Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, is known for its vibrant coffee culture. The city is home to numerous coffee shops that cater to the diverse preferences of coffee enthusiasts. While international coffee chains like Starbucks have made their way into the city, Bangalore’s filter coffee spots continue to captivate locals and visitors alike.
These traditional establishments offer a unique experience, serving up the perfect cup of filter coffee, a South Indian delight.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the mind-blowing filter coffee spots in Bangalore that will make you forget about Starbucks.
- Indian Coffee House:
Indian Coffee House, established in 1957, continues to attract a loyal clientele despite the rise of artisanal coffee in the city. The old-school charm, adorned with yesteryear portraits on the walls and service staff dressed in red and white uniforms, adds to its appeal. The filter coffee here is brewed without chicory and served in a traditional cup and saucer, evoking nostalgia with every sip. It pairs perfectly with their masala dosa, beetroot cutlets, and eggs on toast. One of the best parts is that it is ridiculously affordable, allowing you to indulge in a few extra sips of this delightful beverage.
- Address: 19, Ground Floor, Church Street, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 80255 87088
- Brahmin’s Coffee Bar:
Brahmin’s Coffee Bar, in existence since 1965, is a popular spot among a wide cross-section of people. While the idlis with chutney and other traditional dishes draw crowds, the filter coffee brewed extra strong with Chikmagalur coffee has its own cult following. Though be prepared for long lines, the wait is undoubtedly worth every sip of their robust and invigorating filter coffee.
- Address: Ranga Rao Road, Basavanagudi, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 98450 30234
- Shree Sagar (CTR):
Dating back to the 1920s, CTR is one of the oldest establishments in Bangalore. Known for its ghee-laden benne dosas, it has been satisfying cravings for generations. Alongside the delicious food, CTR also serves a classic cup of filter coffee. Their loyalty to the traditional recipe has garnered a loyal following over the years.
- Address: 7th Cross, Margosa Road, Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 80233 17531
- Airlines Hotel:
Located on St. Mark’s Road, Airlines Hotel is a vintage establishment frequented by college students and office-goers on their smoke breaks. The freshly-brewed filter coffee here is an integral part of the ambience, which features long tables, tall trees, and the aroma of piping-hot dosas in the air. The chow chow bath, kesari bath, and lunch thalis are perfect complements to the coffee. Airlines Hotel stands out with its age-old recipe, smooth flavor, and generous servings that will leave you energized.
- Address: 4, Madras Bank Road, Off Lavelle Road, Lavelle Road, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 80222 18776
- Namma Filter Coffee:
Although relatively young compared to other spots on this list, Namma Filter Coffee has quickly gained popularity. They offer several varieties of filter coffee, including their signature blend of Arabica, Robusta, and Chicory, as well as renditions with jaggery, ginger, and hand-churned milk. Pair it with their local-favorite benne biscuit and Congress khara bun for a delightful experience.
- Address: 176/42, Near NMKRV College, 22nd Cross, 3rd Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 96207 12888
- Koshy’s:
Considered one of the most iconic establishments in Bangalore, Koshy’s has received high praise from renowned historian Ramachandra Guha. The menu offers a delightful mix of dishes such as chicken liver toast, prawn biryani, bacon omelette, mushroom toast, ham sandwich, and vegetable cutlet. The filter coffee here is meticulously crafted using a decades-old recipe and a coffee filter that has stood the test of time. Each sip packs a punch, leaving you craving for more.
- Address: 39, St. Marks Road, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 80222 13793
- MTR:
MTR, a household name in Bangalore, has been serving delicious idlis and coffee for over a century. The coffee here is made using a time-tested formula, with beans ground early in the morning for the freshest brew. Enjoy a cup of their filter coffee alongside their popular rava idli, bisibele bath, upma, or dosa.
- Address: 4, Lal Bagh Main Rd, Doddamavalli, Sudhama Nagar
- Contact: +91 98868 94128
- Vidyarthi Bhavan:
With over 75 years of service, Vidyarthi Bhavan has garnered a cult following in Bangalore. The dosas here are thick, fluffy, and golden, making them some of the best in the city. The kesari bath and medu vadas are equally delightful. To round out the meal on a punchy note, try their classic South Indian filter coffee, expertly prepared with the finest ingredients in the right proportions.
- Address: 32, Near Gandhi Bazaar Circle, Basavanagudi, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 80266 77588
- Hatti Kaapi:
Promising coffee that “stirs your soul,” Hatti Kaapi is a modern establishment that serves classic filter coffee. Their filter coffee powder, consisting of 80% coffee and 20% chicory, is a common sight in most South Indian homes. Be sure to try their coffee alongside their samosas and sandwiches for a delightful experience.
- Address: 1 & 2, Tower B, Murphy Road, Ulsoor, Bangalore
- Contact: +91 95919 99434
Bangalore’s filter coffee spots are a testament to the city’s rich coffee heritage and the love for this aromatic beverage. The authentic brewing methods, high-quality coffee beans, and skilled baristas combine to create a truly mind-blowing experience. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or a curious traveler, these filter coffee spots in Bangalore will transport you to a world of rich flavors and cherished traditions. So, forget about Starbucks and immerse yourself in the captivating aroma and taste of Bangalore’s filter coffee.
