with mochi
Raspberry yogurt with oreos, chocolate morsels and strawberries
The topping selection is also diverse but not really unordinary. There are about 30 flavors, with a healthy selection of fresh fruit, sweets, cereals and more. Highlights include four different nut toppings: almond shavings, pine nuts, pecans and walnuts, a ton of chocolate and sweet options as well as fruits like peaches, mandarin oranges and golden melon. Not all of their fruit shined though, the raspberries were unappetizing and past their expiration date. At .95 for one, $1.45 for two and $1.75 for three, their topping prices are generally par for the course.
The topping selection is also diverse but not really unordinary. There are about 30 flavors, with a healthy selection of fresh fruit, sweets, cereals and more. Highlights include four different nut toppings: almond shavings, pine nuts, pecans and walnuts, a ton of chocolate and sweet options as well as fruits like peaches, mandarin oranges and golden melon. Not all of their fruit shined though, the raspberries were unappetizing and past their expiration date. At .95 for one, $1.45 for two and $1.75 for three, their topping prices are generally par for the course.
Part of the topping bar including the cereal and nut options
On a non-dessert note, Caliyogurt’s menu is diversified by their large tea business. With 18 different loose-leaf teas from the company Tavalon, they have a wide selection of black, green, oolong, white and herbal. They are steeped for about five minutes in nifty clear individual pots, which allows for a little show as well as great tasting tea. Prices range from $2.25 -$4.25 depending on type and size.
On a non-dessert note, Caliyogurt’s menu is diversified by their large tea business. With 18 different loose-leaf teas from the company Tavalon, they have a wide selection of black, green, oolong, white and herbal. They are steeped for about five minutes in nifty clear individual pots, which allows for a little show as well as great tasting tea. Prices range from $2.25 -$4.25 depending on type and size.
Original tart with strawberries, kiwi and chocolate morsels
Of course a yogurt shop is never perfect. As a chain, they lacked the quirks that make local shops endearing, as well as staff that really know the product. Also, for having eight yogurt flavors, there’s still no sweet choice. All in all though, given the strong and distinct flavors that I’ve been craving, this was my favorite yogurt in DC. I look forward to returning, even with the steep prices.
Of course a yogurt shop is never perfect. As a chain, they lacked the quirks that make local shops endearing, as well as staff that really know the product. Also, for having eight yogurt flavors, there’s still no sweet choice. All in all though, given the strong and distinct flavors that I’ve been craving, this was my favorite yogurt in DC. I look forward to returning, even with the steep prices.
Caliyogurt has the best tasting original "classic" flavor!! It does taste different than the other local DC places, I am not sure in what sense, but it just does
ReplyDeleteThey made just one mistake: They don't have any sugar free flavors. There are tens of millions of us who are either diabetic, prediabetic or just want low sugar. It is unfathomable that a health oriented restaurant that emphasizes its fat free status has no sugar free as well.
ReplyDelete