Pakistan’s love for chai (tea) and samosas is unmatched. Whether it’s a quick evening snack or a leisurely high tea session, these two staples dominate Pakistani food culture. From bustling street vendors to upscale cafés, here’s a guide to the best places across Pakistan to enjoy a perfect cup of chai with crispy, flavorful samosas.
The Culture of High Tea in Pakistan
In Pakistan, “high tea” doesn’t always mean the British-style affair with scones and finger sandwiches. Instead, it’s a hearty, flavorful experience centered around karak chai (strong tea), samosas, pakoras, and other savory snacks.
- Chai Varieties: Doodh Patti (milky tea), Kashmiri Chai, Masala Chai, and Sabz Chai (green tea).
- Samosas: Classic potato-filled, meat samosas, or even fusion versions with cheese or spicy fillings.
- Accompaniments: Bun maska (buttered bread), nimco mixtures, and fresh cream rolls.
Best Places for Chai & Samosas in Pakistan
1. Karachi – The Chai & Samosa Hub
Karachi’s bustling streets offer some of the best tea and samosa spots in the country.
A. Burns Road Samosas & Chai
- Famous for their spicy beef samosas and doodh patti chai.
- Must-try: Keema samosa with mint chutney.
B. Café Lazeez (Tariq Road)
- A legendary spot for buttery samosas and special masala chai.
- Also serves chicken samosas for non-vegetarians.
C. Quetta Tea & Sajji Point
- Known for Quetta-style namak mandi chai (salted tea) and crispy samosas.
2. Lahore – The City of Food Lovers
Lahoris take their evening chai seriously, with countless iconic spots.
A. Anarkali’s Famous Samosa Chai Wala
- A historic spot serving hot, flaky samosas with kadak chai.
- Perfect for a quick high tea break.
B. Café Zouk (Gulberg)
- A more upscale option with fusion samosas (cheese-filled) and premium teas.
- Great for a relaxed high tea setting.
C. Phajjay Siri Paye & Chai
- Famous for samosas with paye (trotters) chai—a unique Lahori twist.
3. Islamabad & Rawalpindi – Twin Cities’ Tea Delights
A. Javed Nihari (Blue Area, Islamabad)
- Not just nihari—their samosas with special chai are a must-try.
B. Jalal Sons (Saddar, Rawalpindi)
- A Pindi classic for crispy samosas and strong Kashmiri chai.
C. Chaye Khana (F-7, Islamabad)
- A cozy café offering gourmet chai varieties and mini samosas.
4. Peshawar – Chai with a Pashtun Twist
A. Charsi Chai & Tikka Spot
- Famous for green tea (kahwa) with meat samosas.
B. Qissa Khwani Bazaar’s Street Vendors
- The best street-style samosas with sulaimani chai.
5. Multan – The City of Saints & Spicy Snacks
A. Shah Shams Chai & Samosa
- A local favorite for extra-spicy samosas and sweet, milky chai.
B. Bundu Khan (Multan)
- Offers high-quality samosas with elachi (cardamom) chai.
Final Thoughts
High tea in Pakistan is more than just a meal—it’s a social ritual. Whether you prefer street-side dhabas or chic cafés, there’s a perfect chai-samosa combo waiting for you in every city.
Pro Tip: Pair your samosa with imli (tamarind) chutney or mint yogurt dip for an extra kick!
Would you like recommendations for best homemade chai recipes or samosas with a twist? Let us know in the comments!
