New year’s eve is all about the hype, the lighting, the fireworks and the general fervor and enthusiasm associated with new beginnings. Karachi being the city of lights welcomes the year with the same excitement. Not long ago when a typical new year’s eve for us was all about going out late at night and celebrating it with friends. But, In the past few years a lot has changed like once, on a New Year’s eve, our car’s windscreen was hit by a bullet that landed there as a result of some air firing (some of us get a little too excited about the new year than others). The security situation doesn’t allow the same amount of freedom of going out late at night anymore as majority of the roads are blocked after the clock ticks 11 and many restaurants and big malls get closed because of the security issues. Plus there is a baby in the picture now as well and we can’t celebrate the New Year the same way we did before. You know what they say, you got to change with the times and change brings new traditions. In our case, that tradition is to celebrate a New Year’s Morning. Yes, instead of celebrating late into the night at New Year’s eve, we welcome the new year with a good meal in the morning. Now there are a number of places fit for breakfast at the first day of the year. Here are a few favorites:
XANDER’s
Located in E street, Xander’s is one of my favorite cafes. It provides its customers tasteful food, comfortable seating and a choice of eating inside or outdoor.
The small minimalist café is generally packed. The outdoor seating is pleasant in the evenings or in winter but tends to be uncomfortably warm for most of the year despite shady umbrellas and fans. Xanders’ all-day breakfast is extensive while their pizzas and open-faced sandwiches are must try items. The gourmet style menu is full of fresh, appealing dishes. Their breakfast menu ranges from Classic Eggs Benedict to Blueberry Pancakes to Homemade Granola and Milk. Amazing food, excellent presentation and commendable service that is guaranteed to make your morning brighter at Xander’s.
Mews:
Relatively newer than the other famous eateries in E street, Mews has made a big name for its breakfast. It has a unique menu that is totally worth the try! The menu includes eggs, sauces, creams and steaks that are enough to make your mouth water.
I totally love the unique ambiance of this café, the entrance opens into a narrow alley that leads to a series of attractive, inter-connected dining areas. Mews combines brick walls, smart natural lighting and contemporary furniture for a modern, relaxed and very European feel. All in all, Mews café is a must try in Karachi.
Cosmopolitan
Cosmopolitan Café is also located in the same E street which is one of the best streets of Karachi, Its beautiful, happening, trendy and upscale. This cafe offers international and Western European cuisine in a sleek and contemporary atmosphere.
The cafe is famous for its interior, environment and BREAKFAST! The breakfast menu has famous dishes from around the world. If you ever wondered what your Parisian or Spanish counterpart wakes up to every morning, here’s your answer! Items such as The Spaniard, The Parisian, The New Yorker, Mughlai and Normandy were just some of the choices.
I love the ambiance and the mural on the walls which depict what Karachi is and aspire to be. A couple of lines scripted on the walls pay an ode to the city:
‘Dear Karachi, You make me shiver, Like an AC during fluctuation, like a chipkali during fumigation, Like a feudal lord when asked about emancipation.”
That is brilliant. It’s quirky and it suggests that a lot of thought went into creating the look of this place. It’s a must try place to enjoy a breakfast.


















