While looking for the finest cuppas of Coffee in Bangalore, one might get overwhelmed with the number of options available. The city loves its coffee quite passionately. That’s not surprising when you look at the history of coffee growing and consuming in Karnataka. The coffees in Karnataka come from Malnad and the Western Ghats region. Coffee was snuck into India by Baba Budang and started its long journey in his courtyard on the Chikmagalur hills.
From filter kaapi to cold brew and everything in between, the city serves up a mean cuppa. Here we take a look at some of the places you could try this weekend.
THE VINE TIP: Kaapi is a South Indian word for filtered coffee mixed with frothy and boiled milk and made in the traditional Indian filter.
KARMA KAAPI- CAFFEINE STUDIO
Karma Kaapi is tucked away in a quiet corner of South Bangalore and this unsung hero serves some of the best brews in the city. The pour-over at Karma is an art in itself and the flavours burst in your mouth creating an experience that’s sure to bring you back. If you’re in the mood for something cold, try the tonic coffee which is effervescent and wakes you right up. They also roast and powder the coffee at the cafe or supply you with some aromatic roasted beans from the Western Ghats. The powders come in clean, no-nonsense packaging which can be kept as is transferred to a container.
OUTLETS: Jayanagar
NOTE: Closed Mondays
SLAY
If you are stuck in the office and need a pick me up, look no further than Slay coffee. This is the best choice for ordering coffee, as their coffees come in containers which not only look like a piece of art but also serve the purpose of not spilling the beverage or letting it get cold. The Madras mud is their ode to authentic Indian coffee and the flavoured cold coffees are the best answer to a sweet craving in the middle of the day.
OUTLETS: Across Bangalore
NOTE: Best for Coffee Delivery through Swiggy or Zomato
Find the Swiggy menu here, slay.coffee
BLUE TOKAI COFFEE ROASTERS
If you enjoy cold brews, this is a must-try. Blue Tokai makes some full-bodied coffees that just transport you back to the coffee plantations of the Western Ghats. They have a specialty pour over that changes every week. The Koramangala outlet has been the best in my experience. The detailed descriptions about the temperature of the coffee and why it is brewed the way it is, helps consumers enjoy not just the cuppa but the science behind it too.
BEST OUTLETS: Koramangala, Indranagar, Whitefield
NOTE: The cold coffees come highly recommended and Vine approved. The pastries are sinfully tasty and menu designed by another Vine Favorite Copper + Cloves
KALMANE KOFFEE
If you want to taste some authentic filter coffee and want to skip the darshinis of Bengaluru, head straight to Kalmane. With about four outlets in the city, Kalmane boasts of bona fide filter coffees. The Mysuru nugget, which was considered the coffee of the Maharajas, is a must-try at the outlet.
OUTLETS: Phoenix Marketcity, Forum Mall Koramangala, Mantri Square Mall
NOTE: Strongly recommend this place for the filter coffees, skip the food if you’d like the citrus-sweet flavour to last longer on your palate.
THIRD-WAVE ROASTERS
Third Wave is taking over the city and for a good reason! This is the second home for all the freelancers, entrepreneurs, programmers and bloggers. Their Koramangala location has a long communal table that really makes you feel like you are sitting in the Silicon Valley of India. They also do every kind of a brew and pour you can imagine, from cold brew to siphon and AeroPress. Non-coffee drinkers rejoice as well because their matcha latte is one of the best in the city. They also carry almond mylk for all the vegans. Third Wave does not have the best food in the city, but their cakes are actually quite nice! Don’t go there expecting a quiet corner to catch up with the bestie, go for the energy and the vibe that is almost more energizing than the coffee.
OUTLETS: Koramangala, HSR, Indiranagar, Forum Shantinekaten, Sadashivnagar
NOTE: Third Wave terraces are also pet-friendly so no reason to leave the fur babies behind while you are on your entrepreneurial hustle.
www.thirdwavecoffeeroasters.com
Coffee and Bengaluru have been in a torrid love affair for many years now. With the introduction of Coffee roasters in the city, one might feel that the authentic Filter kaapi is drowning in the noise. If you are someone looking for the original Kaapi of the Bengalureans and wouldn’t mind rubbing shoulders; quite literally, with other coffee lovers, here is a list of Darshinis you could try:
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SLV Swadishta – Banashankari
21st Main Rd, Siddanna Layout, Banashankari Stage II, Banashankari, 560070, Swiggy Page
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CTR – Malleswaram
7th Cross Rd, Malleshwaram, 560003, Zomato Page
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Mutahalli – HSR
240, 19th Main, 4th Sector, HSR Layout, 560102, Zomato Page
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Nandini Milk outlet – HSR
39, 14th Main Rd, Sector 4, HSR Layout, 560102
