Famed Pakistani 'chaiwala' to take his tea to London

Tariq Butt

After opening his restaurant in Islamabad, the famous "Chaiwala” Arshad Khan is all set for his chai (tea) outlet in London.

Social media can be a very powerful tool. When used correctly, it can yield fruitful results - so much so - it has the ability to change lives.

"Cafe Chaiwala will Insha Allah open its first café outlet in London at the end of this year," he said.

While the details of his new project are still under wraps, Khan is ecstatic to take his tea to London.

In 2016, a chai vendor made waves on Pakistani social media after he went viral for his striking blue eyes.

The former tea-seller from Islamabad has just opened up his own rooftop café in Islamabad which is now functional.

Khan has named his venture Café Chai Wala, explaining why he didn’t use his own name.

"Many people told me to change the current name and instead name it Arshad Khan, but I refused because Chai Wala is my identity,” he said, adding how he still brews up a storm when his friends want some chai made by him.

Khan’s café boasts traditional and cultural elements, from truck art on the walls, desi straw tables, and chairs, Urdu script, etc.

The menu currently has 15-20 dishes, apart from tea.

In an interview in 2016, the “chaiwala” was asked which celebrity did he think he looked like?

He confidently responded, Shah Rukh Khan!

Shah Rukh Khan retweeted the chaiwala’s answer.

“How sweet is this. Beauty lies in simplicity.” Light skin and eyes are the attribute of many Pashtuns, tribal inhabitants of northwest Pakistan and southern Afghanistan.