Pakistan, being a country that cherishes the chai culture, has now undergone an unprecedented change in its culture of beverages. The young urbanites have been abandoning their traditional teacups in favor of coffee mugs, and it is an indication of a caffeine revolution that has been experienced in the last decade. This cultural transformation has enabled the coffee shop industry to grow exponentially with numerous international giants and vibrant local brands competing in the market. Starting with snug corners where one can sit down and read in peace, to high social areas, these coffee chains have not only been offering excellent coffee, but have become part of the contemporary social life in the large cities of Pakistan.
The following is a comprehensive overview of the 12 top coffee chains in Pakistan that are leading this brewing trend.
Gloria Jean’s Coffees
Being one of the first chain coffee shops in Pakistan, Gloria Jean has turned into a well-known name. It has a long list of hot, iced, and blended coffees and a large variety of food items, which makes it the place to go to many. The brand promises to use only 100% Arabica beans and the quality that is enjoyed by all its outlets has gained it a loyal following. It is an in demand place for all kinds of casual meetings and a comfortable work place.
Official Website: https://gloriajeanscoffees.com.pk/
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is an American based company, and its establishment in Pakistan has been as a result of its roots which are in Southern California where it offers unique, quality blends of coffee and tea. Its welcoming, modern atmosphere and the menu, which serves a wide scope of tastes, are the distinguishing features of the chain. Along with its traditional coffee products, it is unique in its specialty drinks, as well as the interest in high-quality tea. The availability of the brand in the big cities has seen it become a player in the high-end coffee market in the country.
Official Website: https://www.coffeebean.pk/
Second Cup
Second Cup is a Canadian coffee giant that entered the Pakistani market and gained its fame within a short time. It has a homely, comfortable and contemporary atmosphere that helps patrons to linger. The chain boasts of its large assortment of exclusive coffee blends that have been sourced globally and an assortment of hot and cold beverages, desserts and savory snacks. Its emphasis on building community space has become very popular among the local youths.
Official Website: https://secondcup.pk/
Costa Coffee
Costa Coffee is a British brand, which has found a good foothold in Pakistan through its brand, Mocha Italia. The brand is associated with its commitment to making great coffee and ethical sourcing and sustainability. The stores of Costa Coffee provide a pleasing and elegant environment, and the menu consists of classic drinks and coffee, seasonal beverages and a range of food products, which makes the chain a safe bet when it comes to a quality coffee experience.
Official Website: https://www.costacoffee.pk/
Tim Hortons
The Canadian donut and coffee chain, Tim Hortons, entered Pakistan in a splashy manner, with huge crowds coming when it started its operations. It has a success story of its medium-roast and smooth coffee and value-packed meals. Tim Hortons has managed to incorporate its Canadian heritage with the local culture and provide a fast-service but always high-quality experience. It has rapidly gained popularity as a quick and easy coffee shop or a fast food joint.
Official Website: https://www.timhortons.com.pk/
Coffee Wagera
Coffee Wagera is one of the most prominent locally based success stories; it has grown in a strictly short period of time to become a significant player in the coffee market in Pakistan. The company has a differentiated brand due to its low-cost, social responsibility, and community-focused nature. Coffee Wagera has a reputation for freshly roasted locally-roasted beans and its commitment to the creation of a friendly atmosphere through its free Wi-Fi and co-working areas. It has managed to establish itself as a local brand that has international views.
Official Website: https://coffeewagera.com/
Coffee Planet
Coffee Planet is a brand that is serious about its coffee and it provides a full bean to cup experience. It has introduced an attention to artisanal coffee to the Pakistani market and began in Dubai. It has a reputation of having high quality and ethically-sourced beans that are roasted in house. The stores of Coffee Planet are rather minimalistic and minimal modern, which makes them attractive to coffee lovers who enjoy the art and science of a well-brewed cup of coffee.
Official Website: https://coffeeplanet.com.pk/
Espresso
Expresso is a brand of homegrown coffee chains in Pakistan that made a contribution towards initiating the modern coffee culture in the nation. It is well known to have a high quality coffee and a menu consisting of a blend of international and local dishes. The cafes at Espresso are known to be relaxed and also their menu is not limited to coffee but includes delectable sandwiches, desserts, and breakfast choices.
Official Website: https://www.espressocoffeehouses.com/
Qahwah
Being a specialty coffee brand, Qahwah can be distinguished by adherence to quality, transparency and ethical sourcing. This is a local roastery-café which has become quite reputable in terms of the single-origin Arabica beans. Qahwah targets a sophisticated customer base that is shifting towards the third wave of coffee hinged on quality and careful preparation of coffee drinks.
Official Website: https://qahwahhouse.com/
Red Berry Roasters
Red Berry Roasters is another local player which has established a niche in its high quality coffee and coffee equipment. The brand has a reputation of providing a broad range of whole coffee beans, which gives customers a chance to experience a quality coffee at the store as well as in their residential areas. Its cafes have a friendly atmosphere and menu consisting of espresso-based beverages, pastry and light dishes.
Official Website: https://redberryroasters.com/
S-Café
Another local brand that has become popular with a mission to offer premium and affordable coffee is S-Café. It is named after its origins in Sahiwal, Punjab and has managed to reach wider territories. S-Café is known to offer fresh roasted beans that can be bought and emphasized on giving a great coffee experience at affordable rates.
Official Website: https://s-cafe.pk/
Ideas Cafe
Although it is a section of a bigger retailing brand, Ideas Cafe has gained sufficient popularity among coffee drinkers. It provides a comfortable atmosphere and the menu includes the most common coffee taste such as the Spanish Latte and Hazelnut Latte. Ideas Cafe has managed to capitalize on the popularity of Instagram-worthy cafes and has become the favorite spending place of the young generation to hang out with friends and have a cup of coffee.
Official Website: https://ideascafe.com/
Branch Addresses of Best Coffee Chains in Pakistan
The following is a list of 12 top coffee chains in Pakistan, with a selection of their prominent branch addresses in major cities.
| # | Coffee Chain | City | Branch Address |
| 1 | Gloria Jean’s Coffees | Lahore | 25-B/2 Mian Mehmood Ali Kasuri Road, Block B 2 Gulberg III, Lahore |
| Karachi | Sindhi Muslim Cooperative Housing Society Block A, SMCHS, Karachi | ||
| Islamabad | Nazim-ud-din Rd, F 8/4, The Centaurus Mall (Kiosk), F-8, Islamabad | ||
| 2 | The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf | Islamabad | Plot 16A, Mount View Plaza, F-6 Markaz, Islamabad |
| Lahore | Plot 20-A, Commercial Area, Main Boulevard, DHA Phase 5, Lahore | ||
| Karachi | 12-C, Main Khayaban e Bukhari, DHA Phase 6, Karachi | ||
| 3 | Second Cup | Islamabad | Plot #6, Block-B, Agha Khan Road, F-6 Markaz, Islamabad |
| Rawalpindi | Bahria Town Phase 7, Near Clock Tower, Sector F, Rawalpindi | ||
| Lahore | Fortune Mall, Hussain Chowck Gulberg III, Lahore | ||
| 4 | Costa Coffee | Islamabad | 13-E, Jinnah Super Market, Opposite Union Gold Mall, F-7 Markaz, Islamabad |
| Lahore | 23 Fairways Commercial, Defence Raya Golf Resort, Sector M, DHA Phase 6, Lahore | ||
| Karachi | 6 Shahbaz Commercial, DHA Phase 6, Karachi | ||
| 5 | Tim Hortons | Lahore | 145-MB Main Boulevard commercial lane, Phase 6 DHA, Lahore (Drive Thru) |
| Islamabad | Randhawa Tower, Jinnah Avenue, F-9, Islamabad | ||
| Rawalpindi | Victoria Square, Mall Rd, Saddar, Rawalpindi | ||
| 6 | Coffee Wagera | Karachi | Sands Apartment COM 7, 4, Block 2 Clifton, Karachi |
| Lahore | 98-A, GF Commercial, Chambeli Block, Sector C, Bahria Town, Lahore | ||
| Islamabad/Rwp | Plot #6, Anaya Arcade, Mini River View Commercial, Phase 7, Bahria Town, Rawalpindi | ||
| 7 | Coffee Planet | Lahore | Main Boulevard Gulberg, near Liberty Chowk, Lahore |
| Islamabad | Select One Plaza, Ground Floor, F-11 Markaz, adjacent to Telenor Head Office, Islamabad | ||
| Karachi | Zamzama Commercial Area, DHA Phase V, Karachi | ||
| 8 | Espresso | Karachi | F/43 E St, Block 4 Clifton, Karachi |
| Lahore | Gulberg 3, Kasuri Road, Lahore | ||
| 9 | Qahwah (Local Brand Philosophy) | Karachi | Bukhari Commercial Area, DHA Phase 6, Karachi |
| Lahore | Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Lahore | ||
| 10 | Red Berry Roasters | Lahore | Z Block, DHA Phase 3, Lahore |
| 11 | S-Café | Sahiwal | Main locations typically in Sahiwal and regional cities in Punjab. |
| 12 | Ideas Cafe | Karachi | Dolmen Mall, Clifton, Karachi (Located within the Ideas by Gul Ahmed store) |
| Lahore | Packages Mall, Walton Road, Lahore (Located within the Ideas by Gul Ahmed store) |
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