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How to Make Authentic South Indian Filter Coffee

Traditional South Indian Filter Coffee_e

Welcome to your new coffee ritual.

What is South Indian Filter Coffee?

South Indian filter coffee, also known as "Kaphi," is a beloved beverage in South India, known for its unique brewing method and rich flavour. It’s traditionally made using a stainless steel coffee filter and involves a blend of dark roasted coffee beans, typically Arabica and Robusta, mixed with chicory. This coffee is enjoyed with hot milk and a touch of sugar, creating a creamy and aromatic drink.

To make authentic South Indian filter coffee, you'll need the following ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients

Ingredients and Equipment

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making South Indian Filter Coffee

  • Specialty South Indian Coffee Powder: We recommend our Kaphi powder blend, a perfect mix of Arabica and Robusta beans and Chicory which has already been added to make the traditional, delicious, authentic taste.

  • Water: Freshly boiled.

  • Milk: Full-fat milk or m*lk for a creamy texture.

  • Sugar: To taste.

Equipment

  • Assemble the Filter: Place the upper chamber of the coffee filter over the lower chamber.

  • Add Coffee Powder: Add 2-3 tablespoons of our Kulkumry specialty coffee powder into the upper chamber. 

  • Press Down: Gently press the coffee powder using the plunger provided with the filter.

Step 1: Preparing the Coffee Filter

  • South Indian Coffee Filter: A two-part metal filter comprising a perforated upper chamber and a lower collecting chamber. Please wash before use.

  • Tumbler and Dabaa: Traditional stainless steel cups for serving.

  • Saucepan: For boiling milk.

Step 2: Brewing the Coffee Decoction

  • Boil Water: Bring water to a rolling boil.

  • Pour Water: Slowly pour the boiling water over the coffee powder in the upper chamber. Fill it almost to the brim.

  • Cover and Brew: Cover the filter and let the coffee brew. The hot water will gradually drip through the coffee powder, extracting its rich flavours and forming a thick decoction in the lower chamber. This process can take 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the Milk

  • Boil Milk: While the coffee is brewing, heat the milk in a saucepan. Let it come to a gentle boil.

  • Optional Frothing: For a frothy texture, you can aerate the milk by pouring it back and forth between two vessels.

Step 4: Assembling the Coffee

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The filter will be hot, so please be careful!

  • Mix Coffee and Milk: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of the coffee decoction into a tumbler.  

  • Add Sugar: Add sugar to taste.

  • Add Milk: Pour hot milk into the tumbler, adjusting the quantity based on your preference for a stronger or milder coffee.

  • Mix Well: Mix the coffee and milk thoroughly by pouring the mixture back and forth between the tumbler and the dabaa.

Step 5: Serving

  • Serve Hot: Serve your South Indian filter coffee hot, preferably in the traditional tumbler and dabaa set for an authentic experience.

  • Enjoy: Savour the rich, aromatic flavours of your homemade South Indian filter coffee.

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