India’s Filter Coffee Has Gained Notoriety Worldwide: An Examination of Its Extended Past

Filter coffee, or “filter kaapi,” is popular around the world and originated in India. It is a really unique coffee experience due to its distinctive taste profile and extensive history.

Filter coffee has a centuries-long history. Although its precise history is unknown, it is said to have originated in South India’s Karnataka during the colonial period. The addition of chicory, a roasted root vegetable that gives the coffee a distinct earthy bitterness, is a clear example of the French influence. In the past, filter coffee was made using a special two-chambered stainless steel filter device. Percolation, the technique of gently dripping hot water over finely powdered coffee powder, is often regarded as the best way to extract the entire taste of the beans. This produces a concentrated product that is tasty and powerful.

Co-founder of Roastea Anurag Bhamidipaty states: “A combination of 70–90% Arabica and 10–20% Robusta coffee beans are utilized in filter coffee. Robusta beans provide a hint of power, while Arabica beans offer a smooth and fragrant background. As was already said, chicory adds a little bitterness that accentuates the coffee’s inherent tastes.

Brewing itself is an artistic endeavor. In the past, sweeteners like jaggery or honey were utilized, but nowadays, white sugar is more often used. A dramatic pouring method provides the finishing touch. A frothy coating is formed on top by repeatedly pouring the hot coffee concentrate back and forth between two pots. Bhamidipaty continues, “This froth, a distinguishing feature of filter coffee, adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth brew.”

In many South Indian homes, the unmistakable fragrance of freshly brewed filter coffee is a familiar perfume that greets guests warmly in the morning. “Filter coffee has become the go-to beverage for office workers nationwide thanks to our vending solutions, which are now accessible to the corporate sector as well. Bhamidipaty concludes, “Filter coffee is a social beverage that is enjoyed with friends, family, and colleagues; its cultural significance extends beyond its taste.”