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    Chai Chahiye! Kaunsi Janab?

    Chai Dhabas in Karachi

    Written by: Shahzeb Naeem
    Posted on: July 28, 2015 | | 中文

    Chai Dhabas in Karachi

    Chai dhabas in Karachi are considered to be a secret sanctuary where people come to relax – a sanctuary which does not adhere to the notions of class or background, and where there is a blurring of lines between the rich and the poor, the old and the young. A sanctuary where I would seek refuge after a tiring day at school, during fits of impulsive emotions, or out of sheer boredom. For my close circle of friends, Chai dhabas have facilitated and strengthened our “brotherhood”, as my friends proudly proclaim. In the past few years, we’ve spent countless hours in these safe havens that we now have developed a tryst with.

    Chai Dhabas in Karachi

    Hence, whenever a new chai dhaba opens up in our vicinity, we’re usually the first ones to check it out. In recent months, there has been an upsurge of chai dhabas at various locations in Karachi’s Defence area. This review will focus on Chai Shai and Chai Wala, two of the chai dhabas that have popped up side-by-side in the locality known as Chota Bukhari.

    What distinguishes these two places from other chai dhabas is their target audience. Most chai dhabas cater to an almost universal audience, ranging from beggars to the wealthy waderay ka beta due to their extremely affordable prices (a modest Rs. 20-25 per cup). Contrarily, these two dhabas cater to a more specific clientele, as their Doodh pati costs around Rs. 60, and their Karak chai costs a whopping Rs. 150 per cup. The idea behind this is probably to target a family-oriented audience, and the formula seems to be working quite successfully. As I entered the place and observed my surroundings, I saw drones of families hurdled together in groups as they enjoyed their tea with scrumptious nutella-filled parathas. Indeed, given the scarcity of public spaces in Karachi, as well as growing security concerns, these chai dhabas attempt to fill the vacuum by providing a secure public place for families to relax and unwind. They are also among the few chai dhabas in the city where women can sit outside without feeling uncomfortable or being harassed. Unlike most chai dhabas, which are usually dominated by the male segment of the population, the demographics of this place consist mostly of families.

    Chai Dhabas in Karachi

    Chai Shai is the new kid on the block, which offers a Lollywood-inspired theme as its setting. Chai Wala, on the other hand, offers a truck art-inspired setting as its background.

    These two dhabas differ in several aspects. However, in retrospect, I had a similar experience with both. Both of these places cater to the more affluent class in our society, as they have carved their own niche from the typical “dhaba” experience by imposing barriers on entry through their high prices, offering a ‘cultural’ setting to set up the ambience of the place and having a diverse menu which not only offers chai but various types of beverages, parathas, and even milkshakes.

    Chai Dhabas in Karachi

    For a “launda” like me, though, I would prefer having my Rs. 25 cup of tea from the chai dhaba near my house, since its low-profile and intimate setting satisfies the introvert in me. However, the two dhabas at Chota Bokhari are recommended for people who are willing to pay a higher price for a family-friendly public space where they can sit comfortably and converse with one another over delicious warm chai.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021