Famous Cafes on Murree Road

Papa Coffee is one of the most talked-about student cafes on Murree Road. With warm Edison bulb lighting, exposed brick walls, and a carefully curated playlist, it hits every note of the modern urban cafe aesthetic. The in-house baristas take their espresso seriously — you can get a decent flat white or cortado here, something still rare in Rawalpindi. It's a popular spot for NUST and COMSATS students who linger over assignments for hours. The staff rarely rush you out, and the free WiFi is reliably fast.

Chaaye Khana is arguably the most Instagram-worthy cafe on this list. Originally from Lahore, this chain brought Pakistani heritage aesthetics — old Lahori architecture, hand-painted tiles, and antique furniture — to a modern dining experience. The chai here is not your roadside karak; it's layered, aromatic, and served in beautiful earthenware. Their desi breakfast spread — halwa puri, nihari, and anda paratha — makes it ideal for a slow Sunday morning. Expect a wait on weekends: it's genuinely popular and doesn't take reservations.

If your idea of a perfect cafe outing involves a noise level low enough to hear your own thoughts, Coffee Castle is your place. Positioned away from the main road buzz, it has a tucked-away feel that most cafes on Murree Road simply don't offer. The interiors lean contemporary minimalist — muted tones, plants, and soft music. The coffee is well-made and the food menu leans toward Western-style snacks. Many freelancers and professionals treat it as a daily office. The price point is slightly higher than competitors, but the serenity justifies it.

Quetta Bolan Cafe is not trying to be trendy — and that's exactly what makes it great. This no-frills roadside dhaba has been serving thick, milk-heavy karak chai and freshly made parathas to Rawalpindi's working class for decades. The chai is brewed in big deg pots, poured with that frothy pour-from-height technique, and served scalding hot in thick glass cups. Pair it with a butter paratha or an omelette and you have one of the most satisfying — and affordable — breakfasts in the city. No WiFi, no ambiance, just pure Rawalpindi flavour.

Quetta Pakistan Cafe earns its place on this list for one reason above all others: it never closes. Whether you're hungry at 3 AM after a late drive from Murree, or you need chai at 6 AM before an early bus to Islamabad, this place is always lit up and always serving. The menu is simple — chai, milk tea, various parathas, and a few egg dishes — but consistently decent. It draws a diverse crowd of truck drivers, travellers, hospital staff, and students at all hours. If you want a taste of Rawalpindi's real night life, this is it.