Ahti Hussain, who co-owns the Texas-based licensing for operations of the fast-casual restaurant, said his goal is to unite cultures from around the globe and further popularize the concept of a morning tea.
“In our culture, we grew up seeing our parents and grandparents drinking tea,” Hussain said. “Milk tea is pretty cultural. If you go to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, all the Asian countries, tea has become a major part of life. Here—coffee is everything. But in our countries, tea is your go-to for a morning routine.”
Through the success of the Sugar Land eatery, Hussain opened another Filli Cafe in Houston in April and is planning to expand the brand to Dallas by the end of the year.
Each of the cafe’s signature teas are brewed for more than 40 minutes, which Hussain said highlights their quality ingredients and flavor.
Their Zafran tea is made with saffron, which colors the tea with bright red flakes and gives it a subtle, earthy and sweet flavor with floral and honey notes, Hussain said.
“Every Asian restaurant or Indian restaurant you go to will have tea, but the quality, the way we make it, the ingredients—everything is high quality,” he said. “Whenever a person drinks that tea, they can differentiate this as something different.”
Filli Cafe combines Middle Eastern, Asian and U.S. flavors and cuisines for its menu, with items including signature beef burgers and pizzas.
At Filli Cafe, the ambience is just as notable as the food quality, Hussain said.
He said the eatery’s open and airy layout and comfortable furniture promote a sit-and-stay atmosphere. They don’t need to “turn tables” like most other restaurants, he said.
“People come here with their laptops, students come here with their study groups—there's no restriction,” Hussain said. “People can come in and sit however long they want, have a cup of chai and just do their thing.”
- 11920 S. Hwy. 6, Ste. 600, Sugar Land
- www.fillicafetexas.com
