Weekend grub: Chai Chowk serves the best brew in Islamabad

Loose-leaf tea is imported from Sri Lanka and blended to create the unique flavour you’ll only find at Chai Chowk

23 Oct, 2015

We are a nation of tea drinkers but, oddly enough, this isn't really proportionately reflected in the choices available to us at most cafes.

The standard menu of lattes and cappuccinos are a dime a dozen; maybe you’ll find a doodh patti or two here and there. However, if you want to move away from the mainstream, try something new this weekend and head over to Chai Chowk.

Where to go: Chai Chowk

Open for business since June, it’s a tiny but cosy space, and a couple of the tables are set up with board games like ludo and chess. There’s not a lot to choose from in terms of food, but the selection of teas more than makes up for that. Another plus point is that the WiFi always works, which is more than I can say for a lot of other cafes in town.

There's room for mental stimulation at Chai Chowk - ludo and chess boards await - Photo by author

When to go?

This Chai Chowk signboard promises that a visit will be a good break from the routine - Photo courtesy ChaiChowk's Facebook page

Mid-morning to early afternoon are the best times to go if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. If hustle and bustle is your thing, evenings are when this cafe tends to get busier.

Having organized a successful open mic night a few weeks ago, Chai Chowk plans to make this a regular weekly event after Muharram, so stay tuned for updates on their Facebook page.

What to order?

Masala chai is one of the best tea offerings at the Chai Chowk - Photo by author

The masala chai is hands down my favourite. It’s a strong brew with just the right amount of spice and is available in sweetened and low-sugar options.

Other chai flavours available include cardamom, ginger, lemongrass and saffron. You can also request a custom blend and have two or more of these flavours mixed together with your tea to create your own preferred flavour combination.

Other unique options include the Mango and Green Apple iced teas, the Detox green tea (a custom blend of herbs and green tea), the RoohAfzah chiller, and the Masaledar Limbooz (a non-carbonated cross between a lime chiller and limu soda).

No standard teabags are used in the making of chai and green tea. Loose-leaf tea is imported from Sri Lanka and blended to create the unique flavour you’ll only find at Chai Chowk.

Damage on the pocket?

Prices range from Rs150 to Rs400, with most options available for about Rs200.

Pro tip: Chai Chowk offers a 15% discount on days when it’s raining out!

Comments

Dr Siddiqui Oct 23, 2015 04:46pm

Nice concept.Liked the pics.Just tea and peace. What more to look for while having tea?

Recommend

wit7 Oct 23, 2015 05:38pm

What is the GPS co-ordinate for this location ???????

Rashid Ishaq Oct 23, 2015 08:38pm

Masalah tea is the concept derived from South Indians, best Malabari people in Dubai serving tea

TK Oct 23, 2015 09:22pm

@wit7 F11 Markaz. ..inside the block that has gloria jeans and coffee planet..it's inside that plaza and has a single room. I only take black tea which they don't offer unfortunately. But do go and try. Nice Lil startup

M.Saeed Oct 23, 2015 10:47pm

But, where in Islamabad this chowk is located?

Muslim Oct 23, 2015 11:50pm

Be carefule veryone, chai not good for those people with blood pressure issues. Apologies, and nothing against the Chai Chowk people.

Pappu Bhai Oct 24, 2015 01:18am

Interesting! Does Pakistan produce tea?

Sleepless In Sahiwal Oct 24, 2015 04:16am

I am not paying 400 Rs. for a cup of Chai

Zainuddin Oct 24, 2015 11:34am

For those who love Tea and also their pockets: Take 1.25 Cup of water in a silver bowel & boil it upto 5 minutes add ''Dar Cheeni + Ilaichee + Milk'' continue boiling upto 2 min, then add some Black Tea Leafs prefferably of Kenyan Origine (Kenya Tea is the best in the world), +Sugar, after putting tea leaf boil it for 1 min, so your world best drink is ready @ your ''Home Chai Chowk''. For Green, Lemon Grass & Ginger Teas.... For 1 Cup Take 1 & 1/2 Cup of water in a silver caped bowel boiled it upto 10 Min. Add sugar & cont boiling untill the sugar dissolved , then add any one of Green Tea, Ginger or Lemon Grass. Ginger & Lemon Grass are the local productions where as the Green Tea is concerned so Vietnames origin green teas are suitable. Keep me remember in your ''Savings''.

Syed Ganga Din Oct 24, 2015 02:40pm

$4 for a cup of tea? Forget it. I don't care where the tea is from.

Romano Oct 24, 2015 07:37pm

Is it just me , or is the address missing from the article?

wsd Oct 24, 2015 11:38pm

@Muslim Bhai how do you know that? Can you please share the research or guidelines form an authentic source. Thanks

Vijay B. Oct 25, 2015 02:56am

Rs. 150 to Rs. 400 for a cup of tea in Pakistan, and that too at a tea stall and not a 5 star hotel? Mama mia! is that what a cup of tea outside the home costs anymore? Wondering how many can afford such a high price? reading this article has inspired me to make my own Big "Mugga" of Masala chai at home. Besides loose leaf tea and high fat milk and boiled water, I'll put in ginger, cardamom, clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and of course sugar. Estimated cost 25 cents, and mmmmm delicious. drink your heart out readers.

Rizwan Rana Oct 25, 2015 07:24am

Sounds great! Where is it?

B.Ally Oct 25, 2015 09:29am

Is looking needs more of such places.