Social media can make anyone a star overnight and change their fortunes. Do you remember the blue-eyed man from Pakistan who went viral in 2016 after he was spotted selling tea? Arshad Khan signed modelling contracts and even appeared in a music video after a photo of him clicked by photographer Jiah Ali went viral. There was no looking back for the “Pakistani chaiwala” since then. He opened Chai Café in Islamabad in 2020 and went on to open three more outlets, two in Lahore and one in Murree. Now, he has opened his Chai Café in East London’s Ilford Lane. “Indulge in the authentic flavours of real, fresh Karak Chai, brewed with love and tradition. No artificial shortcuts here, just the genuine goodness of a ladle-brewed delight. Step into Cafe Chaiwala and savor Arshad Khan’s true chai recipes served in beautifully hand painted clay pots( yes! You can take them home too,” reads the caption of a photo posted on the Instagram page called @chaiwalauk_ak. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cafe Chaiwala Arshad Khan® (@chaiwalauk_ak) When he opened his first Chai Café, Khan named it Cafe Chaiwala Rooftop. In an interview, he explained the reason behind the unique name. “A lot of people have told me to remove ‘chaiwala’ from the name, however, I refused because this is my identity,” he said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cafe Chaiwala Arshad Khan® (@chaiwalauk_ak) According to an ANI report, Khan plans to visit London soon. “My visit is being planned and I would love to brew tea for my loving fans. I have received thousands of requests for a London visit. Our first international Chai shop is now open on Ilford Lane and the response is massive already. With the Durrani brothers, we decided to start from Ilford Lane due to the fact that it's home to a large number of Pakistanis and Indians who love Chai. I will be in London soon in person," he was quoted as saying.
