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The perfect doodh pati: I quizzed my chai wala, so you don't have to

The perfect doodh pati: I quizzed my chai wala, so you don't have to

I talked to my chai wala, learned his story, and asked him to teach me his skill with the pot and kettle
Updated 13 Nov, 2016

This article was originally published on October 29, 2015.


If there is a question every Pakistani has asked more than once throughout life, it is: ‘How have we managed to survive so long?’

Pakistan has endured wars, terrorist attacks, ethnic violence, religious violence, military dictators, and more. It has been plagued with corrupt politicians, defeats in every cricket World Cup to India, Mathira, Humsafar reruns, the Akmal family, and worse. Our women can’t go to work without being stared at. Our men can’t look within a 5km radius of a woman without being labeled a taru (starer). Our people leak money to corruption, inflation, utility bills, lawn sales, and thieves.

It has come to the point where every man in Pakistan carries two wallets and two cellphones; one to keep, and one to give away during muggings. Since thieves have begun to wise up, we will probably have to carry three of each, one to keep, one to give to thieves, and a second fake one when they insist you give them the right one.

If this continues, I am sure in a few years every Pakistani will carry one good cellphone and a real wallet, and at least nine decoys, just to be safe. It will come to the point where our pockets will be drooping with decoys. Every time the thief insists they be handed the right one, you can say, “Oh..OH… fine… fine… I’ll give you the real one this time.”

Car thievery is another issue Pakistanis face. Unfortunately, the decoy strategy doesn’t work with vehicles. We can’t drive our Hondas with a Mehran following behind via tow.

Thief: “Gari do!” (Give me the car!)

You: “OK, here are the keys to the Mehran.”

Thief: “GRRRRRR”

You: “Oh..OH… fine… fine… I’ll give you the real one this time.”

Yet, in spite of these problems, Pakistanis manage to persevere. Like the poor donkey walking on the street, carrying more weight than the mass of Jupiter, we defy the odds and continue to trudge down our paths.

How do we manage?

Some speculate Pakistanis are extraordinarily resilient. Others claim it is a supernatural entity, like the Abdullah Shah Ghazi shrine, or Mathira’s massive lips, but I think we all know the answer to the question.

Of course, our magical elixir is doodh pati.

In doodh pati lies relief from all of life's miseries – Photo by author
In doodh pati lies relief from all of life's miseries – Photo by author

I come from a chai drinking family. My mother consumes so much tea we have a CNG cylinder for her to drink from. Meanwhile, my working friends, like most red blooded Pakistanis, can’t survive without a dose of doodh pati every few hours. Once, a blood bank rejected a buddy because more doodh pati ran through his veins than blood. True story.

Yes, we love doodh pati, but especially when under stress. One cup of doodh pati and the boss’s barking sounds like a cat’s meow. One cup of doodh pati and you suddenly scoff at your deadline, "Sleep? Who needs sleep? I am perfectly fine. Oh, what are those flying goats doing in the office?"

But while we love doodh pati, we have never asked ourselves about the men who sell the delicious brew.

So, I set off on a quest. I would finally make conversation with the man making my doodh pati for the last five years, learn his story, and ask him to teach me his skill with the pot and kettle.

I prepared for this arduous journey by packing my equipment (read: camera and notebook), seeking counsel with my powerful allies (read: cats), bidding a tearful farewell to my love (who probably began reconsidering our relationship soon after), and preparing my steed (read: checked the car’s radiator).

A two-minute drive later, I was at the Quetta Shahjee Hotel. This dhaba, located very much in Karachi, features a young clean shaven Ali Zafar on its signboard, who carries an innocent smile that says, “Come in and have some tea. Everyone is welcome. Even you.”

Who wouldn't be charmed by Ali Zafar's benign smile? – Photo by author
Who wouldn't be charmed by Ali Zafar's benign smile? – Photo by author

Meeting the chai master

Here, I introduce myself to Abdul Wahab, who with his bushy black beard and ready smile looks like a companion of Gandalf from Middle Earth. Even his black Panda Express apron says ‘Joy’.

A smiling Abdul Wahab agreed to share both his story and the tricks of his trade – Photo by author
A smiling Abdul Wahab agreed to share both his story and the tricks of his trade – Photo by author

I ask this genial man if he’d like to share his story for Dawn Images, and explain how women far and wide will reach out to his handsome self. Smiling, and perhaps momentarily fantasizing about throwing some hot tea on my face, Wahab blushes, “I was married a lifetime ago.”

With his customers waiting, Wahab begins preparing their orders.

What all goes into the magical concotion that is Abdul Wahab's doodh pati – Photos by author
What all goes into the magical concotion that is Abdul Wahab's doodh pati – Photos by author

As he works, he explains that he has been brewing doodh pati for at least 20 years. After completing his education at the age of 15, the age-old knowledge of tea making was imparted to him from an experienced brewer.

Since that day he has worked happily as a chai wala.

Originally hailing from Quetta, Balochistan, Wahab says he moved to Karachi because of the water shortage in his hometown. At this, I wonder how deep Quetta’s water problems are for someone to move to a water deprived city like Karachi.

His dhaba, found on 10th Commercial Street, Phase 4, D.H.A., is usually packed. In the mornings, the eatery serves delicious crispy anda parathas. Meanwhile, doodh pati is available all day. Clients from all walks of life come here for their daily fix, especially from local businesses.

Happy patrons of Quetta Shahjee Hotel attest to the excellent chai brewed there
Happy patrons of Quetta Shahjee Hotel attest to the excellent chai brewed there

Several customers turn to me, unable to hold back praise for Abdul Wahab’s delicious tea. One camera-shy patron prefers to drink it the old fashioned way, from the edge of a saucer. Other, less bashful clients sing praises of how concerns in their daily lives are forgotten for a precious few minutes at this dhaba.

Some like to drink it the old-fashioned way, from the edge of the saucer – Photo by author
Some like to drink it the old-fashioned way, from the edge of the saucer – Photo by author

I have a little sip. As usual, Wahab’s doodh pati is top-notch. The balance between milk and sugar is perfect, while the kick of the caffeine is strong enough to cure Altaf Bhai’s long-running hoarse throat.

Abdul Wahab says he loves cooking tea. At peak hours, he prepares thirty cups a minute. Next, he drops a bombshell, “Yeah, I don’t like the taste of doodh pati. If I must consume tea, I take it long and black.”

The secret recipe

Abdul Wahab teaches me how to make doodh pati. He says the secret is in the ingredients. The milk must be fresh and creamy and the pati should be plentiful. Ultimately, it must be cooked with the right balance.

Having absorbed the teaching, I go home, determined to perfect the art of making doodh pati.

I patiently waited as the doodh pati brewed, eager to taste my first cup – Photos by author
I patiently waited as the doodh pati brewed, eager to taste my first cup – Photos by author

After putting together my concoction the next day, I give it a taste, and am pleased. “Not bad if I do say so myself!”

But who am I, a mere tea drinker, to judge my own creation? No, it must be reviewed by the master himself. Minutes later, I am back at Abdul Wahab’s shop, my doodh pati in a thermos by my side.

I prepare to take my creation to the master – Photos by author
I prepare to take my creation to the master – Photos by author

Abdul Wahab, the good natured man that he is, immediately agrees to taste what I have put together. As his assistant pours out some tea, I ask Abdul Wahab to judge with brutal honesty. He nods, his goodnatured smile not leaving his face.

Out poured my doodh pati, from the thermos to the dhaba tea-cup – Photo by author
Out poured my doodh pati, from the thermos to the dhaba tea-cup – Photo by author

The master decides to have it the old-fashioned way, from the edge of the saucer – Photo by author
The master decides to have it the old-fashioned way, from the edge of the saucer – Photo by author

Finally, he drinks, and I feel like I am a contestant on Masterchef, facing Gordon Ramsey himself.

The master takes a sip, while I waited with bated breath – Photo by author
The master takes a sip, while I waited with bated breath – Photo by author

'Is good,' he says! – Photo by author
'Is good,' he says! – Photo by author

After a few tastes, Abdul Wahab smiles. He says that although the tea is good, I didn’t use as much pati as I should have, and didn’t let it cook long enough, “Aap aik do dafa banay ga to theek hojay gay.” (If you make it a few more times, you’ll get it completely right).

I joke, “Yes, and then I will open a dhaba next to yours.”

Abdul Wahab laughs as if to say, “Bring it on b****.”

How to make doodh pati, according to Master Wahab:

Step 1: Put three cups of water in a pot and leave it to boil. After the water starts bubbling, add a teaspoon of tea leaves. Wait till the mixture cooks.

Step 2: Add 1 cup of full cream milk to the pot, preferably straight from the cow’s teat itself. If you don’t own such an animal, then you can find what you need at a supermarket. Let all the ingredients cook to your judgment.

Step 3: Place the pot on low heat and add sugar if you so desire. After mixing thoroughly on low heat, transfer the doodh pati to a teapot using a filter to hold back the tea residue.

Remember, practice makes perfect! And if you can’t get it right, Abdul Wahab is a drive away.

Comments

Sajjad Oct 29, 2015 02:33pm
Maza aa geya sb.
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Naveed Oct 29, 2015 02:57pm
Love it. I wondered about this this all my life, but never asked the right person as you did. Great insight and I will try to cook it. Our milk is not fresh though but will try anyways.
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Karachi Wala Oct 29, 2015 02:58pm
Looks great, It's been so long since I have had Quetta wali doodh patti. In any of the pictures I do not see small cups without handle. A trade mark of Quetta dhabas.
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Goga Nalaik Oct 29, 2015 03:08pm
Ah, it evokes sweet old memories with my mates in Rawalpindi Purana Qila, College road and Satellite Town commercial market...
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Abhilash Reddy Angeri Oct 29, 2015 03:10pm
After reading the entire artice, i checked more articles from this author.. Gordan ramsay line was at its best and the boss one.... "Bring it on more Author"
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sana-2 Oct 29, 2015 03:14pm
You make me laugh heartily.
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javed Oct 29, 2015 03:20pm
can somwbody tell, whats the exact location of this tea shop?
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Ahsan Oct 29, 2015 03:21pm
An excellent and enjoyable read
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Ravish Ali Oct 29, 2015 03:29pm
Such a nice read. Thoroughly enjoyed :-D
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meow Oct 29, 2015 03:42pm
haha nice one. I am a heavy tea addict but I dont like doodh pati! I like it with less milk ;)
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M.Saeed Oct 29, 2015 03:43pm
As they, there is something called "Jack's spit" that cannot be recreated in any special recipe.
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Umair Khalid Oct 29, 2015 03:47pm
Abs. Lovely post! livened up my day and i feel like having a cup of doodh pati but alas I am stuck with black cofee :(
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zehra Oct 29, 2015 03:50pm
ahh i was just finding the recipe of doodh patti in this blog lmao. the learning point of the blogger is limited with himself. "Abdul chai wala teach me doodh pati but i'll not share with any one else! "
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khanm Oct 29, 2015 03:53pm
At least he should have cleaned the sink...indeed there is no substitute foe doodh putti ... Where there's doodh putti there's hope.I personally think, When you have nobody you can make a cup of tea for, when nobody needs you, that's when I think life is over.
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Kemolican (KEMU) Oct 29, 2015 03:54pm
While living in Hostel at least i have learned how to make a good Tea .i bet if you Have a cup of my tea then you forget your This tea. but anyway Nice Article .
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Ravi Kumar Mandhan Oct 29, 2015 04:00pm
And I read this while having a "Doodh Patti" at my office.
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Adeel Memon Oct 29, 2015 04:16pm
good one. zabardast
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Suhail Oct 29, 2015 04:24pm
Ah, very interesting and very well written. Usually, I do not like reading much but once I started reading this article, could not stop until to the end. The article is funny but full of facts. Really miss my doodh pati along with lachay walay parathay.
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Zak Oct 29, 2015 04:41pm
Enjoyed reading:)
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Sameer Oct 29, 2015 04:42pm
Really miss the doodh patti from Karachi, when not home drink tea without milk, can get the taste close to the taste at home. Chai is habit, and is a means of socializing, chatting over a cup of tea.
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Usman Anwar Oct 29, 2015 04:45pm
What a delightful read. As good as any Doodh Patti from Dhaaba !
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Bilal Oct 29, 2015 04:59pm
Missing the khi tea
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Jaan Bhittani Oct 29, 2015 05:09pm
I miss doodh patti for long time... my Appetite for doodh patti gone highly after ready this story....
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Rabbani Oct 29, 2015 05:17pm
ahahah! Abdul Wahab is a great man ! Nice article, brought happiness while reading at work in Austria.
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khan Oct 29, 2015 06:25pm
I love doodh patti, i make it everyday at my work :)
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AALOOALAY_PIYAZALAY Oct 29, 2015 07:36pm
Why the Khansaab's are molstly the the best Doodhpati maykz?
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Sameer Oct 29, 2015 08:23pm
What a masterpiece of constructive humour! Splendid.
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farhan mahfooz Oct 29, 2015 09:43pm
craving a solid doodh pati with crispy paratha right now..
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Syed Oct 29, 2015 11:21pm
Sweet
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nsh Oct 30, 2015 02:12am
where is the recipe??
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Parveen Oct 30, 2015 03:45am
You make it sound like the best chai in the world.Actually the chai tastes the best if made with love.The chai wala is just doing that.
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Vijay B. Oct 30, 2015 04:07am
Masala Doodhpati is a notch above regular doodhpati.
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Nangyal Oct 30, 2015 06:11am
Ashh reminds me of Peshawar Doodhpati from college days but seems like Quetta Doodhpati is best in the country, I must try it some day, but in the meanwhile let me have my homemade Doodhpati NOW!
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Yasmin Oct 30, 2015 11:49am
So fun to read, Noman! Good read.
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Imran Anjum Oct 31, 2015 12:18am
frankly the only thing i miss in US is the tea from back home in Karachi. True there are far more varieties of tea in US than I ever saw in Pakistan or even knew existed but for some reason the taste, the flavor is just not there. I haven't been to Pakistan in twenty years but i am planning to visit soon. and one of the first things i will do is to go and get a good cup of tea from a chaiwala in saddar, Karachi
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