Arshad Khan, fondly known as «The Blue-eyed Chaiwala,» captured the hearts of people worldwide a few years ago when a photograph of him selling tea at a Sunday bazaar in Islamabad went viral in 2016. Today, he stands proud as he accomplishes a remarkable feat — the opening of his very own café in London. With his dream now a reality, Khan's café, named 'Cafe Chaiwala,' stands tall on Ilford Lane in East London, an area bustling with a dense population of Asians, particularly Pakistanis, Indians, and Bangladeshis.
The choice of this location was intentional, allowing him to establish his first international venture in a community deeply familiar with South Asian culture. Cafe Chaiwala has transformed into a chain of cafes, with additional locations in Lahore and Muree. Going beyond a simple tea shop, the café delights visitors with a diverse menu of 20 dishes representing the rich tapestry of South Asian cuisine.
Since 2016, Khan has kept his followers well-informed about the café's progress through social media, particularly Instagram, where he shares updates and engages with his fans. The café's interior boasts tasteful designs that celebrate South Asian culture. From a hand-decorated Vespa scooter to paintings and graffiti by Indian artists, and traditional truck art, Cafe Chaiwala pays tribute to Khan's humble beginnings as a chaiwala in the streets of Pakistan while providing a modern and inviting ambiance to its patrons.
Khan's journey from a simple tea seller to a café owner was not without its share of challenges. The sudden fame he garnered brought forth numerous modelling and acting offers, leaving him with much to contemplate. Overwhelmed by the rapid rise in popularity, he took a step back from the limelight
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