Venturing into Specialty Coffee: Tips for Indian Coffee Lovers
Reddit Posts
April 18, 2025
Specialty coffee is becoming more popular in India, but it can still feel confusing or disappointing for beginners. If you've ever tried a cup from a specialty cafe or bought beans online and wondered why it didn’t taste great, you're not alone. This guide breaks down what specialty coffee really is, how to start exploring it in India, and how to avoid common mistakes along the way.
What Does "Specialty Coffee" Mean?
Specialty coffee refers to coffee that is grown, processed, and roasted with a focus on flavor — not just caffeine. It’s the opposite of mass-produced coffee found in supermarkets or vending machines, which is usually roasted dark for a strong caffeine hit but often tastes bitter or flat.
Specialty coffee tends to be roasted lighter, which keeps more of the natural flavors in the beans. These flavors can range from fruity and floral to chocolatey and nutty. However, brewing light-roasted coffee well often requires some trial and error, or the right equipment and knowledge.
In short, specialty coffee is about quality, traceability, and taste — not just the buzz.
The Rise of Specialty Coffee in India
India has a long tradition of growing coffee, especially in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. But for many years, most Indian coffee was exported or used in instant blends. That’s changing now.
A new wave of Indian roasters and cafes is focusing on single-origin beans, lighter roasts, and direct relationships with farmers. Companies like Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee, and many more local roasters are helping introduce specialty coffee to Indian consumers.
Still, the journey to enjoying specialty coffee can be a bit tricky at first.
How to Try Specialty Coffee in India (Without Breaking the Bank)
If you’re new to specialty coffee, a good way to start is by trying easy pour sachets or filter coffee bags from roasters like Blue Tokai, KC Roasters, or others. These are convenient, don’t need any special equipment, and offer a variety of flavor profiles.
Here are a few suggestions to help figure out what kind of coffee you might enjoy:
- If you like fruity, tangy, or acidic notes, try something like a light roast from estates like Seethargundu.
- If you prefer bold, rich, or earthy flavors, a medium-dark roast like Monsoon Malabar may suit your taste.
- If you want a balance between fruity and rich, try a medium roast from estates like Thogarihunkal or Attikan.
Tips for Brewing Easy Pour Bags
Even though these sachets are simple to use, the brewing method still affects the final taste. Here are a few tips to get better results:
- Use hot water, but not boiling. Aim for 90–95°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, boil the water and let it sit for 2–3 minutes before using.
- Start with 150–160 ml of water. Adjust based on your taste. More water can reduce sourness, while less water can reduce bitterness.
- Avoid adding milk at first. Try the coffee black to understand its flavors better. You can always add milk later if needed.
What If You Still Don’t Like It?
If none of the sachets or flavors work for you, try a few from different roasters before deciding. Each brand and estate offers a different taste, and not every bag will be to your liking. But if you still don’t enjoy the experience, that’s okay — specialty coffee isn’t for everyone, and there's no shame in sticking with what you enjoy.
Next Steps: Going Beyond Easy Pours
Once you find a flavor or roast you enjoy, you might want to start brewing coffee yourself. Here’s how to level up without spending too much:
- Start with simple brewing methods like pour-over, AeroPress, French press, or even a South Indian filter. These are easier to master than espresso machines and can still make excellent coffee.
- Invest in a good grinder. A quality burr grinder makes a bigger difference than an expensive machine. Freshly ground coffee improves flavor and control.
- Explore more origins. Try beans from different Indian estates or even from other countries to expand your taste preferences.
A Quick Word on Cafes
While specialty cafes are a good place to try new coffees, many of them — especially during busy hours — prioritize speed over quality. This means the same beans might taste better when brewed at home with care. That said, there are also excellent cafes in India run by passionate and knowledgeable baristas. They're just less common, so it helps to ask around or check reviews before visiting.
Final Thoughts
Specialty coffee is about exploring new flavors and appreciating the craft behind each cup. The journey takes time and patience, but once you find what you like and how to brew it well, it can completely change how you think about coffee.
Whether you're starting out with easy pour sachets or getting ready to buy your first grinder, the specialty coffee scene in India is full of options waiting to be explored.