Islamabad witnesses flourishing trend of coffee outlets

The trend reflects the evolving taste and lifestyle of the city’s residents

ISLAMABAD (APP) – The coffee culture is experiencing a remarkable surge with an increasing number of cafes popping up across Islamabad.

Many independent coffee cafes have sprung up, showcasing local entrepreneurship. 

Not to be left behind, international coffee chains have also recognised the potential of the market as several renowned brands have opened outlets in the federal capital, providing a familiar experience to global coffee enthusiasts. 

Islamabad’s coffee cafes boast diverse coffee menus, offering everything from classic espresso and cappuccinos to specialty brews like pour-over, cold brew, and unique flavoured concoctions. 

According to coffee enthusiasts, this trend reflects the evolving taste and lifestyle of the city’s residents, as well as a growing appreciation for the coffee experience. They said this phenomenon highlights not only the changing preferences of the city’s residents but also the economic and social impacts of the coffee culture boom. 

“The traditional tea culture that has long been dominant in the federal capital is seeing a formidable challenger in coffee. This shift is evident in the increasing number of cafes, each offering its own unique blend of flavours, ambiance, and experiences,” they added. 

In a talk with APP, Dr Naif Al-Otaibi, the Saudi Press Attaché, shared that when he feels fatigued from his official duties, he enjoys unwinding with a cup of coffee at one of the upscale cafes situated in Islamabad’s affluent districts. 

He was of the view that coffee cafes have become more than just places to enjoy a cup of joe as they serve as meeting spots for professionals, cozy corners for students, and social hubs for friends and families. 

Dr Naif said Islamabad’s coffee culture is on the rise, reshaping the city’s social and economic landscape with every passing day and has created numerous job opportunities in the service industry, from baristas and wait staff to managers and chefs.

He said the future looks promising for coffee culture in Islamabad as more people develop a taste for it, adding that the trend is not just limited to the city center; coffee cafes are spreading to various neighbourhoods, making coffee accessible to a broader demographic.

Coffee is more than just a drink; it is a global phenomenon, with over 2.25 billion cups consumed daily worldwide. The economic significance of coffee extends to millions of farmers and labourers who rely on coffee cultivation for their livelihoods.

However, coffee production has often been associated with labour-intensive and challenging working conditions, highlighting the urgency of promoting safe and healthy workplaces within the industry.

Coffee is more than just a source of energy and pleasure; it offers several health benefits when consumed in moderation. According to a study, coffee can boost mental alertness, provide antioxidants, reduce the risk of certain diseases including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes and enhance physical performance.