by MJ
I f there’s one meal of the day we Pakistanis absolutely love to eat and eat some more, it has to be a scrumptious breakfast spread. Or if we are just too busy to indulge in some early morning feasts, the perfect cup of chai would get the job done. Tea has been such a sacred beverage for as long as we can recall. It serves as the holy grail to wearing off the blues, and getting set for a whole day of what may or may not happen, however with our cup of brewed goodness, we tend to take in all of that with a hint of whimsy. This is why chai is important to us in so many ways. And that is why it comes as a major feat for an eatery to even be able to serve it in its absolute perfection. Chaaye Khana has truly established itself as one of the leading brands to actually serve food in its complete authenticity with aroma and flavors coming in perfect proportions. It is a definite chai haven. Many visitors rave about the quality and variety of teas on offer. From classic chai to more exotic blends like rose petal tea, there is something for every palate. The teas are said to be expertly brewed and served in charming teapots and cups.
DHA-Phase1, Islamabad opened a new Chaye Khaana branch. My recent visit welcomed me to a rather familiar sight. The inside was cozy and had a welcoming ambiance. The décor was rustic, thought-provoking, and charming, with wooden tables and chairs, floral accents, and soft lighting. Just the right kind of atmosphere you would want for a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I ordered my regular favorites- a croissant with egg and cheese and a crepe stuffed with scrambled eggs and sausage. The croissant was flaky and had a strong aroma of the pure goodness of egg and bologna meat.
While it is supposed to be having melted cheese, I was a little disappointed to see how that was not the case. Yet it hit the spot and considering the economical woes, a decent croissant is such a win. The crepe was freshly cooked and was filled to the brim with scrambled eggs and bits of sausages. While the scrambled eggs were not as perfectly cooked as you would find in other branches, this dish was truly indulgent for it had the right amount of the divine creamy cheese sauce. I ended with Chaaye Khana’s signature French Toast. A decadent recipe with a subtle gooey center and a side of maple syrup. And fortunately,
it didn’t disappoint. With a cup of their defining doodh patti, my morning visit was not disappointing. A truly poignant place to gather and chat in subtle settings with delectable food.
