Imran Gulzar and Iqra Zahoor: Revolutionizing Matka Chai Culture in the UK

London, United Kingdom – June 27: Imran Gulzar and Iqra Zahoor, a dynamic couple, have brought the traditional South Asian beverage, Matka Chai (strong tea), to the forefront of British culture. Their venture, Cha Sha, has become more than just a café – it’s a vibrant community hub near Wembley Stadium, where people from all walks of life come together, forge connections, and share moments over a cup of tea.

Imran and Iqra don’t just serve Matka Chai; they have created a space where South Asian communities gather to celebrate their culture. Through regular events such as Chand Raat gatherings, Pakistani and Indian Independence Day celebrations, live ghazal performances, and New Year’s Eve countdowns, Cha Sha has become a beacon for family reunions and socializing, all while enjoying a cup of authentic Chai.

Married in 2017, Imran and Iqra decided to introduce something unique to the UK market. The couple recognized the absence of proper tea spots in London’s South Asian communities and decided to open a café that would bring people together over their shared love for Matka Chai. With great enthusiasm, they launched their first café, named “Cha Sha,” which symbolized the daily ritual of asking friends, “Cha? (Would you like some tea?).”

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Wembley Stadium, a landmark known for hosting major football matches and concerts, Cha Sha became a natural gathering place. While other franchises served tea in a conventional way, Imran and Iqra introduced a distinctive experience by offering Matka Chai – a traditional method of serving tea in clay pots, popular in India and Pakistan. This created an authentic, immersive experience that connected people to their roots.

The café’s décor, inspired by traditional Indian and Pakistani truck art, captures the essence of South Asian culture with vibrant colors, antique utensils, and rustic seating arrangements. The atmosphere is completed by music from Coke Studio, evoking memories of home.

Imran, who previously made his name in artist management for South Asian TV channels, is the mastermind behind Cha Sha. His wife, Iqra, is a criminologist with a Master’s degree in international defense and security from the UK Ministry of Defence. Together, they have built a brand that resonates with both the younger and older generations.

Within days of opening, Cha Sha’s popularity soared, aided by word of mouth and the power of social media. People from all over London flocked to the café to taste the signature Matka Chai, and within weeks, demand exceeded expectations. The Matka Chai became an instant hit, attracting people eager to relive their memories of home.

The couple’s Matka Chai differs from traditional tea blends by adding a secret ingredient to enhance the flavor, which has particularly captured the attention of younger patrons. South Asians have been drinking Chai for over 5,000 years, but Imran and Iqra’s unique twist on the beverage has revitalized the tradition.

Imran Gulzar explained, “We chose Wembley as our first location because it is home to a large South Asian community. The response has been overwhelming, thanks to social media and the support from our loyal customers. Our brand has even expanded beyond London, attracting people from various cities.”

Today, Cha Sha operates four branches, with ten more in development across the UK. Each location has a dedicated team of 8-10 members, and the couple is excited about their future expansion plans. “We work as a family. Cha Sha represents unity and care,” Imran added.

The success of Cha Sha lies in its distinct approach to branding and service. Imran continued, “Serving tea in Matkas, as it’s done in rural areas of South Asia, has allowed us to offer our customers something special. We also encourage customers to take the Matkas home as souvenirs, contributing to sustainability by avoiding plastic usage. The leftover Matkas are buried in the soil, where they decompose naturally.”

Imran emphasized that while Cha Sha is popular among South Asians, people of all ethnicities enjoy the tea and snacks, which include popular street foods from India and Pakistan.

When asked about maintaining the café’s unique charm, Imran shared that they are always attentive to customer preferences. “We want Cha Sha to be a welcoming space where families can gather, similar to the concept of a pub, but with a family-friendly twist. We’ve created a halal ‘pub’ where families, including children and elders, can relax and enjoy a cup of tea together.”

Iqra Zahoor explained that Cha Sha has also become a place for women’s groups to meet, discuss their issues, and form strong support networks. “Some women even organize saving groups, while others engage in poetry sessions or book exchanges. It’s heartwarming to see how Cha Sha has facilitated such meaningful connections, even leading to marriages between couples who met here.”

Cha Sha has become a social hub for South Asian students, many of whom reminisce about their home countries while enjoying tea with friends. It has also become a networking spot, fostering relationships and connections among the youth.

Looking to the future, Imran and Iqra are determined to expand their concept across the UK and even into Europe, focusing on areas with significant South Asian populations. Their vision is simple: “In the UK, people go to pubs to unwind and socialize. For South Asians, Cha Sha provides the perfect space to relax, share a cup of tea, and enjoy time with loved ones.”