In the mood for some ‘disco chai’? Here is how the dhaba’s in Karachi do it!

Nothing beats a dhaba paratha dripping with desi butter and a hot cup of chai on a winter evening in Karachi.

Sara Alam January 18, 2014
Dhaba – a roadside restaurant of sorts – originates from the Indian Punjabi culture. It typically consists of a structure made from mud and wooden planks with charpais and the occasional hookah strewn around. 

A dhaba's tea is always adored among the local Pakistanis. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS A dhaba’s tea is always adored among the local Pakistanis. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS/ FILE

Desi food and ethnic props give these rickety restaurants their rustic environment. Dhabas are a reminder of a simple way of life that has been lost in the mundane affairs of our materialistic society. The dhaba culture has been prevalent throughout Pakistan, particularly in Karachi. And I have seen a shift in the function and status of dhabas from being an after-work hangout for menial workers to the trendy recreational spot that they have become in recent years.

Dhabas in Karachi are now frequented and enjoyed by the rich and poor alike.

Tea is usually consumed at breakfast, during lunch breaks at the workplace, and in the evening at home. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/ EXPRESS Tea is usually consumed at breakfast, during lunch breaks at the workplace, and in the evening at home. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/ EXPRESS



Just an eating-out place?

Although most dhabas attract their clientele with their finger-licking desi cuisine, these cafes have become more than just eating-out places over the last few years. Their patrons frequent them due to their pleasant and homely ambience, delicious food and aromatic chai. People of all ages, social standing and gender have something in particular that they enjoy at the dhaba of their choice. Older people enjoy the comfort and old-school charm while the youth take pleasure in the hookah and chai.

For some, a dhaba serves as a place to unwind after a long day’s drudgery while for others it is a place for fun and frolic.

Hanging out at a dhaba. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS Hanging out at a dhaba. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS/ FILE



Breakfast, lunch or tea?

I have always found it interesting how the time of the day affects the kind of patrons to be found at a dhaba. On a Sunday morning, you may see groups of families and friends enjoying fresh halwa puri for breakfast at a dhaba. On any given afternoon, flocks of students may stop by at a dhaba for tea or an inexpensive and quick lunch while working people may prefer to drink doodh patti at the dhaba closest to their office – instead of drinking the dull, watery tea served in most offices.

And of course, nothing beats hot, aromatic chai with a layered paratha dripping with desi makhan (desi butter) on a chilly, winter evening.

A Dhaba's tea is always adored among the local Pakistanis. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS A Dhaba's tea is always adored among the local Pakistanis. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS/ FILE



Foreigner? You would love our dhaba food!

This craze for dhabas is not just limited to our locals. Even one of my cousins who lives in London, prefers to go to a dhaba rather than an expensive restaurant. Even the best restaurants here have little value for those living abroad and they would rather visit a place unique to our culture.

What better place to visit than a dhaba for that true ‘taste’ of Karachi?

So, one morning we took him to one for some halwa puri for breakfast.

While lounging on the charpai and licking his fingers, he said,
“This is so much better than eating at a five-star restaurant. Would I be able to enjoy myself as thoroughly in a restaurant, with their table etiquettes and fastidious rules? Here I not only enjoy my food, I can even express my enjoyment in the most uninhibited way possible. This is my culture. This is home.”

He even took pictures of the food and the local decorations to share with his friends back in London.

And to end the meal on an appreciative note, he even burped.

Tea is liked extensively among Karachi citizens. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS Tea is liked extensively among Karachi citizens. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS/ FILE



What’s on the menu?

All kinds of local dishes can be found at dhabas including doodhpatibaqarkhanibun kabablassicholaykarhaidaalbiryaniparathasfried eggsamosakachorisarson ka saag and makai ki roti.

You name it and they have it – hot and fresh.

But for typical Karachites, strong and aromatic chai and crispy parathas remain the most favourite items at dhabas.



Is your wallet a tad empty?

One of the things that attracts people to these roadside cafes is that the food is not only delicious, it is also cheap.

Preparation for Lassi. Source: Chai Master Facebook page

At a time when even basic necessities are ‘upping the ante’ in Pakistan, a scrumptious desi meal at such reasonable prices is no less than a blessing in a pricey city like Karachi.

Dhabas (local tea shops) across the country give an insight to the local culture. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS Dhabas (local tea shops) across the country give an insight to the local culture. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS/ FILE



Which dhabas have you visited in Karachi?

Although there are thousands of dhabas across Karachi, the exact number is unknown since they are not registered by the government. Every area has a dhaba – sometimes more than one – of its own. The famous dhabas across Karachi include the Delawala Dhaba in Clifton, Chai Dhaba in Defence, Fakhir Hotel in Bahadurabad, Dhamthal in Federal B Area, Mehran Hotel and New Quetta Hotel in North Nazimabad and Chowrangi wala Hotel in Gulistane Johar.

Dhabas can even be found in university campuses and the Karachi University has its own Sufi Ka Dhaba and Majeed Hotel.

Brewing tea at a Dhaba in Karachi. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS Brewing tea at a Dhaba in Karachi. PHOTO: MAANSAL STUDIOS/ FILE

There is literally a dhaba in almost every corner of Karachi. Their sheer number is testament to their popularity among the locals.



In addition, these cafes provide employment to the thousands of people who move to Karachi in search of a better future. From chefs and tandoors to bus-boys and servers, these dhabas take young men from all over the country into their fold to give them a decent wage and food to eat.

Tea is considered rejuvenating among most Pakistanis. PHOTO: ZAFAR ASLAM/ EXPRESS Tea is considered rejuvenating among most Pakistanis. PHOTO: ZAFAR ASLAM/ EXPRESS



Do you know the ‘cool’ dhabas in Karachi?

And then, there are the trendy, upscale dhabas – the likes of Chai Master and Baba Ka Dhaba. In addition to selling regular dhaba cuisine, Chai Master also serves ‘disco chai’, coffee and Nutella parathas. They even boast a Facebook page.

Source: Chai Master Facebook page



Baba Ka Dhaba serves chai as its specialty and offers hygienic desi breakfast, lunch and dinner at reasonable prices.

Chai Master's Disco Chai. Source: Chai Master Facebook page

The presence of these rustic restaurants has a very strong influence on the people of Karachi. They allow people to step out of their fast-paced life and cherish life’s pleasant and lovable moments while they sip on a cup of steaming doodh patti.



However, as with pretty much everything in Karachi, security at dhabas remains questionable since they are more vulnerable to attacks due to their open and exposed setting.

Our security officials should ensure safety at such places that attract thousands every day for food, recreation and employment – or else we may see this colourful trend of Karachi also dwindle away in the coming years.
WRITTEN BY:
Sara Alam A former intern at the Dawn Newspaper Network, she is currently the Junior Editor of Rock Paper Scissor Magazine. She is a readaholic and loves to write.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (27)

Online food delivery in Karachi | 10 years ago | Reply Karachi is the best city for offering quality food at cheaper prices and even it is liked by all class for refreshment!
Dante | 10 years ago | Reply Thank GOD someone publishes a refreshing read that praises things worthy of praise in Pakistan. Tea is customary for me, after every lunch and dinner. Coffee is over-rated.
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