Afghan Chai brings authentic Afghan chai and heartfelt family tradition to the Dupont Circle community. Owned and operated by three siblings — Mirwais Mahmoud, Zaki Mahmoud, and Deeba Mahmoud — their story is rooted in heritage, resilience, and the flavors their mother perfected over decades.
What began as a small farmers market venture in the District and in Northern Virginia has grown into an established food cart made possible through support from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) and the District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSBLD). Their mission is simple: introduce Washingtonians to real Afghan chai crafted with loose leaf tea, fragrant cardamom, and whole spices, far from the overly sweet, syrup-based chai often found at large coffee chains.
Their journey reflects a deeper family legacy — one shaped by their experience fleeing the Soviet invasion and rebuilding a new life in Northern Virginia. Afghan Chai honors both the past and the future, bringing the warmth of home to every cup.
A Family Recipe With Generational Roots
The heart of Afghan Chai is their mother’s chai blend, a recipe passed down to the siblings through memory, repetition, and cultural tradition. Recreating it wasn’t always easy.
“We made the decision to make the chai… and then we were like, all right, we need the recipe — of course Mom was changing it a little bit every time… we had to watch her and document it,” said Zaki Mahmoud.
At the cart, Deeba serves as the brewmaster, preparing chai the traditional way — simmered with loose leaf tea, spices, and time. Every batch reflects the care, patience, and intention learned from the generations before them.
“Mom is really the backbone… we grew up with her cooking for us and making full meals from scratch — we always knew what authentic flavor is supposed to taste like… that’s how we were raised, and we carry that with us as business owners… we want everyone to experience that same real flavor in everything we make,” said Deeba Mahmoud.
The result surprises customers who have never tasted authentic chai. The rich spice, balanced sweetness, and aromatic depth introduce them to a tradition many have never experienced.
Craft, Culture, and Community in a Cup
Afghan Chai is more than just a food cart — it’s a cultural experience that welcomes customers like family. They serve favorites such as their creamy cardamom chai, the undecided chai latte, their bold oat milk chai, and one of their most popular menu items: a dirty chai topped with a shot of espresso.
They also serve Taza Juice, a fresh fruit fusion they call a “dream beverage,” with plans to expand the menu even further.
The siblings speak openly about the values that shape their work ethic — teamwork, perseverance, and humility — qualities learned from their parents.
“We learned our hardworking work ethic from our parents… they were always working, sometimes even holding two jobs because it was a family of seven… and that’s what taught us the importance of working together and staying together,” said Mirwais Mahmoud.
These values guide every interaction with customers, whether serving first time visitors or returning regulars.
From Farmers Markets to a DC Food Cart
Beginning during the winter months presented early challenges. Cold weather meant long days and slow foot traffic, but the siblings remained committed. Gradually, customers interest grew, and word spread about the quality of their chai.
“We were here during a big snowstorm… digging ourselves out… people love hot chai on a cold day… nothing like it — that slowly built up, and then we were like, let’s just keep going with it,” said Mirwais Mahmoud.
With each cup poured, Afghan Chai built community — neighbors, office workers, students, and tea lovers who came in search of something new, comforting, and authentic.
Their long-term goal continues to evolve. They are actively planning to expand their offerings to include Afghan desserts and beverages. They currently sell their packaged chai blend at their cart and online available for nationwide shipping.
“Our chai bags ship nationwide… people order them from all over the country, and hopefully we’ll have even more soon… everyone wants some sort of dessert or pastry to go with the chai… there’s a really good Afghan dessert — a traditional one — and that’s something we’ve been thinking about,” said Zaki.
A Cultural Haven in the Heart of Dupont Circle
Today, Afghan Chai stands as a reflection of family tradition, Afghan heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit. What started with their mother’s cherished recipe has become a growing business built on authenticity, love, and the desire to share a piece of culture with the District.
“People are actually surprised if they’ve never really had chai… People from India or other countries will come and say, ‘Oh wow, I haven’t had this since I was home’… and people here in America who have never tried real chai will say, ‘I didn’t know it tastes like this — I didn’t know this is what real chai is supposed to taste like’… and they’re pleasantly surprised,” said Zaki.
From its aromatic chai to its warm hospitality, Afghan Chai continues to leave a lasting imprint on Dupont Circle.