Coffee shop launch: The well-travelled coffee bean arrives in Islamabad

Grown and roasted in the UAE, the brew promises exotic flavour.

ISLAMABAD: The timing could not have been better. As the mercury dipped close to zero degree Celsius, a steaming concoction of Arabian coffee beans offered Islooites a reason to indulge in the latest brew on the block.

Coffee Planet made an entrance at the up-and-coming F-11 Markaz on Saturday. Neon lights emanated from the cozy interior as waiters balanced trays of assorted hot beverages to go with hors d’oeuvres. Upbeat music added to the casual ambience with people of all age groups filling up chairs and bar stools. Outdoor, some enjoyed sheesha to keep the chills at bay.

It was the first time that Mahad, 10, was having cappuccino. “I like it already,” he said, slurping from his large mug. His aunt, Erum, agreed. “The taste is different from any other coffee I’ve had so far. And in a good way,” she said with a smile.

The new hangout offers a wide variety of beverages and snacks to choose from. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/EXPRESS

Grown and roasted in the United Arab Emirates, the coffee beans have travelled around the globe including Kenya and Malaysia. However, the place is much more than a coffeehouse. The snacks range from chicken and pepperoni pizza slices to full lasagne servings. There are bagels and quiche, fruit smoothies and hot chocolate to top off with a multitude of desserts on the elaborate menu.



The mushrooming of international coffee houses and eateries has given way to a sprawling coffee culture in the capital, noted the former federal minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin. “Outlets such as these are helping Islamabad become a cosmopolitan city, where the young professionals can ventilate after a long day’s work,” he said.



Shariq, one of the brand stakeholders said that the busy commercial centre provided an apt location for the outlet while keeping close to residential blocks. The team plans on expanding the franchise to Bahria Town and Rawalpindi. The chain opened up in Lahore last year.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2013.