If you remember being taken by the sheer beauty of the blue-eyed chai wala from Pakistan, life has only been an uphill journey for the man with humble beginnings. Arshad Khan, who went on to open up his own tea café in Islamabad in 2020, followed by three more in Lahore and Muree respectively – is now the proud owner of a spanking new space in East London’s Ilford Lane. Café Chaiwala, Khan’s overseas venture, prides itself in serving up a deliciously steaming cup of matka chai.
In a post shared on Instagram on the café’s official page, it said, “Indulge in the authentic flavours of real, fresh karak chai, brewed with love and tradition. No artificial shortcuts here, just the genuine goodness of a ladle-brewed delight. Step into Cafe Chaiwala and savor Arshad Khan's true chai recipes served in beautifully hand painted clay pots(yes! You can take them home too).”
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Khan, who rose to his widespread fame in 2016, when he was captured by photographer Jiah Ali at his humble tea stall, also said, “My visit is being planned and I would love to brew tea for my loving fans. I have received thousands of requests for a London visit. Our first international Chai shop is now open on Ilford Lane and the response is massive already. With the Durrani brothers, we decided to start from Ilford Lane due to the fact that it's home to a large number of Pakistanis and Indians who love Chai. I will be in London soon in person.”