How to Make Authentic South Indian Filter Coffee

South Indian filter coffee

Are you a coffee enthusiast looking to experience a rich, aromatic cup of South Indian filter coffee? Maybe you are far from home and missing that authentic taste of India? Or perhaps, you are just back from a holiday or from a work trip to India and craving that taste of filter coffee you loved so much out there?

At Kulkumry Coffee: The Blesséd Brew, we bring you the finest specialty coffee from Chikkamagaluru, India, perfect for brewing traditional South Indian filter coffee in the comfort of your home.

Or, easier still, you can use our ready made Kaphi powder - no need to grind - to brew your own!

Follow our step-by-step guide to master this delightful brew and savour a taste of India in the UK.

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.

Ingredients and Equipment

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

Ingredients

• 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 for a creamy texture.

• Sugar: To taste.

Equipment

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

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

• Saucepan: For boiling milk.

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

Step 1: Preparing the Coffee Filter

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

2. Add Coffee Powder: Add 2-3 tablespoons of our Kulkumry specialty coffee powder into the upper chamber. If using chicory, mix it with the coffee powder in a 4:1 ratio (coffee to chicory).

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

Step 2: Brewing the Coffee Decoction

1. Boil Water: Bring water to a rolling boil.

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

3. 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

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

2. 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

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

2. Add Sugar: Add sugar to taste.

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

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

Step 5: Serving

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

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

Tips for the Perfect Cup

• Fresh Coffee: Use freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavour. Our Kulkumry Chikka coffee is perfect for this purpose. Or save time and use our ready made Kaphi powder.

• Proper Storage: Store your coffee powder in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and aroma.

• Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and the amount of milk to find your perfect balance of strength and creaminess.

Discover the Best South Indian Specialty Coffee

At Kulkumry Coffee: The Blesséd Brew, we're dedicated to bringing you the finest South Indian specialty coffee. Our beans are ethically sourced and meticulously roasted to ensure you get the best cup every time. Explore our range of specialty coffees and experience the authentic taste of South Indian filter coffee today.

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Thanks for reading and enjoy your South Indian coffee!