Speciality Tea
Zafran tea and karak are repeatedly praised, including by a non-tea drinker who liked the saffron flavour.
Chai Wala Cafeteria LLC
International City
Chai Wala Cafeteria LLC is a Pakistani tea house in International City serving karak and speciality teas alongside casual snacks and fast food. Reviews point to the pakora, bun kebab and alu paratha as useful choices, with a small, relaxed setting for tea and a quick bite.
Reputation Score
4.2
★★★★☆
271 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Pakora
Pakora is a standout snack, especially with the house imli sauce or a pinch of chaat masala.
Bun Kebab
The anda shami bun kebab is praised for bringing a Karachi street-food style taste.
Paratha
The alu paratha received a specific recommendation from a customer who found it delicious.
Small Setting
The cafeteria seats about 18 and has small tables and stools, making it suited to a casual tea stop.
Park Nearby
A nearby park lets parents keep an eye on children while having tea inside.
Tips for a Better Visit
Try Pakora. Start with pakora; reviews specifically pair it with imli sauce or chaat masala.
Check Sweetness. If you prefer less sugar, confirm the chai sweetness before ordering; a sugar-free order was reported as sweet.
Check Packaging. For takeaway tea, check the packing before leaving because one customer said all the tea spilled.
Confirm Prices. Ask for the current dine-in or delivery price before ordering, as one review says the two prices differed.
Allow Time. For busy periods, allow extra time: one customer reported a 20-minute wait for a single tea.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Russia V21
Warsan First - Russia Cluster, Dubai
Popular Mentions
Pakoray
Pakoray are described as especially strong with chaat masala on top.
Anday Wala Bun Kebab
This bun kebab was compared favourably with Karachi street versions.
Chicken Steak Burger
A reviewer described the chicken steak burger as juicy, tender and full of flavour.
Chai Zafrani
Chai Zafrani is repeatedly mentioned as a particularly enjoyable tea choice.
Chana chaat
Chana chaat was one customer's favourite among the cafeteria's chaats.
Common Concerns
Hygiene Concern
One recent review alleges months without pest control and reports seeing many cockroaches.
Inconsistent Freshness
Reviews report stale or rancid items, including a hard paratha after takeaway and an unusual smell from a samosa.
Service Delays
A customer reported waiting 20 minutes for one cup of tea, while another described difficulty getting staff to take an order.
Sweet Chai
The tea can run very sweet, and one sugar-free order was reportedly served as regular sweet chai.
Value Concerns
Some customers found prices high, including a reported 12 AED bun kebab and increases after renovation.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Chai Wala Cafeteria LLC is a small Pakistani tea house in International City, centred on karak and speciality teas with a menu of casual snacks and fast food. The clearest draws in the reviews are Zafran Tea, pakora, anda shami bun kebab and alu paratha. Several customers also liked the burgers, including the chicken steak burger.
The setting is compact rather than spacious: one review says it seats about 18 at small tables and stools. A park beside the cafeteria is handy for families, since parents can watch children playing while having tea. Other reviews describe the atmosphere as comfortable or attractive, though conditions and service appear to have varied over time.
There are some practical cautions. Tea may be very sweet, and a sugar-free order was reportedly served sweet. Takeaway packing has also been criticised after tea spilled, while another review mentioned different in-store and delivery pricing.
One recent review raised serious concerns about air-conditioning, freshness and pest control, so it is worth checking the room and food before settling in. For value, expectations should be checked: reported prices include a 3 AED pakora plate and a 12 AED bun kebab, with some customers calling later pricing expensive.