Pakistan’s tea-loving culture is about to get a taste of something extraordinary as FiLLi Café, UAE’s beloved chai brand, makes its debut in Lahore.
Known for its signature Zafran Tea, FiLLi Café has made a name for itself across nine countries, and now, it is poised to enchant Pakistani tea enthusiasts with its rich flavors and innovative approach. Originating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the cafe has successfully expanded its presence to the United States, UK, Oman, Qatar, Nepal, Mauritius, India and Pakistan.
FiLLi Café comes to Lahore
Lahore, famous for its vibrant food scene and tea culture, is the perfect city for FiLLi’s Pakistani debut. With its legacy of innovation and a passion for tea, FiLLi Café is ready to captivate the city’s tea drinkers.
In Pakistan, where chai is more than just a drink, FiLLi Café’s entry marks an exciting moment for tea lovers. The Lahore café will serve as a bridge between UAE’s modern tea culture and Pakistan’s rich tea-drinking traditions. With its warm ambiance and delicious menu, FiLLi Café promises to become a popular hangout spot for both casual chai lovers and tea aficionados.
Location: Mall 1 on Main Blvd Gulberg, Lahore
What makes FiLLi special?
FiLLi Café is known not just for its chai, but for the entire experience it offers. At FiLLi, they have spent over two decades perfecting the art of tea blends. Their tea, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, promises a sensory experience that is hard to forget.
Signature Zafran Tea: FiLLi Café’s Zafran Tea, which has become the brand’s hallmark, is a delicate blend of saffron and tea that offers a unique, aromatic experience, attracting both tea connoisseurs and casual drinkers. This signature drink is set to be a highlight at the new Lahore location, where FiLLi Café will introduce Pakistanis to its globally acclaimed flavors.
Diverse menu: Alongside tea, FiLLi offers an eclectic menu of snacks and beverages, such as iced chai, milkshakes, bun kebabs, sandwiches, momos, and more.
Story of FiLLi Café
The story of FiLLi Café is as unique as its tea. Rafih FiLLi, the founder and CEO, was given the nickname “FiLLi” during his school days. What began as a playful moniker evolved into the foundation of a successful business.
Rafih’s journey started in 2004 when he took over his father’s cafeteria in Dubai’s Al Mamzar area. A small but impactful decision changed everything—he introduced a cup of milky tea dusted with saffron and named it FiLLi Tea after his nickname.
What started as an experiment with a tea bag became a sensation among regular customers. Word spread, and soon, FiLLi Tea began to gain popularity throughout Dubai. By 2007, FiLLi opened its second branch in Al Mankhool, solidifying its place as a tea destination in the region.
FiLLi — a Global Success Story
From its humble beginnings, FiLLi Café has expanded steadily, growing into a global brand with plans to dominate the tea market. In 2016, FiLLi opened its first franchise in Qatar, marking the start of its international journey. The brand soon spread to other countries, including the US and UK, where it opened its first outlet in Houston, Texas, in 2022. By 2025, FiLLi aims to have 127 stores across the UAE and many more internationally.
With its arrival in Lahore, FiLLi Café is about to make a splash in Pakistan’s tea scene. The café’s unique blend of tradition and innovation will likely add a fresh twist to Pakistan’s tea-loving culture, offering a new take on a beloved beverage.