SPILLING THE BEANS
A coffee lover’s chronicle
by Debashree Chatterjee
Doesn’t matter if it’s the morning dose or the evening shot, coffee is the life line for most of us (if not all of us). I am sure you will agree that coffee plays saviour for an office-goer, who is late for the meeting; a mom waiting for her child outside the play school; or a tourist who just wants to sit and check out the city map for the next destination. There are very few of us who can resist the coffee’s titillating smell or the warmth of the cup in our hands. Delhi is no different. With the growing number of cafes dotting the city, one thing is certain — Delhi’s dedication towards coffee is strong, thick and steadily increasing.
Thinking of getting your cuppa of coffee now, but not sure where to grab it. Here is a list of Delhi’s “Awesome-10”.
BLUE TOKAI COFFEE ROASTERS, Saidulajab
When you think of coffee in Delhi, this roastery with a little café is the one sure-shot target. This coffee chain is spreading rapidly in more cities than one, fast converting the “C for chai to C for coffee”. Made from fresh beans, from estates across India, their brews are to die for. And if you are happy with their cup, you can even buy the beans for some fresh brew at home. With the soothing ambience and a very long list of coffees, all you need is a book and their sea salt cappuccino.
UNITED COFFEE HOUSE, Connaught Place
Address: E-15, Rajiv Chowk, Block E, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Old, regal and charming, this coffee joint in the centre of the Delhi has come a long way (literally) and has influenced the city’s coffee culture. Established in 1942 (before India got her Independence), it was a first of the few places to have offered the people of Delhi the concept of “hanging out over coffee”. Don’t miss out on their signature Cona coffee, and also add a couple of their savouries to go with it. However, with its art-deco interior, it’s more of a vintage restaurant than just a coffee shop, and a “must visit spot” when you are in Delhi.
PERCH WINE AND COFFEE BAR, Khan Market
Address: 71, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Located in the posh Khan Market, this place can impress you in 10 seconds. Doesn’t matter if you are choosing a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, this eatery has many things to offer. Quaint, quiet and warm it has the right mix of classy and casual. Order their top of the list Vietnamese coffee or a cappuccino, along with some cakes or nibbles, and it will become your favourite joint to perch… morning, day or night.
DIGGIN, Opposite Gargi College
Address: No.1 & 2 Anand Lok Shopping Centre Opp Gargi College, Anand Lok, New Delhi, Delhi 110049
With a leafy terrace, brick walls and swings, this casual eatery is a true café. It provides a sudden patch of much-needed green within the concrete castle of Delhi. It’s frequented by students, professionals, travellers, solo on the road… all alike. With a wide menu of Italian fares, you can easily pair your latte with their finger food items, or can go for a sumptuous pizza or risotto. You won’t regret either.
THE BREW ROOM, SDA Market
Address: C-16 floor, SDA Opposite IIT Gate, New, Hauz Khas Enclave, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016
With a long list of coffees on the menu, this cute café with bright wall art is the perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the city. And while you are at it, you might like to try out their side bites as well. Moreover, other than the “oh so perfect” frappes and cappuccino, their delectable Italian, Continental and American food options are a sure A-plus.
THE COFFEE SHOP, Saket
Address: 8, Community Center, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017
You have a thing for cinnamon? This is your spot. Sit back, relax and order your Cinnamon Coffee (very high on my list of love) or a Mocha Frappe at this café. This place lets you chill on your chair with no cares in the world, as the smell of the freshly brewing coffee tingles your nose. You can choose this joint for a long brunch or a quick break, either way, you will be pleased.
AMA CAFÉ, Majnu ka Tila
Address: New Camp, Street Number 6, New Aruna Colony, Majnu-ka-tilla, New Aruna Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110054
It’s one of those cafes, you know you are going to love. Settled in Delhi’s very own Little Tibet, this place offers pancakes, pies, cheesecakes, coffees and warm smiles, all in a happy platter. You feel cozy, calm and at ease here. Don’t miss their famous mud-cake and order as many coffees as you want and it won’t be tight on your pocket, at all. You might just feel like coming back to it after another short spell of bargain shopping in the many shops strewn around the area.
KAFFA CERRADO, Okhla Phase-1
Address: A 77, Pocket D, Okhla Phase II, Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi, Delhi 110020
Go international here… as this café can boast of beans from around the world. Exotic blends or customised cups, you name it and they have it. Known to have some of the best coffees in town, their specialty coffee can really be a peck on the cheek. If you are a coffee lover from the heart and the gut, this is your C-spot.
CAFÉ TURTLE, Khan Market
Address: 23 No, 1st Floor, Khan Market, Khan Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
A heaven for book lovers and coffee appreciators, this vegetarian café-restaurant in the heart of Delhi is a place to be. With its healthy food and beverage options, combined with a nice green ambience, it is all you are looking for. With a bookshop on the first floor and the café on the second, this eatery is a gem. The menu offered is short and homely, and you can try anything you feel like and it won’t be a bad pick, that’s a guarantee.
CAFÉ CULTURE, Greater Kailash -1 M Block Market
Address: 33, Greater Kailash-1, M Block, Greater Kailash I, Greater Kailash, New Delhi, Delhi 110048
Looking for a break from shopping at the market or a break from moving around in the city, this cute little place is my personal favourite. I love everything here… cappuccino, tea infusions, fries, napkins, even their chairs. Grab a book, get a friend or just be with yourself and order their veg/non-veg mezze platter, pair it with the coffee of your choice and you are all set for the day, or night.
