Arshad Khan, famously known as the blue-eyed chaiwala, has once again made headlines with the opening of his cafe, Café Chaiwala Arshad Khan, in London’s vibrant Ilford Lane area, which is home to a significant population of Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis. And, now you have the chance to have tea, personally brewed by the famous chaiwala.
The cafe, brought to London exclusively by the three Asian brothers – Bahadar Durrani, Nadir Durrani, and Akbar Durrani, beautifully blends traditional South Asian elements, including truck art and hand-decorated Vespa, with a modern yet traditional Dhabba-style interior. The overwhelming response from customers has prompted Arshad Khan’s plans to visit London and personally brew Karak Chai for his loving fans.
Arshad Khan said, “My visit is being planned and I would love to brew tea for my loving fans. I have received thousands of requests for London visit. Our first international Chai shop is now open on Ilford Lane and the response is massive already. With the Durrani brothers, we decided to start from Ilford Lane due to the fact that it’s home to a large number of Pakistanis and Indians who love Chai. I will be in London soon in person.”
Reflecting on his remarkable transformation from a destitute teenager selling chai on the streets of Islamabad to an overnight sensation after a viral photograph captured his striking looks and serious demeanor, Arshad Khan expressed excitement about his London visit and the opening of the first international Café Chaiwala outlet on Ilford Lane. The Durrani brothers have big plans for the brand, aiming to establish 50 Café Chaiwala Arshad Khan franchises in the United Kingdom alone.
Akbar Durrani, handling international affairs for the family’s business ventures, explained that London was chosen as the starting point due to extensive market research and business planning, as it is considered the “capital of the world” and attracts diverse communities. The first outlet on Ilford Lane showcases the authenticity of an Asian Chaiwala experience, attracting Indian and Pakistani families daily.
Nadir Durrani, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Ilford Lane cafe, elaborated on the menu, which offers a wide range of traditional desi street food and various types of teas, including Karak Chai, Gurr Chai, Honey Malai Chai, Badami Chai, Kashmiri Chai, and Doodh Patti. The cafe also serves freshly made Chicken Tikka Paratha, Malai Boti Paratha, Afghani Paratha, and a special breakfast menu featuring Mumbai Channay Paratha, Desi Omelette, Sujji Halwa, Papri Chaat, Samosa Chaat, Beef Paratha Roll, and Malai Boti.
The Durrani brothers had secured international rights with Arshad Khan in 2021, and although there was a delay in finding the perfect location, Ilford Lane proved to be an ideal spot for their venture. They have plans to open nearly a dozen more cafes across London, and the work to achieve this goal has already begun.
