New Kids on the Block: Lahore’s Modern Chai Dhaabas

Tea is not just a drink for Pakistanis. It is something you start your mornings with; it’s an essential item to greet guests on any occasion. Whether it’s a gathering at a friend’s or a corporate event, tea is an essential part of any gathering, especially in Punjab, where people value a great cup of tea.

Lahore has hundreds of chai dhaabas, but there are few where you can enjoy a cup of good quality tea with your friends and family. Recently, new franchises have opened up in the city and are already getting the attention of the locals. Here are a few:

Pak Tea House

This is one of the oldest chai dhaabas in Lahore, opening only a year after the Independence of Pakistan. Located on Akbari Road near Anarkali, Pak Tea House has been a historic establishment. A number of famous writers and poets of the land sat here and started several movements. It is also known for the patronage of many famous actors and directors during one time of the day or the other. The most famous movement to have started from this place was the Progressive Writers Association. Pak Tea House was reopened in 2012, and is being run by a group of bloggers.

Chai, Kaafee aur Siasat

Located on Main Kasoori Road, Chai, Kaffee aur Siasat is a place which blends live sufi music and tea. You can also enjoy hot chocolate here, but the real treat is taking sips of tea and enjoying the live performance. There is a special partition known as the ‘baithak’, and is designed for meetings, social gatherings or birthday parties. This is really a place you need to visit. Keep in mind however that the prices here are likely to amaze you.

Chai Kada

Located on Mian Mehmood Ali Kasoori Road, on the rooftop of Peri Peri Restaurant, Chai Kada is one of the most trending chai dhaabas in Lahore. This can be put down to the sheer variety of chai available here, as well as the setting of a typical trucker hotel. You can enjoy high quality tea here, along with the music of your choice (all you have to do is give them your phone and they’ll play your very own music on their system). The best thing about this place is the design and the seating area; a neat and clean place with traditional Pakistani truck art all around you. There’s even a real rickshaw parked outside – the perfect spot for those mandatory selfies. The chai here is a bit expensive, but well worth it. You can also order coffee with hot chocolate here, as well as enjoy rooftop views of the city.

Chaaye Khana

Launched very recently and located on the busy MM Alam road, Chaaye Khana is Islamabad’s famous cafe frequented by tea lovers from all across the country. There are a lot of options here besides tea such as breakfast, desserts, sandwiches, meals and other beverages. There is also a dedicated space for meetings and events, making it popular for many kinds of gatherings. The place is beautifully decorated and well designed. Because of it’s established brand, it seems the owners are trying really hard to meet high customer expectations. I highly recommend all Lahoris try this place out. The desserts are very special and it would be a personal recommendation of mine to order their Toffee Walnut Crunch.

What do you people think – are there other new chai dhaabas in Lahore worth mentioning?