RELAXING in one of the several cafes dotted across Islamabad is becoming a popular past time among the middle class, especially the youth.

These cafes, where people are found any time of the day sipping one of the many different types of coffee or tea with some sweet or savoury snacks of mostly western origin, are a common escape for many from the stress and strain of studies and work.

“Because it is near to my office, Gloria Jean's Coffees provides an immediate respite for me from my continuous office work, giving me instantaneous energy to carry on working,” says 36-year-old Haroon, a banker who has taken to the cafe's ambience.

An international coffee and coffeehouse chain with stores in over 30 countries, Gloria Jean's Coffees in F-6's Kohsar Market, which has a popular open-air outdoor section, is one of the nearly two dozen cafes to have sprouted in different localities in Islamabad.

The stimulus behind the mushroom birth of these cafes in recent years is a growing middle class craving for places where they can relax and interact over beverages and snacks.

“Despite the exclusive development of Islamabad, in comparison to other cities in the country it is lagging behind as far as these eateries and coffee junctions are concerned.

Here per capita food points are less as compared to Lahore and Karachi,” says 48-year-old doctor, Naseem.

He added, “We have lesser public points to meet and enjoy. Public parks which were once considered to be the integral part of our social life are being replaced with plazas and shopping malls. So these cafes are the best alternative for meeting and interacting with friends and family while savouring the taste of coffee and cakes”.

Some of these cafes serve more than snacks and beverages. Newly opened MJ's Coffee House in F-10's Tariq Market, for instance, specializes in Italian food.

A 28-year-old Italian, Pamik, from the Italian Embassy here says, “There is no other place so calm, soothing and relaxing as MJ's. Sitting here and taking sips of cappuccinos early in the morning makes me feel as if I were at my dining table back home in Italy taking my traditional Italian breakfast”.

Apart from enjoying a quiet time with friends, some people also find these cafes a good place to complete their thesis, conclude a business contract or finalize preparations for an important event.

Other cafes in Islamabad include Cafe Lazeez, Cafe Me'lange, Cafe Bonito, Cafe #991, Clique Cafe, Khaas Gallery Cafe, Masoom's Cafe, Nirvana Cafe, Hot Spot Cafe, Virsa Cafe, Zizou's Cafe, 1969, Brabus, Cinnamon, Sugar and Spice, Rock Bistro, Rendezvous, Mocca, Gia's Deli, Funky Bake, Espresso Lounge and Pappasallis.