London: A young Pakistani entrepreneur has started a "Chai Ada" cafe that offers a variety of Pakistani teas. Tayyab Shafiq, 26, has set up Chai Ada Coffee Shop in Shepherd's Bush, West London, outside Westfield, to sell Asian teas, parathas, biryanis, kebabs and rolls. Decorated with Lahori truck art and located right next to the White City Bus Station, Chai Ada has become an instant hit as the colorful chairs outside – decorated in Pakistani truck art – capture the public's attention.
Shafiq is the same man who made headlines in Britain when he opened a biryani cafe in London using the iconic red phone box. They had to sell the phone box business as the local council and English Heritage did not allow them to continue their takeaway service due to regulatory issues. Shafiq has now come up with another unique initiative but on a bigger scale.
Speaking to Geo News, Shafiq said that he was impressed with the response within a week of the opening of his cafe. The young entrepreneur has decorated his cafe with everything from Pakistani truck art. The ceiling of the shop is decorated with Pakistani truck art umbrellas, while the chairs and tables are brought from Lahore and each table has Ludo games for the customers. Shafiq went to Lahore specifically to work with the artisans for his cafe.
About the variety of tea and food served in the restaurant, Shafiq said: “We have Masala Chai, Elaichi Chai, Cinnamon Chai, while Pink Kashmiri Chai is our top selling item. Along with various chai, we also do Chicken Tikka Wrap, Chicken Biryani, Seek Kebab Wrap.” He added that Samosa and Chai is the most favorite combo of the restaurant.