The Chaiwala We Wish We Could Import: This Blue-Eyed Pakistani Now Runs His Own Cafe

Remember the blue-eyed chaiwala from Pakistan who broke the internet back in 2016 with his good looks? Well, he’s back to being the talk of the town and it has nothing to do with his dapper style. Arshad Khan is set to open his own cafe in Islamabad, aptly named Cafe Chaiwala Rooftop, and we are loving it.

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A post shared by Arshad Khan (@arshadchaiwala.insta) on Sep 28, 2020 at 10:39am PDT

Four years ago, tea seller Khan was spotted by professional photographer Jiah Ali. Donning a blue kurta that matched his eyes, the ‘Chaiwala of Pakistan’ became a hot topic for his striking looks back then, and #chaiwala went on to become a trend.

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Hot-tea 😉 #seewhatididthere #potd #instadaily #igersislamabad #igerspakistan #instagram #nikon #jiahsphotography #nikonpakistan #vscocam #vscogrid #dawndotcom #shutterpak #etribunepk #vdco #tea

A post shared by Jiah Ali (@jiah_ali) on Oct 14, 2016 at 8:50am PDT

Khan became an internet sensation overnight and landed modelling gigs and acting offers. But the beloved chaiwala is now – sort of – back to his roots with Cafe Chaiwala Rooftop. The restaurant is marked by bright colours and bears a desi aesthetic. “We have used truck artwork to design the café and also placed desi tables and chairs,” Khan told Urdu News. Decorated with fairy lights and furniture that resembles the kind seen at dhabas, the cafe offers 15-20 dishes to choose from along with tea.

While some people suggested that Khan name the cafe after his own name, the former tea-seller had other plans. “‘Chaiwala’ is my identity,” he pointed out.

سوشل میڈیا سے شہرت پا کر ٹی وی ڈرامے میں کام کرنے والے ارشد خان المعروف 'چائے والا' نے اسلام آباد میں ماڈرن طرز کا چائے کا ڈھابہ کھول لیا ہے جہاں وہ خود بھی خاص مہمانوں کے لیے چائے بنائیں گے۔ دیکھیے حارث خالد کی اس ڈیجیٹل رپورٹ میں#Pakistan #Chaiwala #ArshadKhan pic.twitter.com/DomhlfUfAJ

— Urdu News (@UrduNewsCom) October 3, 2020

Khan has been regularly documenting the progress of his cafe on his personal Instagram, and the internet is delighted to learn of his new venture.

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A post shared by Arshad Khan (@arshadchaiwala.insta) on Sep 28, 2020 at 1:12am PDT

Khan’s growth, personally and professionally, is winning hearts all over again.

Such news makes your heart happy 😊😊 https://t.co/WB1XYq10nT

— Rashi Mal (@Rashi_Mal) October 6, 2020

Amazing how far he has come, he looks groomed not only in his looks but the way he speaks. May Allah bless him.

— Syed Zeshan Ahmed (@syedzeshanahmed) October 4, 2020

The best thing I noticed is his humbleness & purity of heart.. Good work MashaAllah.. Keep it up Chai Wala Fantastic!!

— Khawar Akram (@Khawareye) October 3, 2020

The happiest thing I've seen all day. I remember all the mixed reactions from people when he was first discovered. People like Arshad are often laughed about and forgotten, its refreshing to see this boy achieve everything in life while remaining true to himself. So proud🥺❤ https://t.co/pv9mY37f1P

— Noori Poppins (@NuriJaamTamachi) October 4, 2020

Now, this is what we call growth!

So happy to see this video, I was wondering what happened to him. It is wonderful to see that Arshad Khan used his fame to do something worthwhile and long lasting with his life. And that too, in such a positive manner, not forgetting his roots. Wishing him all the best https://t.co/B8rHbXPjxS

— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) October 4, 2020

Khan plans on wrapping up his pending shoots and projects to focus on his cafe. We’re sure people can’t wait to get their hands on some hot tea here.