Kassaundra Ferm
6 Nov 2025
It’s no secret that I have quite an addiction to good coffee. So, after spending seven weeks in India traversing seven different states, I didn't just find a caffeine fix—I stumbled into an emerging specialty coffee culture that surprised and captivated me.
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| Coffee Bond in Delhi |
I knew I had to write a guide, not just listing my favorite cafes, but exploring this fascinating cultural boom. I’ve seen expanding markets and globalization shift drinking habits around the world, but in India, the rise of specialty coffee is happening at lightning speed. It’s an undeniable phenomenon, most obvious in major international hubs like Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Delhi, which makes sense given their thriving tech industries and high rates of tourism.
What’s driving this change? Before writing this guide, I looked into the history and market projections. Studies show that India’s coffee market is projected to double by 2030, fueled largely by a burgeoning middle class. And this surge isn’t just about economics; it’s about a cultural shift. If you have the economic means to enjoy a precious daily luxury—like an artisanal brew—it naturally surges in popularity. For my fellow Gen Zs on social media, matcha and specialty beans imported from the Ethiopian highlands are a badge of global citizenship. With increasing affordability, the appeal of the café as a cool and communal space has spread rapidly across the country.
The specialty coffee surge is not just a market trend—it's a social and entrepreneurial movement. I was constantly inspired by the people behind the counters. In India, many young people are encouraged to be entrepreneurs, and recent grads are having the courage to buy or start their own shops. As someone still in college, seeing this passion and commitment to craft was truly amazing.
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| Cafe Kassa in Jaipur |
What stood out was the incredible hospitality and the care taken to make customers feel special. These cafes are not just carbon copies of Western chains; they are unique spaces built with a clear mission.
The coffee was surprisingly affordable, yet the quality was top-notch.
Many owners proudly source beans locally, often from India’s own highlands in Karnataka and other mountainous regions.
I could easily sit in a cafe for three hours, working on my laptop, and never feel rushed to leave. That warmth and lack of pressure embodies the best kind of hospitality.
These young owners are always easy to talk to. They share their stories and their passions, aiming to establish a strong community base. I met a former sous chef, for example, who moved back from Europe to start his own bakery in Jaipur, selling whole grain goods and cheesecakes. He left a prospective income stream behind because he was determined to share his craft with his home community. That dedication is everywhere.
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| Jajam in Udaipur |
I have so many memories of cafe hopping with my sister and father in New York City, or walking through Boston with my best friend, carrying our salted maple oat milk lattes. Cafes are where we share our friendship and make peace with the world. The new Indian coffee houses deeply embody that spirit.
Of course, the history of coffee in India has a darker side. It was Baba Budan who first planted seeds in Karnataka after a trip to Mocha in Yemen centuries ago. However, European powers—the Dutch in Malabar and the British in Mysore—later proliferated coffee plantations, exploiting the land and people for profit, a classic example of colonial exploitation.
Today, what is exciting is that the market is expanding as both producers and consumers who are benefiting are, primarily, the Indian people. We are seeing a true emphasis on good coffee owned by the local community—cafes unique to the life and breath of Indian peoples, not just Western style chains.
After all that context, this is why you’re really here! Here is my honest, city-by-city account of the absolute best spots I found—and a few warnings—while traveling this incredible country.
1. Chennai
I wouldn't willingly travel to Chennai again, but finding these spots was worth the effort!
Beachville Coffee Roasters
Beachville Coffee Roasters: My Absolute Favorite! They had a cold brew that was so sweet, flavorful, and citrusy—I still dream about it. The staff even remembered my order.
Bask By Coffee: Delicious, quality coffee with wonderful modern vibes. It was packed on a Saturday, but for a good reason—it’s where the cool young people go.
Sortd Cafe: Such a nice eco-friendly space with top-notch coffee. A perfect, comfortable spot with a genuine communal environment.
Coffee Trotter: This one felt like I was transported back to Japan! Full-on Japanese style with drip canisters and soft Japanese jazz. A must-visit aesthetic.
Qua: Cozy, cool blue vibes, and the coffee was truly delicious. A charming "beach cafe."
2. Pondicherry
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| Cherrypond |
Cherrypond Garden Cafe and Bar: My favorite by far. A new spot with gorgeous red tiles where the kind owner let me camp out for hours to finish my midterm exams.
Bread and Chocolate: Wonderful coffee and great vibes. I sat on the second-floor patio and enjoyed the family bustle below.
Mila's (A Coffee Corner): Very small, Japanese-style annex next to an authentic Roman pizza shop, selling local Arabica beans named after the owner's wife. Super charming.
3. Kochi Fort
I was so happy to arrive in Kochi! I loved the focus on Ayurveda, wellness, and the artsy atmosphere.
Trouvaille: Great beans and a cozy, artsy atmosphere typical of Kochi Fort. A great laptop environment with sculptures and paintings.
Nosh Haus in Jew Town Lila: Oh, such a gorgeous cafe with a beautiful archway, soothing music, and wonderful vibes.
Nosh Haus: Hands down, the best coffee in Jew Town. A cozy, dark cafe run by a guy strumming his guitar and singing live—just good coffee and soul.
Adhira and Appa: A nice franchise on the mainland with great quality and nice vibes—a good welcome to Kerala.
4. Bengaluru
Bengaluru is one of my favorites in India! A true foodie and coffee lover paradise, especially in JP Nagar.
Cherry Bean CoffeeA: A true standout! Sociable, traditional tapestries, and you could choose between regular and specialty beans.
Cherry Bean CoffeeA Kinya Coffee: Very modern, reminded me of New York-style cafes with pale pink walls.
The Kind Roastery Brew Room: A very popular workspace spot for young people working from laptops who are yearning for good coffee.
Katte Kulture: The espresso machine was stellar, and the garden area outside felt like a secret escape from the city.
Happen BLR: A cute, new spot with Vietnamese coffee shop feels, started by two sweet brothers.
5. Udaipur
The Lake City is beautiful, but I was there during a very loud Diwali. These cafes were my sanctuaries!
Backyard Cafe
Mavi Cafe: A true gem—very cozy and quiet. A perfect historical hideaway.
Backyard Cafe: A nice, affordable place that served up wonderful views of the lakes.
Jajam: An oasis—a nice coworking space that looked like a house, with a garden and the coziest vibes.
Aosa Cafe Bakehouse and Roastery: Superb! They had their own roasting machine and felt like a posh place for Indian tourists.
Caffeinate and Chill (Kudos to the owner!): Amazing, specialty coffee in a less touristy area, making it affordable so anyone could enjoy the cup.
6. Jaipur
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| Curious Life Coffee Roasters |
Coffee Network (Raja Park): I was so amazed! I could get a $1.50 cup of delicious black coffee with such good quality in a cheaper area.
Cafe Kassa: I felt swept away. An artsy cafe in a palace connected to fashion and art shops. I loved the garden and the delicious brews.
Carbon: A true gem.
Curious Life Coffee Roasters: A nice original location where you could choose your own bean based on the tasting notes you preferred.
7. Delhi
I stayed in the hipster Green Park area—a huge city with a palpable coffee culture right near Delhi University.
IKVITI (Hauz Khas): A major standout. A state-of-the-art establishment with a zero-carbon emission espresso machine and air filter—very modern and mission-driven.
Cafe Saka Turban Coffee: Run by two girls brewing great coffees for an affordable price right around the corner from IKVITI.
Quick Brown Fox Coffee Roasters: A genuine specialty roasting cafe with stellar beans. I enjoyed sitting at the coffee bar, unbothered and content.
Coffee Bond (Uday Park): A cute outdoor seating area that catered to the locals working at the large AIIMS hospital.
Cafe Saka & Cultured Heartcrafted Brewery: Nice Eastern Asian-themed coffee shops near Deer Park.
It's hard to narrow down the best cafes, but I hope this encourages you to explore India. It’s a country full of so much diversity, charm, and color, and a rise in entrepreneurship that encourages people to feel welcome, comforted, and communal.
All it takes is that first delicious, acidic, citrusy sip of black goodness to warm my heart. Thank you, India, for your hospitality. I love you for all your quirks.
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