Coffee and Islamabad are not something one hears together often. After all, Pakistan is a tea-loving country. There is no place for coffee here, considering it is a luxury most Pakistanis cannot afford due to the economic crisis. However, Pakistan’s large urban cities are clearly an exception.
About a decade ago, there were hardly a few good coffee shops in Islamabad and the rest of the country. Today, Pakistan boasts international coffee chains in every major city, including Islamabad. What’s behind the sudden change? For starters, large urban centers represent a niche culture.
This culture has little to do with the rest of the country. With exposure to foreign cultures, urban citizens are not afraid to adopt new practices. Coffee is one such trend. If you Google coffee place in Islamabad, you will realize that there is a never-ending list of coffee shops.
However, not all coffee cafes deserve your money. It is important to discern the quality ones from those that operate only to fleece customers. This article discusses the best coffee shops in Islamabad from where you can enjoy a quality cup of coffee. Some of the names might be international brands, while others are local.
Top Coffee Shops in Islamabad
- The Coffee House
A lot of you might not be familiar with The Coffee House but don’t let it dissuade you from visiting it. Sure, it is not as old as other coffee shops in Islamabad. However, what they lack in operational years, they make up in quality and taste. The barista is more than capable of brewing a perfect coffee cup that you won’t find anywhere else.
Apart from that, you can order yourself some nice snacks to go with the coffee. The Coffee House offers sandwiches, burgers, omelets, and more. The serving size is more than enough to satisfy your appetite. It would be wrong to say that these points are what make this coffee shop the best.
These are hardly points of differentiation. Instead, what makes this coffee shop in Islamabad truly unique is its location. Unlike other coffee shops, this one is not located in a posh area or a Markaz. It is in the I-9 industrial area. You might be wondering how is the location a point of differentiation.
Well, the I-9 industrial area is host to Islamabad’s and Pakistan’s leading IT companies. When you step foot inside the coffee shop, you will notice an altogether different vibe. Professionals from the IT companies in the area are always there discussing their projects, or ideas, or just taking a break.
You can use the opportunity to network with others. Who knows that you may find your next job opportunity or business partner in The Coffee House while sipping on a coffee and eating a sandwich. It wouldn’t be wrong to conclude that you cannot find such a crowd in a coffee shop anywhere else.
- Chaaye Khana
There is no need to even introduce this café due to its immense popularity. One can argue that Islamabad’s café culture is synonymous with Chaaye Khana. It is one of the oldest cafes in Islamabad. With considerable experience under its belt, one can rest easy knowing that they get everything right.
Whether it is a coffee or a proper meal, Chaaye Khana does not disappoint. Sure, the items are a bit pricey but they don’t compromise on quality or taste. It has a dedicated smoking area. It is perfect for those who wish to smoke a cigarette or eve a cigar with their coffee. Not to promote smoking, but cigars and coffee are perfect together.
- Gloria Jeans
You can find Gloria Jeans in almost every sector of the capital. What we love about this coffee place is the crowd. Unlike The Coffee House, this coffee joint has a very different crowd. You will see university students, remote workers, freelancers, corporate employees, and others sipping on their coffee.
This environment is quite immersive. For a moment or two, you’ll forget all about your worldly matters and just enjoy the experience. Another thing about this coffee place is the variety. You can find all sorts of freshly brewed and frozen coffees without any hassle. The only downside is the pricing which is quite high.
- The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
This international coffee chain is a must-try for every coffee aficionado. It offers a wide variety of flavors that suit the diverse needs of locals and foreigners. As an international coffee chain, it is quite vested in sustainability. There is a tonne of information about its ethical sourcing practices.
So, while sipping your coffee at this place, you don’t have to worry about the bean’s origins. One of its most recent offerings, the Texan Chicken Sandwich, is proving quite popular due to its size and taste. When ordering a coffee, we do recommend pairing it with this sandwich for the perfect experience.
One thing that you will find different in this coffee shape is the audience. You will find a lot of foreigners here. It certainly creates a different vibe than any of the other coffee shops in the capital. The high number of foreigners highlights the quality one can expect from The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
- Burning Brownie
Combining delicious desserts with exceptional coffee, Burning Brownie is a must-visit cafe in Islamabad. Their staff are well trained and know how to satisfy a customer. Whenever visiting Burnie Brownie, we recommend pairing it with one of their signature desserts. It will really transform your experience.
What truly sets this café apart from others is the contemporary design. The interior and overall environment is very different from what most people expect from a coffee and dessert shop. Perhaps, it is what makes every experience in the Burning Brownie truly unique and memorable.
Conclusion
Islamabad is much more than a clean and green city. Over the years, it has developed a name for having the best coffee shops. These coffee joints offer a chance to network, enjoy solitude, and just catch up with friends. If you are looking to perk up your day with a perfect cup of coffee, then pay any one of the above places a visit.
Author Bio
Humza Ahmad Barlas is a creative professional and versatile writer with a passion for digital media. With experience in crafting compelling narratives and developing engaging content, he also excels in content strategy and digital marketing, delivering high-quality results. Currently, he is working for a web design company.
