There are uncountable reasons to celebrate our beloved country and a new reason has been added to that extensive list much to the delight of Indian coffee enthusiasts. TasteAtlas, a world-renowned Croatia-based experiential travel guide focused on authentic traditional food and beverages has recently ranked South Indian filter coffee third in their list of the ‘Top 39 Coffees In the World’.
I don’t know about anyone else but I’m a firm believer in the fact that the breakfast of champions must include coffee. It snaps you from the dream world back to reality. From being groggy, you turn active with the very first sip, and by the time you finish your first cup of coffee, you are ready to take on the day head-on. From the plantations of Brazil to the streets of Kerala, coffee is a gem of a beverage — a mindful drink to be enjoyed in solitude or as a social lubricant. In other words, it is part of an essential ritual for all wake-up bean aficionados.
However, filter coffee or filter kaapi, as it is popularly known in India, is not like regular coffee. Filter coffee is a drink that's hot, strong, and topped with bubbly froth, containing more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee and also has a distinctively deeper flavor. The flavor comes from its unique blend of coffee beans, most commonly a combination of Arabica and Peaberry varieties, sourced from the verdant plantations of South India. These beans go through a careful roasting method, sometimes with a hint of chicory, to intensify the richness of taste and add a delicate bitterness to the coffee.
The brewing process is immaculate and has been perfected over hundreds of years.
"The slow drip method ensures that the coffee grounds are fully saturated, extracting maximum flavour and aroma without compromising on the smoothness of the final cup. The addition of frothed milk, known as ‘decoction’, further enhances the richness and creaminess of the coffee, creating a sensory experience that captivates the palate."Biswarup Chatterjee, executive chef at Hilton Garden Inn, New Delhi, in an interview with Indian Express
Besides providing the jolt to kickstart your day, South Indian filter coffee, because of its high antioxidant content, also has several health benefits such as improved cognitive function, reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes, heart health benefits, and reduced risk of certain cancers.
Even if you are not a coffee lover, by now, hopefully, I have convinced you to taste the remarkable South Indian filter coffee. Remember, that it takes more time to prepare than a regular cup of coffee or espresso, and no matter how much you love it, it is always a wise decision to consume any form of coffee in moderation.
Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe for making your perfect cup of South Indian filter coffee:
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