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    Review: Café Chatterbox (Pie in the Sky)

    Written by: Maliha Javed
    Posted on: December 23, 2015 |

    It was the first week of December, and winter had just begun. Craving a cup of warm coffee and cookies in the midst of a rush hour at Zamzama (Karachi), I decided to pay Café Chatterbox a visit – my first one. As I walked in, hoping to find some warmth inside, I gasped softly. Indeed, warmth was what I found, but it was so much more than that – never before had I felt so welcome upon entering a café or restaurant. As I received my coffee, I felt a force compelling me to stay and dine in, and so I did.

    I seated myself in the corner of the small shop (on one of the most comfortable sofas ever), right next to a bookshelf. I felt a sense of intimacy in this area, perhaps partly because there were no waiters standing on my head. The bookworm in me was immediately drawn to one of the books on the shelves, and I began skimming through it. Before I knew it, 35 minutes had passed, and I found myself completely tucked in the corner of the booth, with my second coffee down – perhaps the only thing missing at this point was a large, soft blanket. Soon after this visit, Café Chatterbox became “my spot”, and eventually turned into “our spot” for me and my friends.

    Cafe Chatterbox Karachi

    Café Chatterbox is a small coffee shop that opened back in 2005 inside the eminent bakery known as Pie in the Sky. Its first branch, located in one of the busy streets of Zamzama, has been a beloved spot not just for me, but for many Karachiites. It was one of the first bakeries to introduce the concept of a dine-in café, which initially only served coffee and baked goods, but over the years has introduced main entrées in addition to the famous coffee and bakery items. However, despite the highly reputable food, the ambiance of this little shop is what makes it truly shine, making it my favorite place in all of Karachi to dine in and relax.

    But why specifically this branch? The answer is fairly simple. The Zamzama branch café is designed with such simplicity, in a manner that ignites a feeling of extreme coziness and homely vibes that are often difficult to find in other restaurants.

    Imagine the feeling you have on a cold winter, when you are in your room, tucked in layers of soft sheets in your bed, with scented candles illuminating the dim room, and some ambient music flowing from your speakers to set the vibe in, and of course a cup of delicious hot chocolate to go with it – that romantic, comfy, snuggly, warm, cozy feeling, is exactly what Café Chatterbox somehow manages to generate.

    Cafe Chatterbox Karachi

    One of the most popular dishes at the café, and without doubt my favorite, has been the Chicken Fettuccini, served with a light creamy chili sauce. With just the right amount of spices and perfectly blended chicken, it instantly engulfs one’s taste buds. While the scrumptious sandwiches will never let you down, the Baked Manicotti with Spinach is also highly recommended. Besides the entrees, the Italian Almond Chocolate Torte is definitely worth a try! However, if I had to choose one item off their menu, without regret, it would be their simply made hot chocolate, especially because of the edible spoon that comes along with it.

    Restaurants in Karachi usually aim to produce either a classy fine-dining aura or the characteristic cultural atmosphere, both of which are remote from that warm, homely feeling that one often craves. Thus, if you are ever in the mood to get away from your hectic routine, release some stress, or simply enjoy some alone time, then Café Chatterbox in Zamzama is undoubtedly the place to visit.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021