At Shir Chai, every cup of tea carries a journey—a journey built on family, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of doing things right. Our café isn’t just a place to eat. It’s a space that was built, brick by brick, with real work, real heart, and real intention behind it.
At Shir Chai, every cup of tea carries a journey—a journey built on family, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of doing things right. Our café isn’t just a place to eat. It’s a space that was built, brick by brick, with real work, real heart, and real intention behind it.
The story starts years ago at Silk Road, a family-run restaurant where, believe it or not, the opportunity to make the chai wasn’t even there yet. There were always ideas about what it could be, but back then, no one was listening. It wasn’t until a visit to Afghanistan that the true understanding of what real chai was supposed to taste like came to life. One sip over there, and everything changed. It became clear that it wasn’t just a drink—it was part of who we are.
Hills of Herat was opened in Martinsville with family, finally creating the freedom to make chai the way it was always believed it should be. Endless nights were spent testing recipes—adjusting spices, timing every boil, doubting the process, and starting over. There were moments when it felt like chasing something that might never be caught. Then one day, a batch was made for a wife who knows chai better than anyone. One sip, one look, and the words came: ‘Don’t ever change this.
Since that day, the recipe has stayed exactly the same. It became more than just a drink—it became part of the experience people returned for again and again. And now, with every cup poured, the same feeling of joy and connection is shared one customer at a time.
Later, there was an opportunity to help start another tea-focused venture in New Brunswick. While it found success, the decision was ultimately made to step away and focus on building something that fully reflected the standards and vision behind the craft.
And that’s how Shir Chai was born.
I opened Hills of Herat in Martinsville with family, finally getting the freedom to create chai the way I believed it should be. I spent endless nights testing recipes—adjusting spices, timing every boil, doubting myself, starting over. There were moments it felt like chasing something I might never catch. Then one day, I made a batch for my wife—someone who knows chai better than anyone I know. She took one sip, looked at me, and said, “Don’t ever change this.”
Shir Chai wasn’t opened because it was easy. It was created because it was needed. For too long, chai has been treated like an afterthought—watered down, overloaded with sugar, and placed on menus beside coffee without the care it deserves. That’s not what we grew up with, and that’s not what chai represents.
Shir Chai is about bringing real chai back to the center of the table, giving it the respect, time, and craftsmanship it deserves. Every batch is made the right way—no shortcuts, no compromises. The same goes for the food. Our halal brunch is built on those same standards: top ingredients, traditional techniques, and pride in every plate.
This isn’t a trend. It’s the revival of something real.
I didn’t open Shir Chai because it was easy. I opened it because it was needed. For too long, chai has been treated like an afterthought—watered down, sugared up, and thrown on the menu next to the coffee. That’s not what we grew up with. That’s not what it deserves.
Shir Chai is about bringing real chai back to the center of the table, giving it the respect, time, and craftsmanship it deserves. Every batch is made the right way—no shortcuts, no compromises. The same goes for our food. Our halal brunch is built on the same standards: top ingredients, traditional techniques, and pride in every plate.
Where we come from, taking care of guests isn’t something that needs to be thought about—it’s simply part of who we are. In Afghan culture, when someone walks into your home, they are family. And that’s the feeling Shir Chai was built to create.
Shir Chai isn’t just a café. It’s a place where people gather after a long day, where friends meet to catch up, where someone finds a quiet corner to read, and where every person who walks in feels like they belong.
We’re here to create a space that feels honest. A place that feels like home. A space that’s been missing for too long—and one that was built the hard way, with patience, passion, and persistence.
Where I come from, taking care of your guests isn’t something you think about—it’s just who you are. In Afghan culture, when someone walks into your home, they are family. And that’s the feeling I wanted to build here.
Shir Chai isn’t just a café. It’s a place where people gather after a long day, where friends meet to catch up, where someone finds a quiet corner to read, and where every person who walks in feels like they belong.
Mustafa comes from a family of restaurateurs and brings with him decades of experience establishing, developing, and operating fine dining Afghan restaurants throughout New Jersey. Because of this wealth of experience, Mustafa oversees the day-to-day management of Shir Chai. He is the creative spirit behind the kitchen and café, working closely with the chefs to bring guests the highest quality dishes and beverages. His touch brings the halal brunch menu to life, blending old-world recipes with new fusion concepts. As a New Jersey native with a passion for food excellence, Mustafa remains closely connected to the community Shir Chai proudly serves.
