Asif Khalique takes Arshad Khan’s Café Chaiwala across Britain

Pakistan’s viral tea seller-turned-entrepreneur Arshad Khan’s Café Chaiwala brand has embarked on a major expansion in Britain, opening a new branch in Sutton, South London, with plans for four more outlets within weeks as the brand increases its footprint across the UK.
The global expansion of the viral brand Arshad Khan’s Café Chaiwala is being led by British-Pakistani businessman Asif Khalique, who previously launched the brand’s successful Tooting branch with his brother Yousuf Khalique around three years ago.
Asif Khalique, the UK master franchise holder and director of Café Chaiwala Sutton Limited, was joined by a large number of local community members, the local Mayor and Deputy Mayor and business community in welcoming the opening of famous Pakistani brand and its expansion.
The Sutton launch represents another significant step in the UK expansion of the brand built around Arshad Khan, who became an international internet sensation in 2016 after a photograph of the then teenage tea seller working at a roadside tea stall in Islamabad went viral.
Asif Khalique said: “We are planning a rapid expansion, with four further Café Chaiwala outlets expected to follow as part of efforts to establish the Pakistani café brand across more locations in Britain. We will be opening soon in Norbury, Leyton and New Malden within weeks. There is a huge demand of the brand from all across the UK and Europe.”
The UK master franchise holder Asif Khalique said: “Our menu is about bringing the real taste and atmosphere of Pakistani chai culture to Britain. Chai is obviously at the heart of Café Chaiwala Arshad Khan, and we have something for every taste, from our signature Karak Chai and traditional Doodh Patti to Gurr Chai, Kashmiri Chai, Masala Chai, Badami Chai, Honey Malai Chai and Peshawari Kahwa. But we are much more than just chai. Some of our most popular items are halwa puri and chana, freshly made parathas, desi omelettes, Lahori chanay, seekh kebab paratha rolls, samosa chaat and our shami anda burgers. We want people to come in for a cup of chai but also experience the flavours, food and hospitality that are such an important part of Pakistani culture.
“The response from customers has been fantastic. What makes us particularly proud is that our customers come from many different communities. Our aim is to make Café Chaiwala Arshad Khan a mainstream British brand with its roots and identity proudly connected to Pakistan.”
Arshad Khan expressed enthusiasm over the international growth of the business that carries his name and image.
He said: “I am extremely happy and proud to see Asif Khalique opening another Café Chaiwala Arshad Khan branch in Sutton and taking our brand forward across the UK. Asif has shown great commitment, hard work and belief in our vision of taking an authentic Pakistani brand to an international audience. The opening in Sutton is another important step in our journey, and several more branches are on the way.
“I would encourage anyone in the UK who is interested in becoming part of Café Chaiwala Arshad Khan, opening a franchise or working with our brand to get in touch with Asif Khalique and his team. We want to expand across Britain, create jobs, promote Pakistani culture and take the real taste of Pakistani chai and street food to more communities. I congratulate Asif and his entire team on the Sutton opening and wish them every success.”
Khan’s journey began in 2016 when photographer Javeria Ali photographed him serving tea at a stall in Islamabad. His striking blue eyes and appearance turned the young tea seller into an overnight social-media phenomenon, leading to television appearances, modelling assignments and eventually his move into business.
Arshad Khan had opened his first branch on Ilford, East London, around four years ago but this year he sacked the business owners over several alleged contractual violations and gave full master franchise rights to Asif Khaliq who owns several businesses in London and Karachi.
Arshad Khan has also taken the Ilford branch’s business owners to London High Court alleging copyright theft and non-payment of royalties.