Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:May 18, 2025, 20:26 IST
Home brewing is no longer a trend—it’s a daily ritual redefining India’s coffee culture, one cup at a time.
As our kitchens transform into brew bars and each cup becomes a moment of pause and expression, one thing is clear: the next wave of India’s coffee culture is not coming—it’s already brewing
Once the stronghold of hurried instant mixes and neighborhood cafés, India’s coffee culture is now brewing a quiet revolution—one that’s bubbling not in public spaces, but in kitchens, dining corners, and on curated countertops across urban homes. Among Gen Z and millennials, coffee is no longer just a caffeine fix; it’s a form of personal expression, a daily ritual, and a portal into global food culture. Welcome to the era of home brewing, where pour-overs, French presses, and cold brews are replacing both café culture and quick convenience in favor of craft and contemplation.
A Culture Steeped in Discovery
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“Good things in life are never instant, but rather take time,” says Abhinav Mathur, Managing Director, Kaapi Machines and Something’s Brewing. “Gen Z and Millennials have matured into a group which crave experiences, are keen to see a sustainable world, and are socially connected with international trends, especially in fashion and food.” According to Mathur, this desire for authenticity and individuality has translated into a steady rise in home brewing among these demographics.
From virtual coffee clubs to Instagram reels showing off sleek home coffee bars, brewing at home has become an avenue for storytelling, wellness, and even self-branding. Today’s consumers are not only seeking a caffeine hit—they’re exploring terroir, roast profiles, and brewing variables with the curiosity of sommeliers.
The Gateway to Specialty Beans
Part of this shift is fuelled by access: a growing number of Indian artisanal roasters—from Bili Hu and Blue Tokai to Koinonia and Araku—are making high-quality beans more available through D2C channels and boutique retail stores. Complementing this is a wave of international brewing tools now available online, from Aeropress and Chemex to precision grinders and temperature-controlled kettles.
For many, home brewing begins as a financial decision or a curiosity and quickly evolves into an obsession. Kartikey Bhandari, fitness coach and content creator behind thefitowl.coaching, shares, “My love for coffee began with simple instant mixes—just coffee, milk, and sugar. As a student, café visits weren’t affordable, so I started recreating drinks at home. Eventually, I ventured into black coffee and brewed my first cup in 2017 using a basic machine.”
His journey led him across continents and brewing philosophies. “A trip to Vietnam deepened this belief—local cafés there often outshine big chains. That inspired my brewing philosophy: there’s no one right way. Now, fruity beans go in the Phin, nutty ones in the espresso machine. My current go-to is a bold, fruity iced Americano. Once you’ve found your flavor at home, few café coffees can truly compare.”
Ritual Meets Routine
Beyond the aesthetics and experimentation, brewing coffee at home has become a lifestyle choice—one that centers around control, comfort, and calm. For Bhavjeet Sehgal, a travel and sexual wellness content creator, it’s the foundation of his day. “Brewing coffee at home has become an essential part of my daily routine. It saves time, eliminates the need to dress up or step out, and offers unmatched comfort,” he says.
Sehgal has been brewing for over six years, relying on a Hamilton Beach drip machine paired with Bili Hu’s 100% Arabica medium roast beans from Chikmagalur. “The aroma that fills the air is pure bliss, and the taste is consistently perfect—strong, smooth, and just right. Each cup, in a different mug, uplifts my mood and creates memorable moments with family and friends. Brewing coffee at home isn’t just a habit, it’s a vibe.”
Flavour, Feeling, and Flexibility
For Vishal Bhalla, a corporate employee with a love for creative infusions, home brewing is both meditative and playful. “Brewing coffee myself is more than just a ritual; it’s a way for me to relax. I love trying out different flavors,” he says. His mornings start with a warm cup laced with vanilla and hazelnut, accented by a touch of cinnamon. “In the summer, a mango-infused vanilla blend is pure magic.”
For Bhalla, collecting beans is a hobby in itself. “I also love to collect coffee from different places… whenever my friends are travelling, they know what I need as a gift.”
This spirit of experimentation and discovery resonates with a wider cultural trend. “Millennials, with a higher income level, are choosing to set up coffee stations at home as coffee replaces alcohol as the new social beverage,” adds Mathur. “Community meet-ups over coffee, D2C brands, retail stores, and more are offering access and choice to these consumers.”
A Movement Percolating
Today, home brewing in India isn’t merely an offshoot of café culture—it’s a new chapter in it. It reflects a generational shift toward mindfulness, self-care, sustainability, and global culinary curiosity. The beans may be grown in Chikmagalur or Coorg, but the brewing methods could be Vietnamese, Italian, Scandinavian, or uniquely Indian.
As our kitchens transform into brew bars and each cup becomes a moment of pause and expression, one thing is clear: the next wave of India’s coffee culture is not coming—it’s already brewing. And it’s starting at home.
- First Published:
May 18, 2025, 20:26 IST
SOURCE : NEWS 18
