TDF Ghar, Karachi: A Nostalgic Retreat
TDF Ghar in Karachi is more than just a café; it’s a nostalgic journey into the city’s past. Situated in a beautifully restored colonial house, this unique space offers a serene escape from the urban rush. The exterior, with its classic architecture and lush greenery, immediately sets a tranquil tone.
Inside, the ambiance is warm and inviting, with vintage furniture, wooden accents, and traditional décor that evoke memories of a bygone era. The verandah is a particularly charming spot, perfect for sipping tea while enjoying the surroundings. The outdoor seating, nestled under the shade of trees, adds to the peaceful atmosphere.
What sets TDF Ghar apart is its connection to Karachi’s history. The house is filled with artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story of the city, making it a cultural experience as much as a culinary one. Each room and corner has been thoughtfully preserved, creating a space where the past feels alive.
The menu is simple yet carefully curated, featuring a selection of teas, coffees, and light snacks. The focus is on quality ingredients and authentic flavors, which complement the setting perfectly. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Pakistani tea or a freshly brewed coffee, the food enhances the overall experience.
TDF Ghar also serves as a cultural hub, hosting events like art exhibitions and book readings. This makes it a gathering place for Karachi’s creative community.
In brief, it’s clear that TDF Ghar is a hidden gem in Karachi—a place where history, culture, and relaxation come together. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with the city’s heritage in a...
Read moreA very interesting place that takes you back in time to the Karachi of early 1900s. This is a house that has all the furnishing and fixtures from back in the days, with huge display of old pictures. The place is for Families Only and there is a Rs. 100/person entrance fee. It’s a 2 story building while the rooftop is on 3rd floor is an open rooftop with cafe seating. It’s an old house, so narrow stairways and long steps. The ground floor has a lot of artifacts and common household items put up as display. Plus there is a huge collection of photographs hanging on the walls throughout the house from as early as the 1900’s of Karachi, the city, and it’s landmarks. The pictures really give you a great perspective on the history and development of Karachi as a metropolis. The first floor has paintings of the city and some more artifacts from the yesteryears, along with a documentary viewing room. The second floor has an open rooftop with table and chairs along with a nice view of Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum (Mazar e Quaid). As for the food, this is more of a snack place. Their core items are also Chaat, Bun Kebab, Paratha etc. The service was extremely slow, close to poor. The snacks were good, but pretty bland for Karachi style. There is free street parking adjacent to the house but onwards there is a residential area so during rush hours parking might get tougher. Also as of August 2023 there is some road work happening around the area so getting to the place is...
Read moreA place which is not even known to majority of Karachiites. Century old house converted into cultural hotspot - TDF Ghar, a period house on Saddar's M.A. Jinnah Road has been conserved under The Dawood Foundation, retaining most of its heritage architectural details.
The space has ample seating in the open-air Sehan Café with its old Irani bentwood chairs. The warm yellow colour of the wall and lots of plants with the Champa flower tree ─ iconic to homes of the olden times ─ the sehan makes for a perfect place to relax and unwind over chai and snacks, available at a minimal cost.
The main attraction of TDF Ghar is "The Living Room" museum, which comprises antique artefacts and collectables from as early as 1930s. ─ the living room is a heritage lover's paradise.
The rooftop of the house offers a breathtaking view of the Quaid's mazaar. Its boundary walls are bordered with beautiful flower boxes and a colourful mosaic of the house's original tiles. The roof's walls are also lined with sockets to facilitate those who want to work on their laptops as they enjoy the Karachi breeze and immerse themselves in the city of lights. Since its construction in the 1930s, the house has withstood historic movements like the exit of the British empire and the tumultuous partition of the subcontinent, and has thrived in the volatile city of Karachi.
It is truly a testament to the transformative power of art and legacy in...
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