Filter coffee, also known as 'kaapi' or ‘South Indian filter coffee’, is a popular beverage in Bangalore and throughout southern India. It is made using a traditional metal coffee filter called a ‘dabara’ or ‘tumbler’, which has two parts that fit together.
To make the best filter coffee, finely ground coffee beans are placed in the upper part of the filter and hot water is poured over it. The water slowly drips through the filter into the lower part, which contains a mixture of milk and sugar. The coffee and milk are then poured back and forth between the two parts of the filter to create a frothy, well-mixed beverage.
Here are the 10 best cafes in Bangalore for filter coffee
1. Indian Coffee House
Indian Coffee House is a popular filter coffee shop in Bangalore, and they are known for its strong and flavourful coffee. This filter coffee cafe in Bangalore is located on Church Street, which is a popular destination for foodies and coffee lovers. The ambience of the coffee house is old-school, with vintage furniture and a laid-back atmosphere.
Where: Church Street, Bangalore
Timings: 8 am - 8:30 pm
Average cost: INR 200 for two people
Contact number: +918025587088
2. Brahmin's Coffee Bar
Located in Basavanagudi, Brahmin's Coffee Bar is famous for the best filter coffee in Bangalore and crispy, melt-in-your-mouth idlis. It was established in 1965 by a Brahmin couple, R Krishnaiah Setty and his wife, who started the business by serving the best filter coffee and idlis from a small cart. Over the years, Brahmin's Coffee Bar has become an iconic destination for filter coffee cafes in Bengaluru for breakfast lovers.
Where: Basavanagudi, Bangalore
Timings: Mon-Sat: 6 am – 12 noon, 3 pm – 7 pm, Sun: Closed
Average cost: INR 100 for two people
Contact number: +919845030234
3. Airlines Hotel
Airlines Hotel is a heritage restaurant serving the best filter coffee in Bangalore. The coffee is brewed using high-quality beans and the traditional South Indian filter coffee techniques, which gives it a strong, sweet, and creamy taste. The coffee at Airlines Hotel is served in silver tumblers and saucers, which adds to the unique experience. They offer a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu options which are reasonably priced.
Where: Lavelle Road, Bangalore
Timings: 7 am – 10 pm
Average cost: INR 500 for two people
Contact numbers: +918022273783, +918022273786, +918022218776
4. Vidyarthi Bhavan
Vidyarthi Bhavan is a famous and authentic South Indian restaurant, known for its delicious masala dosa. The restaurant was established in 1943 and has become one of the best shops in Bangalore for filter coffee and breakfast. The filter coffee at Vidyarthi Bhavan is also highly recommended and is a perfect way to round off a meal.
Where: Basavanagudi, Bangalore
Timings: Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun: 6:30 am – 11:30 am, 2 pm – 8 pm, Fri: Closed
Average cost: INR 100 for two people
Contact numbers: +918026677588
5. Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR)
Mavalli Tiffin Room, or MTR as it is popularly known, is an iconic shop in Bangalore for filter coffee. MTR has been serving delicious food for over 90 years. Their filter coffee is one of the highlights of their menu and is a must-try for anyone visiting Bangalore. This filter coffee cafe has a long history and is considered an institution in the city.
Where: Lavelle Road, Bangalore
Timings: Mon: Closed, Tue-Sun: 6:30 am – 11 am, 12:30 pm – 9 pm
Average cost: INR 250 for two people
Contact numbers: +918022220022
6. CTR (Central Tiffin Room)
Central Tiffin Room, or CTR as it is commonly known, is a popular eatery in Bangalore that is famous for its crispy, buttery masala dosas and frothy filter coffee. Upholding the traditional coffee-making technique and use of high-quality beans, their coffee has a distinct aromatic smell and rich texture. The eatery is always crowded with locals and tourists, and the service is never amiss. The prices are reasonable, making it a great place to hang out or an affordable date!
Where: Basavanagudi, Bangalore
Timings: Mon: Closed, Tue-Sun: 6:30 am – 11 am, 12:30 pm – 9 pm
Average cost: INR 250 for two people
Contact numbers: +918022220022
7. Hatti Kaapi
Hatti Kaapi is a popular chain of filter coffee shops known for serving the best filter coffee in Bangalore. What makes Hatti Kaapi's coffee unique is the blend of coffee beans that they use, which is a secret recipe passed down through generations. The coffee is freshly brewed and served piping hot, giving it an authentic feel.
Where: Indiranagar, Bangalore
Timings: 7 am – 11 pm
Average cost: INR 400 for two people
Contact numbers: +918884440483, +916363129131
8. Veena Stores
Veena Stores is a small filter coffee cafe in Bengaluru known for its authentic, simple and delicious menu. The eatery also serves filter coffee, a must-try for coffee lovers. The ambience at Veena Stores is no-frills, with basic seating arrangements and a busy, crowded atmosphere. Despite this, it has a loyal customer base who stand in queues to taste its famous breakfast items. The eatery is busy on weekends when people come from all over the city to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Where: Malleshwaram, Bangalore
Timings: Mon: 7 am – 11:30 am, 4 pm – 8:30 pm, Sun: Closed
Average cost: INR 150 for two people
Contact numbers: +919663405715, +918023344838
9. Koshy’s
Koshy's is a famous filter coffee shop located on St. Mark Road. It is a favourite haunt of Bangaloreans, who come here to enjoy a cup of coffee, a hearty breakfast, or a leisurely lunch. The menu includes a mix of Indian and continental dishes, with some of the most popular items being Fish and Chips, Chicken Stroganoff, and the English Breakfast. This famous shop in Bangalore for filter coffee has a rich history and has served as a meeting place for many famous personalities, including writers, politicians, and artists.
Where: St. Marks Road, Bangalore
Timings: Mon-Sun: 9 am – 7:30 pm
Average cost: INR 950 for two people
Contact numbers: +918022915840, +918022213793
10. Namma Filter Coffee
Namma Filter Coffee is a shop in Bangalore for filter coffee specialising in traditional South Indian filter coffee. The name ‘Namma', which translates to 'our' in Kannada, highlights the brand’s commitment to offering genuine coffee that resonates with the local community. This underlines their dedication to providing beloved, authentic coffee to their customers.
This filter coffee cafe in Bengaluru makes coffee using a traditional method of filtering the coffee decoction through a cloth filter, resulting in a rich and aromatic cup of coffee. The chain offers a range of coffee-based beverages, like espresso, cappuccino, and latte. The coffee is served in a variety of sizes, from the small and strong ‘tumbler’ to the larger and more diluted ‘glass’.
Where: Jayanagar, Bangalore
Timings: 6 am – 12-midnight
Average cost: INR 100 for two people
Contact numbers: +919620712888