LONDON: Pakistani tea seller-turned-entrepreneur Arshad Khan’s Cafe Chaiwala brand has expanded its presence in Britain with the opening of a new outlet in Sutton, South London, as the business prepares to launch several more branches across the United Kingdom.
The Sutton outlet was opened by British-Pakistani businessman Asif Khalique, the brand’s UK master franchise holder. The launch was attended by local community members, business representatives and civic officials, marking another step in the expansion of the Pakistani café brand in Britain.
Khalique said the business plans to open additional outlets in Norbury, Leyton and New Malden within weeks, while a fourth location is also being planned. He said there was strong demand for the brand across the UK and Europe.
“Our aim is to make Café Chaiwala Arshad Khan a mainstream British brand with its roots and identity proudly connected to Pakistan,” Khalique said.
The café’s menu is centred on traditional Pakistani tea and street food. Its offerings include Karak Chai, Doodh Patti, Gurr Chai, Kashmiri Chai, Masala Chai, Badami Chai, Honey Malai Chai and Peshawari Kahwa.
The brand also serves a range of Pakistani and South Asian dishes, including halwa puri and chana, parathas, desi omelettes, Lahori chanay, seekh kebab paratha rolls, samosa chaat and shami anda burgers.
According to Khalique, the UK operation aims to introduce customers from different communities to Pakistani flavours, hospitality and chai culture.
Arshad Khan welcomed the opening of the Sutton branch, describing the development as an important milestone in the international growth of the business associated with his name and image.
Khan rose to international prominence in 2016 after a photograph of him serving tea at a roadside stall in Islamabad went viral on social media. His distinctive appearance, particularly his blue eyes, attracted widespread attention and led to television appearances and modelling opportunities.
He subsequently moved into entrepreneurship and launched his Café Chaiwala brand, which has sought to transform his viral fame into a wider food and beverage business. Khan said the expansion would help create employment opportunities while introducing Pakistani chai and street food to wider communities in Britain.