The brand prides itself over freshly-baked buns that have a crisp, thin crust topped with a mild coffee-caramel coating and a butter-filled centre. PHOTO: MYRA IQBAL/EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
Caffeine buffs can get their fix at yet another café in the capital. PappaRoti, an international confectionery chain, opened a flagship outlet at the ground floor of the Centaurus Mall on Tuesday. A fresh aroma wafted through the air as guests were ushered in at the red-carpet launch.
The brand prides itself over freshly-baked buns that have a crisp, thin crust topped with a mild coffee-caramel coating and a butter-filled centre. Prepared with an exotic recipe of flour and omega-3 enriched eggs, the bun makes for an appetising experience.
Zesty and refreshing, the karak chai is the signature hot beverage on the menu. The Malaysian blend mixed with condensed milk lends the chai a distinctive, rich taste. The chai can be ordered with the bun in a deal or separately for a bigger serving.
Priced at Rs200, the bun can be paired with additional topping for Rs60. Other items on the menu include flavoured chai and coffee beside soft drinks.
First launched in Malaysia in 2003, the brand has over 400 outlets and kiosks across the world including Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, United Kingdom, Australia and now in Pakistan.
Zahdan Retail owns the franchise in Pakistan. “The crunchy layer at the top of the bun is derived from a creamy concoction that has been carefully created with the finest flour and eggs. The word ‘Roti’ means bread in Malaysian language, making the owner of PappaRoti ‘the father of all buns’,” said Zahdan Retail COO Usman Sakrani.
“This is not your regular dhabbay-wali chai and a valuable addition to the café culture of the capital. Also, it is encouraging to see entrepreneurs bring international brands to Pakistan,” said Rezz Aly Shah, the event organiser. On a lighter note, he quipped chai and coffee are like sisters; someone likes one or the other.
Supermodels including Natty and Roshanie tended to paparazzi on the side.
Ali, an A-Level student, seemed to enjoy his cup of chai. He said he would surely be coming again.
Though the art of pastry varies across different cultures, PappaRoti has successfully developed a unique recipe that surpasses cultural diversity and appeals to an international audience. It is no secret that good binds together different cultures and people from various walks of life. Previously, PappaRoti has launched an outlet at Dolmen Mall in Karachi and will launch one in Lahore by July.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2013.
COMMENTS (4)
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@Nadir and Yasir Khan, Relax, my friends. These are just signs of a growing middle class wanting to show off its new wealth. This is perfectly normal. Besides creating jobs, these places are also increasing competition and choices for customers.
200 rupees? Affordable? My Allah, what is this society moving towards? In France, during the days of french revolution, the queen said that if the bread is too expensive, please eat cake. This is exactly what is happening with our society now. The rich are choosing to fill their bellies with something they could make at home for 20 Rs. And instead they could pay that 200 to a poor person.
copy of paparoti... fail!
And whats wrong with dhabbay wali chai? This isnt culture this is consumerism. The overpriced tea and buns are filling the pockets of a corporation, stop the pretence that something has been added to the local culture.