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    Food Review: What's New at 'E Street Mews'?

    Written by: Zahrah Mazhar
    Posted on: June 30, 2016 | | 中文

    Interior of 'E Street Mews'

    The last week of Ramadan is here (yes, already) and by now, our palate could use a break from the traditional iftar spread. Luckily for those in Karachi, E Street Mews reopened halfway through Ramadan with a refreshing and innovative summer menu.

    The café, which popped up in Clifton’s Block 4 (home to the popular Xander’s, Koel, and Café Flo, among other eateries) last year, has become a favourite among Karachi’ites since its opening. Could the reason for its popularity be the scrumptious Nutella French Toast, served with fresh cream and crunchy granola? I certainly think so, but just to be fair, let’s dive into a few more delectable dishes.

    Cafe E Street Mews, Karachi

    Nutella French Toast

    Touting itself as a “wholesome kitchen,” the café has mixed complementing flavours and textures for its iftar platter; you’ll find crunchy cauliflower and okra alongside smoked hummus, and harissa chicken that’s been grilled just right. For dessert, there’s sweet mango parfait and an orange scented cake—while the former is a tad bit too sweet for my taste, the cake is light and refreshing (so good, in fact, that I would have liked a bigger serving!).

    The brainchild of Neeshay Rabbani and Amir Tariq, Mews’ menu includes comfort food like mac and cheese, as well the more sophisticated pairing of brie and cranberry in its turkey sandwich. But it was the Korean beef bowl that I had heard rave reviews about: marinated beef in BBQ sauce served with steamed rice, and topped off with a fried egg. The bowl is full of flavour and cooked to perfection, with the beef tender and the egg yolk runny—just the way it ought to be.

    Cafe E Street Mews, Karachi

    Korean Beef Bowl

    One thing I really like about the café’s menu is its sharing nature, which lets you try a substantial number of dishes without overindulging. Here’s an idea of what to tuck into: Trio of Fries (you know it’s a winner when you have truffle in the mix), Sweet and Spicy Wings Platter (it’s okay to get your hands dirty), Crispy Chicken Poppers (from the summer menu—crunchy and delish), and the Tuscan Flat Bread—crispy, hot, and pesto-licious.

    Cafe E Street Mews, Karachi

    Trio of Fries & Siracha Mayo Fries

    Having lighter options on the menu is always a plus, and Mews has zeroed in on the calorie-counting crowd with a healthy breakfast platter and its popular Quinoa Salad. And speaking of salads, the summer menu offers a Mango Flower Salad, which looks super fresh and colourful, and is on my to-try list. The good thing about saving a few calories? You can enjoy the Triple Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie without any guilt—think rich and warm chocolate with a hint of salted caramel.

    Cafe E Street Mews, Karachi

    Outside seating

    Keeping with its name, the café is modelled after a British mews—a row or street of houses or flats that have been converted from stables—with a narrow yet stylish alley, complete with cobblestones, leading to a small courtyard with a fountain. You’ll instantly get a touch of Europe when you arrive at the venue, starting from the London street sign outside that reads ‘E Street Mews F42’. Inside, the natural lighting through the glass walls, high ceiling, and azure blue panelling gives the café an airy feel, making it an ideal summer spot, where you can enjoy the sunshine without being burnt by the scorching sun. Now, isn’t that a sweet deal?

    The café is open from iftar until sehri in Ramadan.


    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