Excursion of Tea-Stalls in Anarkali, Lahore

Abstract

This study presents a cultural and socioeconomic exploration of traditional tea-stalls in Anarkali, one of Lahore’s oldest and most iconic bazaars. Through ethnographic fieldwork, including mapping, surveys, and interviews with owners and patrons, the research documents the spatial distribution, operational patterns, and social dynamics of seven tea-stalls in the area. The findings reveal that all tea-stall owners originate from the Swat region, with many connected through familial or village ties, suggesting a migration pattern driven by economic opportunity in Lahore’s informal food sector.

The tea-stalls operate within similar hours (approximately 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM) and primarily serve black tea to a predominantly male clientele consisting of local wage laborers, market workers, and occasional students. Female patrons are rare. Despite their proximity, stalls do not significantly compete with one another, each maintaining a steady daily sale of 100–300 cups. Seating arrangements vary, with some offering benches while others operate as grab-and-go services. The owners display pride in their craft, though some acknowledge occasional customer complaints regarding quality.

The paper situates these tea-stalls within the historical context of Anarkali as a social and commercial hub, reflecting broader themes of urban informality, migration, and culinary culture in Lahore. The study concludes that these stalls are more than mere vendors—they are vital social spaces that facilitate daily interaction, rest, and community bonding in the bustling historic market. Their persistence underscores the enduring role of small-scale food enterprises in shaping the cultural landscape of the city.

Keywords:   Urban Anthropology, Tea culture, Cultural Heritage, Ethnographic Survey