Pakistani people love a cup of tea or may be two or more. ‘Chai’ might not be historically Pakistani but people have lovingly welcomed it and made it their own. Chai is not a seasonal drink and has no boundaries. From the mountains of Gilgit Baltistan, all the way through the heart of KPK and Punjab to the shores of Gawadar, one thing remains same, the love for tea.
While people enjoy conversations over a drink in bars, Pakistani conversations doesn’t even start without tea. Tea spots all over the country are gaining popularity. Is it not just the cup of tea but the simple and friendly ambience that is welcoming and comfortable. Here are few popular Chai-spots in Islamabad.
Tandoori Chae
People of Islamabad are fond of trying new things; that is exactly the success story behind an open air tea spot outside Jinnah Super in F-7 Markaz. The tea making process is more fascinating along the traditional clay pots in which tea is served than the tea itself. Clay pots burning on coal and steaming hot tea served in more than 6 different flavors is just what Islamabadis were missing all along.
The Secret Sky
The ambience of Secret Sky is serene, a central fireplace with the café’s floor pebbled and good music in the background. This place is not too congested with people most of the times and it closes after 2 a.m. making it a good option for night owls. Other things are on the menu too but tea is what glorifies this place.
Chikachino
It is the most talked about tea spot of Islamabad. People wait in lines to get a seat in an open roof sitting outside a small kitchen. It is so bright with all the lights but the huge crowd is what beams the radiance is it known for. Served in crystal glasses, this tea is worth the struggle to get a seat. You can try karak tea with the six surprising flavors of samosas.
Quetta Tea and Tea
Quetta is known for its tea and this café offers every flavor of tea you can think of. It has several branches in Pakistan but the F-10 Markaz branch has made it to the top with its mouth watery parathas and tea. It is a really Dhaba kind experience. As the waiters rush to bring you snacks from different stalls.
Chai Khana
Chai Khana was one of the few places based on Chai theme locate in F-6 market. It is still very popular. It is a decent places usually over-crowded. Old Pakistani music build an atmosphere of nostalgia while the low light and genius seating arrangement makes it a perfect hanging spot.
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