Pakistan is a chai-loving community, where people rely on multiple cups of tea to function throughout the day. This passion for tea evolved into a fancy chai culture with the emergence of chai places like Chai Master, Fibbi, Chotu Chai Wala, Chai Deewari, and Koyla Chai. These venues provided a space where families and friends could enjoy chai, snacks, conversation, and games, offering an experience that traditional Quetta chai hotels could not.
However, this vibrant chai culture faced a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the lockdowns, a new trend emerged: Dalgona coffee. This whipped coffee became a viral sensation and marked the beginning of coffee culture in Pakistan. As the world gradually returned to normal, coffee shops began to open their doors across the country. By 2023, coffee culture in Pakistan had transformed into a fashion statement. The once chai-centric community started to embrace coffee, with even those who had previously disliked it finding ways to enjoy their personalised brews.
From 2023 to 2024, Google searches related to coffee reflect these shifting trends. Price-related searches are significant, indicating consumer sensitivity to cost. There is notable interest in coffee beans. Searches for different types of coffee, such as “cold coffee” and “black coffee,” suggest a diverse range of consumer preferences. Queries about “coffee near me” indicate a demand for local coffee outlets. There is also moderate interest in coffee recipes and preparation methods, highlighting a growing curiosity about how to brew the perfect cup at home. Let’s dive into the world of coffee in Pakistan and explore how this culture has evolved.
Espresso
Founded in 2004, Espresso is Karachi’s first coffee shop, renowned for its quality brews and inviting atmosphere. Their tagline, “Feels Like Home,” taps into the emotional bond people have with coffee, delivering a relatable and heartfelt message. Targeting young professionals, students, and coffee aficionados, Espresso offers a premium coffee experience in a comfortable setting. Utilising social media platforms, Espresso engages its audience by showcasing its latest offerings and promotions. The packaging features sleek, modern designs with earthy tones, while the logo’s clean lines and elegant font convey a sense of premium quality and contemporary style. Espresso stores boast a cosy, modern aesthetic with comfortable seating, warm lighting, and stylish decor, creating a welcoming environment for customers.
Dunkin’
In 2000, DD entered Pakistan, Dunkin’ Donuts has been a significant player in Pakistan’s coffee scene, long before the rise of coffee culture. Known for its iconic combination of donuts and coffee, Dunkin’ has successfully maintained its popularity over the years. Targeting families and professionals, Dunkin’ engages audiences via vibrant social media content. Its packaging sports bold hues and the iconic logo for instant recognition. Stores offer a casual, inviting vibe with comfy seating and lively decor. This winning formula of prompt service and unwavering quality distinguishes, ensuring its place as Karachi’s go-to destination for a classic coffee and donut experience.
Melbrew
Founded in 2022, Melbrew, a rising star in Karachi’s coffee scene, has quickly gained a dedicated following for its artisan coffee and cosy atmosphere. Known for its tagline “Melbourne’s Finest Coffee,” Melbrew targets young professionals, creatives, and coffee connoisseurs seeking a meticulously crafted coffee experience. Utilising social media platforms, they share visually stunning content that captures the essence of their coffee and inviting café ambience. The packaging boasts a minimalist design with elegant typography, reflecting the brand’s artisan approach. Melbrew’s outlet combines rustic and modern elements, with wooden furniture, purple tones, warm lighting, and tasteful decor, creating a comfortable space. This blend of quality, design, and ambience has helped Melbrew carve out a distinct niche in Karachi’s competitive coffee market.
Shahzaib Khan, the Founder and CEO of Melbrew, shares his journey: “I came to Karachi on holiday in January 2022 and, unable to find a good cup of coffee comparable to Melbourne’s, decided to stay and start Melbrew.” We officially began trading in October 2022 and now have five locations. The design and ambience of our coffee shops are crucial to us; we make sure they are cosy, comfortable, and representative of our brand. We serve top-quality beverages and showcase this by offering unique drinks you won’t find elsewhere, created through our own experimentation. I personally handle customer complaints to ensure we deliver excellent quality beverages and top-notch service.
Coffee Wagera
Founded in 2018, Coffee Wagera redefines the coffee experience in Pakistan, blending workspace amenities with exceptional brews. It offers a welcoming environment with free water, Wi-Fi, and clean bathrooms, encouraging patrons to enjoy these facilities with minimal spend. Supporting women entrepreneurs by adding their products on the menu and by fostering inclusivity and innovation, CW emerges as a hub for collaboration, creativity, and empowerment in Pakistan’s coffee scene.
Mush Panjwani, the Founder of Coffee Wagera, shares his journey: “Having lived in Hong Kong for 20 years and travelled extensively, I often relied on coffee shops for good Wi-Fi, power sockets, coffee, and economical snacks. Back in 2016-17, Karachi had only three popular coffee shops, and I frequently faced issues with Wi-Fi, coffee quality, power sockets, and seating policies. These experiences highlighted a gap in the market: Karachi lacked proper coffee shops. This realisation led me to create Coffee Wagera, Karachi’s first proper coffee shop.
With 30 years of experience in sales and marketing, I focused on creating a product with a WOW factor. To ensure exceptional quality and experience, we relied heavily on organic marketing, with social media playing a supporting role. CW was also the first to hire from the transgender community, reflecting our commitment to equal opportunities.
Our outlet design is functional and cost-effective, making it easy to replicate for franchises. We have 15 successful outlets. A welcoming ambiance is crucial; our staff greet customers with “Asalam Walekum, welcome to Coffee Wagera” cheerfully. We’ve recently revised our logo and added a mascot, Mush Panjwani, symbolising our brand’s personal touch. Our new tagline, ‘Pakistan’s Largest Coffee Brand,’ reflects our growth.
What sets us apart is our co-working space. For just Rs.500, customers can use the space for an unlimited period, enjoying amenities like power sockets, USB ports, free drinking water, comfortable chairs, a power generator, clean washrooms, and beautiful music. We also offer board games and activity sheets for kids, creating a family-friendly environment. Our menu features unique seasonal flavours that aren’t available at other coffee shops.
We focus on values rather than marketing. Our social responsibility initiatives include supporting women entrepreneurs, providing equal opportunities, hiring from the transgender community, offering braille menus for the visually impaired, and learning sign language to communicate with the deaf community. These commitments, alongside our dedication to quality and community, set CW apart.”
Tim Hortons
In 2023, Tim Hortons entered Pakistan with its first outlet in Lahore, drawing massive queues for days and setting a global record for opening day sales, breaking a 61-year-old record. The brand’s iconic red and white logo, featuring a classic coffee cup, exudes familiarity and warmth. Inside, the café offers a cosy ambience with comfortable seating and inviting décor, reflecting its Canadian heritage. Tim Hortons’ unprecedented success in Lahore signifies a monumental moment in Pakistan’s coffee culture, solidifying its reputation as a beloved destination for exceptional coffee experiences.
Costa Coffee
In 2023, Costa Coffee arrived in Karachi, captivating coffee enthusiasts with its exquisite brews and inviting ambience. The response was overwhelmingly positive, as locals embraced its premium offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Costa Coffee’s white logo and elegant font, exude sophistication and quality. The café’s marketing strategies, including social media campaigns and local events, effectively engaged the community, further enhancing its popularity. Patrons are welcomed by stylish modern decor and comfortable seating arrangements, fostering an inviting environment for social gatherings or moments of tranquillity. Costa’s introduction to Karachi’s coffee scene has elevated the city’s caffeinated culture, bringing a taste of international coffee excellence to its bustling streets.
Black Honey
Founded in 2024, Black Honey started at the Karachi Eat Festival and, after its success, began hosting pop-ups. Known for its artisanal coffee and stylish presentation, Black Honey quickly gained a loyal following. Their elegant logo and branding reflect a modern and sophisticated vibe. At various pop-up locations, Black Honey offers a variety of coffee blends and specialty drinks, catering to diverse tastes. This unique approach allows them to create exclusive and memorable experiences.
Rohan Raheem, the Founder of Black Honey, shares his journey: “With a long history in coffee, having studied it extensively and worked as a barista abroad, I wanted to bring my knowledge to Pakistan, leading to the creation of Black Honey. We mainly advertise on Instagram, focusing on community-driven campaigns without paid promotions. Our theme is dark minimalist, combining simplicity with elegance to bring sophistication and class to our brand. Our drinks are unique, made fresh in-house daily to ensure quality and set us apart. We use single-origin Brazilian SCA 86 beans, making us the only café in the area to do so. This dedication to quality and uniqueness defines Black Honey and our approach to coffee.”
TMC
Founded in 2021 and quickly went viral. The unique way they make coffee in the traditional Turkish style and serve it in clay cups created a buzz. This different experience excited people, who stood in long queues to try it and make videos. Their logo, featuring intricate designs and rich colours, reflects the essence of Turkish culture. The excitement around their distinctive coffee-making and serving method has made TMC a must-visit spot in Karachi’s coffee scene.
Bilal Ahmed Sheikh, the Founder and CEO of Turkish Mud Coffee (TMC), shares his journey: “We started Turkish Mud Coffee three years ago to introduce Turkish-style coffee to Pakistan, filling a significant gap in the market. The unique taste quickly captured the hearts of Pakistanis. Despite social media’s role in promoting brands, we relied mainly on word of mouth. Long queues formed, leading us to open two more branches. Karachi Eat helped introduce our brand. We designed our ambience, logo, and a custom coffee stove, creating a Turkish-themed café with a local touch. Our coffee, served in mud cups, is loved for its distinct taste. We also offer cold coffees, frappes, desserts, and sandwiches at reasonable prices. Our journey has been filled with great memories and a strong connection with our audience.”