Chai, Kaafee aur Siasat
Chai, Kaafee aur Siasat is a small coffee house on Mian Mehmood Ali Kasoori Road in Lahore’g Gulberg district that is trying to be many things. Literally translated, chai, kaafee aur siasat means “tea, coffee and politics”.
Breakfast croissant at Chai Kaafee aur Siasat
It opened in 2013 as a type of concept cafe, possibly similar to that of the historic Pak Tea House on Mall Road which has frequented by thinkers and philosophers for decades. Unfortunately, the emphasis here seems to be on the theming, and less on the food and coffee. It’s not the the food and drink is bad – it’s not bad at all – it’s just that it isn’t spectacular, and for a place with “chai, kaafee” in the name, it really could be better.
Chai, Kaafee aur Siasat’s library
What is nice about Chai, Kaafee aur Siasat is the range of books, magazines and other literature which are on offer for patrons to while away the hours. The service is pleasant enough, but again, nothing memorable. When my drink was made wrong, it was promptly replaced, but without much of a smile. The coffee, on the other hand was pretty good – but again, nothing which stands out from Lahore’s growing cafe scene.
Chai, Kaafee aur Siasat cafe latte
Chocolate lava cake (Image: FourSquare)
Chai, Kaafee aur Siasat ought to do well, because its heart is in the right place. A look at the cafe’s Facebook page shows meetings of intellectuals and creative types, so the business is obviously attempting to develop its stature as a place to drink, eat, talk and think; a worthy cause indeed. You can absolutely loll around for as long as you like here – there’s no pushy staff telling you to leave as you work away on your laptop or flick the pages of a good book. However at the end of the day, its the food and drink that patrons are paying for, and I fear that without the right improvements, the siasat of Lahore’s coffee scene could vote with their feet.
Chai, Kaafee aur Siasat (Image: Facebook)
Chai, Kaafee aur Siasat’s outdoor seating area
Details
Food: 6/10
Ambience: 6/10
Service: 5/10
Cost: coffee is Rs. 200 – 400, meals Rs. 400 – 700
3-A/3 Mian Mehmood Ali Kasoori Rd, opposite Hotel One, Gulberg
03125565975
Monday – Sunday: 7am – late
Tea, coffee & politics. Its the Press Club of Lahore, LOL! 🙂
Seems like a pretty ‘okay’ kind of experience, guess you won’t be rushing back anytime soon huh? I like that the rest of the world is catching onto the coffee trend, creamy milk and latte art too. Certainly makes the idea of travel to remote parts more appetising knowing I can be caffeinated.
Yep, basically, trying to be the Press Club of Lahore! (That is also a thing, by the way!!)
There are certainly some really good places for coffee in Lahore…this could be one of them, but until now, it isn’t, unfortunately :/
Oh Tim, oh no! It’s too delicious to be true :). I bet you really enjoyed it :)!!
It was good, but not that good…. much better places in Lahore!
interesting. I dont think Lahore had places like this in 2004!
It certainly does now!! I don’t know if I could live in a city without espresso machines… :p