An inside take a look at Mumbai’s rising espresso scene + 5 must-try cafés.
BY URVASHI ROE
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Images courtesy of Urvashi Roe
As soon as upon a time, Mumbai, India, was dominated by chai stalls and filter espresso—however at this time, town’s specialty-coffee panorama has exploded into one thing vibrant, experimental, and deeply rooted in Indian taste narratives.
Throughout the sprawling metropolis, specialty cafés aren’t simply locations to seize a fast caffeine hit: They’re group hubs and artistic playgrounds for baristas and drinkers alike. Boutique spots and pop-ups are championing all the things from Indian single-origin pourovers to playful espresso-based drinks and espresso cocktails.
Whereas the Mumbai espresso scene is huge, we’ve compiled a brief checklist of must-visit places.
Gray Soul Espresso
Behind Gray Soul Espresso’s relaxed, trendy, and considerably stark facade lies an in-house roastery, a devoted gradual bar, and a heat, welcoming workforce.
At Gray Soul, there’s a severe deal with espresso schooling with menus outlining the procurement and roasting course of intimately, bringing you nearer to the model whereas leaving you desirous to strive each mix and brew. Each drink is introduced with the espresso’s origin, tasting notes, and roast profile: a mirrored image of the café-roastery’s dedication to espresso high quality and traceability.
Gray Soul’s menu highlights single-origin Indian beans from Chikmagalur, Coorg, Yercaud, and, maybe most curiously, Nagaland: a mountainous area of northeast India. Select the espresso bar if you need a basic, well-balanced cup, or head to the gradual bar for hand-brewed delights by way of Chemex, V60, or Aeropress. I opted for a sea salt flat white upstairs as I took within the sights and sounds of the encircling Bandra space waking up.
Gray Soul exemplifies Mumbai’s shift towards celebrating Indian coffees with experimental roasting and handbook brewing strategies, interesting to each connoisseurs and newcomers. Come curious.
Boojee
Boojee’s appeal lies in its hybrid identification. Concurrently a neighborhood café, inventive roastery, and a strong brunch vacation spot, Boojee is thought for its relaxed interiors and educated, welcoming employees. Their menu marries unbelievable specialty espresso choices with notable meals and pastry choices.
The espresso choices, together with a fantastic Colombian decaf, provide the classics in addition to some enjoyable choices just like the Espresso Chai Latte—no syrups right here as a result of this is India, in spite of everything. As an alternative, you’ll get a double espresso with contemporary cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, jaggery (uncooked cane sugar), and milk.
Other than the Espresso Chai Latte, my private favorites at Boojee have been the Jaggery Cortado and Coconut Chilly Brew.
The choice of espresso beans at Boojee consists of varieties from Ratnagiri, Salawara, and Baarbara—the latter a grape-fermented mix. The café additionally sells brewing gear and luggage of espresso beans for anybody involved in brewing at dwelling.
Boojee displays Mumbai’s shift towards a relaxed, sociable, and fewer dogmatic specialty espresso tradition. Come for breakfast or, actually, anytime of day.
Subko Espresso Roasters
Since its launch, Subko has rapidly turn into considered one of Mumbai’s most talked-about names in specialty espresso. Born in the course of the 2020 COVID lockdown in Bandra, Subko now spans a number of outposts together with a bespoke cacao mill house in Colaba. Their ethos facilities on direct commerce relationships with estates and smallholder farmers, producing coffees which can be usually experimentally processed and meticulously curated into SCA 85+ level cups.
Subko’s menu ranges from flawlessly executed espressos and chilly brews to creative seasonal creations. I selected the Coco Nolen Gur Flat White, made with espresso, Bengali jaggery, and coconut milk, and served in a coconut-rimmed glass. Right here, you’ll additionally discover Subko floats and tonics: chilly brews topped with house-made soda or tonic water.
Subko stands on the crossroads of specialty espresso and artistic craftsmanship. The Mary Lodge location is a must-visit for espresso drinkers who need high quality with character in a superbly restored bungalow. Come for the espresso and keep for pizza, chocolate, and new buddies.
Nandan Espresso
On a bit lane between the modern Kala Ghoda arts district and Flora Fountain, Nandan Espresso gives a heritage-steeped tackle specialty espresso. The café showcases single-estate espresso beans sourced from the model’s personal Nandanvan Property, positioned at 4,500 toes above sea degree within the lush valleys of Kodaikanal in South India.
Nandan’s menu leans into classics finished exceptionally nicely by way of the military of baristas on web site. However what’s particularly distinctive right here is the invitation to “craft your individual” espresso mix, the place prospects can decide a lightweight, medium, or darkish roast adopted by a base of Arabica, Hawaiian Pink Cattura, or Robusta, and, lastly, add complexity by way of floral accents, nuts, or caramel—a inventive method to educate prospects about their espresso and get them extra engaged within the coffee-making course of.
In the event you’re on the lookout for easy but high-quality espresso, Nandan will probably be your go-to spot: no frills, simply superbly sourced and expertly brewed beans. Come for the consistency.
Araku Espresso
Greater than a café, Araku in Colaba embodies a real “seed-to-cup” philosophy grounded in regenerative agriculture. Their beans come from the Jap Ghats and are famous for his or her clear profiles and moral provenance.
At Araku’s Colaba location, the espresso bar integrates a Modbar system for exact extraction and consistency. The menu gives choices for “severely” araku (high-quality, espresso-based drinks), “playful” araku (inventive signature drinks), or “merely” araku (black espresso brewed by way of your methodology of alternative).
I opted for the “playful” Black Forest beverage: espresso with chocolate, berry syrup, and steamed milk—good for a day elevate. I additionally experimented with their espresso cocktail menu, selecting the refreshing Barley Highball: vodka infused with entire beans, barley, and hibiscus, and topped with soda.
Past espresso, Araku’s gives an enormous all-day meals menu that includes regionally impressed dishes and sustainably sourced components. Total, Araku superbly merges moral sourcing, schooling, and specialty coffee-brewing right into a holistic mannequin for aware espresso tradition. Come for the creativity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Urvashi Roe is a meals and journey author based mostly in London and creator of Biting Biting, Snacking Gujarati Model. She has a hearty urge for food for journey tales that unfold by meals and is especially involved in exploring meals cultures and customs. Having run her personal espresso store in London, she’s at all times on the hunt for a very good espresso story and a medium roast flat white. Discover her on Instagram and at www.urvashiroe.com.
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