From Beans to Bonds: Embracing the Blossoming Coffee Culture of Bengaluru

In a series of conversations with coffee enthusiasts, we can gain insights into how Bengaluru’s coffee culture is evolving.

Referred to as the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is the centre for technology and innovation. Amidst the city’s tech-driven landscape lies a vibrant panorama of thriving coffee culture. From classic filtered coffee to inventive specialty blends, the city's coffee culture is a fusion of old and new. Enthusiastic individuals striving to enhance the coffee experience play a significant role in this blend of tradition and modernity.

Championing Indian Coffee

Kanavis, the head barista at Nerlu cafe, brings a distinct perspective to Bengaluru’s coffee tableau. Hailing from Manipur, Kanavis, fondly known as ‘Groot - the coffee guy,’ shared how the coffeehouse seeks to spotlight India’s lesser-known coffee roasters. 

“Bengaluru is the heart of coffee in India,” he asserted. Intending to introduce Indian coffee to a broader audience, Nerlu Cafe shines as a beacon of innovation, championing small roasters nationwide. It’s an ode to the 70% of Indian coffee grown in Karnataka’s Chikmagalur, making Bengaluru the core of this coffee renaissance. 

Embracing Coffee as a Lifestyle

Santhosh Narendran Photography

Driven by curiosity to immerse herself in a vibrant coffee culture, Nehal moved from Gujarat to Bengaluru. As a barista at Ground Up, one of Bengaluru’s eminent specialty cafes, she observes a growing reliance on coffee as an essential part of people’s lives. For Nehal, coffee is not just a beverage but also a source of energy and an integral part of the city’s fast-paced lifestyle. “Coffee will become indispensable to Bengaluru’s dynamic lifestyle within the next few years,” she added. 

Where Coffee Meets Photography

The man behind the lens having his favorite cup of joe

Santosh Narendran, a photographer and homebrewer, captures the close bond between coffee and lifestyle. His journey into specialty coffee began six years ago, intertwining with his passion for photography. Growing up in South India exposed him to filter coffee, connecting the tradition with Bengaluru's diverse coffee culture.

Narendran believes Bengaluru is India’s coffee capital. He has witnessed a surge in coffee engagement, from competitions like the Aeropress Championship to an increasing acceptance of the coffee lifestyle. He emphasised the importance of serving a good cup of coffee to all, irrespective of their familiarity with coffee jargon.

Bengaluru’s coffee revolution extends beyond the beans themselves. He recognised the symbiotic relationship between coffee culture and the city’s thriving creative setting. With a surge of artists, writers, and freelancers, he added that cafes have become more than places to savour a cup; they’re vibrant hubs of inspiration and collaboration.

Among his favourites, Ground Up Coffee, Nerlu Cafe, and Coffee Mechanics stand out for their exceptional brews and unique approaches. With its single-origin estate coffees, Ground Up Coffee holds sentimental value for Narendran as it marked the inception of his photography career. Meanwhile, the allure of discovering diverse Indian coffees draws him back to Nerlu Cafe time and again.

Brewing Transformation: From Basic to Pro 

Geetu Mohnani - Instagram

Geetu Mohnani, the Chief Operations Officer of The Caffeine Baar, highlighted the city’s evolution from Hatti Kaapi to a diverse array of roasteries and coffee shops. “Bengaluru’s coffee culture has blossomed from primary automatic machines to semi-automatics operated by skilled baristas,” she said. This shift has elevated coffee’s quality and created a trend of investing in homebrewing and exploring cafes.

A culture brewed for everyone

Video Source - Parmit Dabbas / instagram

From nutty to fruity and from floral to balanced, Bengaluru’s coffee culture is evolving, transcending traditional flavours. Nerlu, Ground Up, Ainmane, The Caffeine Baar, Open Door Coffee Co, and many other cafes form the heartbeat of this blooming culture. They offer more than just coffee. They create camaraderie, dialogue, and exploration spaces.

The city’s coffee enthusiasts are participating in events and competitions like the Women’s Coffee Brewer Championship and the Indian Aeropress Championship, making coffee appreciation a vibrant and interactive experience.

Karnataka’s dominance in coffee cultivation, coupled with its startup culture, has contributed to Bengaluru’s coffee popularity, said Parmit Dabbas, a coffee connoisseur and digital marketeer. He added that the city's age-old practice of relishing filter coffee integrates smoothly with contemporary coffee trends, resulting in a distinctive and lasting experience.

Brewing at home 

Video Source - Melowshot / Instagram

The relationship between Bengaluru's homebrewing community and the city's coffee culture is a fascinating two-way street where both nurture and inspire the other, opined Dabbas.

Dabbas said, “Firstly, coffee culture in the city has significantly impacted the city’s homebrewing enthusiasts. The proliferation of specialty coffee shops, offering a variety of beans and brewing methods, has elevated the preferences of coffee consumers.”

He added that homebrewers share techniques on social media, igniting creativity among baristas and cafe owners. Cafes acknowledge this community by arranging workshops, tasting sessions, and platforms for enthusiasts, and this camaraderie enriches Bengaluru’s coffee culture.

Cafes as Community Spaces 

The Kind Cafe - Santhosh Narendran Photography

Cafes in the city play a pivotal role as community spaces, fostering relationships, dialogue, and innovation. Dabbas stressed how these cafes bring together people from diverse backgrounds, serving as melting pots of cultures, languages, and traditions. In a world where connections are increasingly virtual, Bengaluru’s coffeehouses offer a tangible space for meaningful interactions.

“Coffee shapes this city’s social fabric by fostering connections, promoting cultural exchange, fueling creativity and entrepreneurship. This leads to energising the youth, supporting communities, and preserving tradition,” said Dabbas.

He envisions a future where Bengaluru’s coffee culture continues to evolve and diversify. Sustainability and ethical sourcing in coffee will become paramount, reflecting a growing global consciousness.

Something’s Brewing Experience Centre

Coffee experience centres like ‘Something’s Brewing’ and ‘Espressoulster’ exemplify the city’s dedication to cultivating a dynamic coffee community. “These initiatives serve as platforms for enthusiasts to connect, learn, and evolve, nurturing growth and appreciation,” he added.

With the upcoming World Coffee Conference, he added that the city’s identity as a hub of coffee excellence is set to be further solidified.      

Bengaluru’s coffee culture isn’t confined to experts or enthusiasts; it’s a warm embrace for everyone. It’s for the student sipping an espresso between classes, the freelancer typing away at a corner table, and the friends catching up over a cup of pour-over. This culture fosters an environment where everyone can share their passion, learn, and grow.