The Best Indian Brands To Try For Gourmet Coffee

Between instant coffee powders and over processed, far-from-fresh ground varieties, coffee lovers in India have been an unhappy lot for a long time. However, the past few years have seen the rise of several high quality artisanal coffee companies. While nothing may separate Indians from their beloved chai, these six artisanal coffee brands are causing many Indians to rethink how the nation consumes its caffeine.

The Indian Bean

On a mission to promote and increase access to quality Indian coffee, the Indian Bean team has traveled from Nepal to Coorg to scout for the best beans. Their ranges of freshly roasted, fair trade coffees include heady Arabica varieties from Coorg, Kodaikanal and other farms across south India. Try the Bello blend for a rich and strong cup to kickstart your day, or the Melnad blend for a classic south Indian coffee. You can even sign up for a three to six month ‘Coffee Explorers’ subscription pack and get a different The Indian Bean coffee blend delivered to your doorstep every month.

https://www.instagram.com/p/5BzO4UmlIW/

1. Flying Squirrel

Whether you use an espresso machine, a moka pot or a French press, Flying Squirrel is a trusted provider for high quality artisanal coffee beans ground to individual tastes. Originating from an estate in Polibetta, Coorg, Flying Squirrel offers over nine delicious coffees – including a green coffee and a cold brew blend – which you can purchase from their website or from stores around the country. If you happen to be in Bangalore, stop by their brewery in Koramangala for a rewarding coffee-tasting session.

136, 1st Cross, 5th Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWrBHGjB5_7/

Black Baza

Black Baza Coffee Co. was founded with a clear mission: to create a company that conserves forests, wildlife and water by selling coffee. They do so by supporting and creating a market for coffee that comes from biodiversity-friendly farming. This means coffee grown under the shade of lush forest trees, without chemical pesticides and with active re-forestation of wildlife-use areas on farms. Black Baza offers a range of high quality yet affordable Arabica and Robusta coffees, which you can get roasted and ground to your liking.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKxFCk7hZ-o/

2. Halli Berri

Cafe, Indian

Coming from an all woman-owned Kambihalli estate in Chikmaglur, this 100% Arabica coffee is full bodied. Founded by a mother and her three daughters, ‘halli’ means village in the Kannada language. If you’re travelling through Chikmaglur, you can even stay at their estate or stop by their coffee shop, the Coffee Barn Café.

Blue Tokai

Bringing high quality coffee from estates around the country to your doorstep, Blue Tokai is the new best friend of coffee lovers in India. Freshly roasted and ground according to your needs, Blue Tokai’s coffee varieties come from more than ten estates across Karnataka. If you happen to be out of coffee filters or in need of a new French press, you can also purchase a variety of coffee brewing equipment from Blue Tokai’s online store.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWemXrjjjFP/

Seven Beans

An Indo-Italian venture linking Indian coffee planters with Italian roasters, Seven Beans offers seven unique Arabica and Robusta blends. From the full bodied Urja to the delicate Mishta, Seven Beans has something for everyone. With a clear focus on ecological harmony via sustainable farming, Seven Beans also offers the satisfaction of contributing positively to the environment.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWocUgoALua/

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.