Instep goes searching for that perfect cup of chai in the capital city this week. Here’s the lowdown on the best spots that you can hang out in, particularly in the month of Ramazan.
It is inevitable that after trying out a few iftars here and there, we are all often broke! Alas, they have become so expensive over the years that I often wonder if they are even worth it. That said having a light iftar at home with the family and then heading out with friends for a cup of classic good old tea, which isn’t too heavy on the pocket either, is something special. Instep went in search of a good old cup of tea (chai) this week and found places that offer delicious tea with equally appetizing quick bites.
Chikachino
If you’re living in Islamabad and haven’t heard of Chikachino, you are probably living under a rock. It is that one place where the young gather in the evenings under a sky of fairy lights for traditional quick bites and variety of chai options. Chikachino takes pride over its handcrafted teas, which include but are not limited to the delicious Kashmiri chai, Zafrani chai, Lemongrass tea, Karak chai, and Babychino tea. Chikachino is also the perfect place to go if you want a crispy samosa, fries, and burger or papri chaat with your cup of tea. Interestingly, it’s open till wee hours of the morning and therefore makes for a great hangout spot for late night post iftar hangout. Easy on the pocket, Chikachino promises a good time and its options will make sure you are spoilt for choice.
Trail 5 Dhaba
If you ask ten true Islamabad residents where to find the best cup of tea, at least seven of them will point their fingers to the Trail 5. The Trail 5 on the Margallah Hills has a dhaba (without a specific name), commonly known as the Trail 5 Dhaba, which serves great tea for the hikers. While it is not recommended to hike post sunset or in the evenings, one can’t rule out this cafe while listing the best dhabas and tea spots in the capital. So the next time you are hiking and want to take a break, make sure you stop by at the Trail 5 Dhaba for their delicious cardamom chai. They also serve pakoras and the space makes for a great quick picnic spot.
Chatthas
While Chatthas serves iftar and sehri, they also serve a delicious classic good cup of tea for those who don’t want anything heavy. This restaurant has a stunning rooftop that is well lit, airy and good for summer nights like the ones we’re experiencing. It is a great place for a cup of tea for more reasons than one but one of them being that while they do serve the classic black tea and green tea; they recognize the need for the traditional gurr wali chai and serve that too. And boy, they do it well! If your hangout prolongs till midnight or later, they’ll be happy to serve you a filling and appetizing sehri as well. What’s most interesting about Chatthas is that it has a wide variety of lassis too – sweet and salty lassi, mango lassi, strawberry lassi, peach lassi (which frankly doesn’t sound too good) and more.
Naan Dhaba
What is a good old cup of tea without some piping hot naan? It is even better when that naan is filled with cheese, chicken, potatoes or even Nutella. Naan Dhaba, located in the shopping hub of Islamabad (F-6), is the place to go to cater to cravings such as these. While there may be many spaces that serve this combo, Naan Dhaba stands unique in its flavors making sure you get the most interesting combinations like the peri peri naan that couples spicy chicken with signatory peri peri sauce, olive mushrooms and cheese to make up for a naan that you won’t forget for days. This is definitely a great late night hangout spot for the post iftar chai but it also serves some traditional and classic sehri midnight onwards.
