Best Coffee Shops in Delhi: Where to Get Seriously Good Java
Coffee has always been part of the culture in South India, but now there’s a thriving coffee culture in Delhi too. There are now quite a few independent and small chain coffee shops in Delhi for the best brew.
India is one of the top producers of coffee world-wide. And Delhi’s new coffee shops are devoted to sourcing, roasting and producing an excellent cup of coffee.
Coffee in Delhi’s been elevated to a gastronomic form of art – it’s not just lattes and foam anymore.
Coffee is my one vice that I take very seriously. I am always looking for great cups of coffee and sourcing the best beans.
Thankfully the days of having to rely on Cafe Coffee Day for a cup of java while out and about are gone!
These are my two all-time favourite coffee shops in Delhi:
- Devan’s South Indian Coffee & Tea
- Tan Coffee
Best Coffee Shops in Delhi
These are the best coffee shops in Delhi to satisfy the most discriminating coffee lover. Some are newcomers to the scene, while others are well established with a loyal following.
Delhi has Starbucks and Tim Horton’s too, (I’m not knocking them, I still pick up a cup of Timmies when feeling homesick), but this list is about the best non-generic coffee shops.
1. Devan’s South Indian Coffee & Tea
The original of the serious Delhi coffee shops, Devan’s has been around a long time. I must admit I have a soft spot for this iconic coffee house. It’s nestled into a corner in Lodhi Colony, one of Delhi’s loveliest areas.
There is no food menu, the focus is on coffee. It’s one of the few coffee shops that has an international selection of beans, not just Indian. I often pop in just to buy beans when I’m in the area.
2. Tan Coffee
From the moment they opened in Hauz Khas, I’ve been a fan. Finally, a place for a decent cup of java in the main Hauz Khas area.
Tan Coffee has a good selection of hot coffees, with some unique Indian options like Kerala spiced cappuccino and jaggery cinnamon latte.
There’s a great selection of cold brews, infused espressos, hot chocolates, milkshakes, whipped lattes and food – perfect if you are with someone who is not as devoted to coffee.
3. Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters
Blue Tokai jump started the coffee culture in Delhi. They were the first ones to specialize in sourcing beans directly from coffee farms, and setting up their own coffee roastery. They are an iconic Indian brand, and have locations across India.
They always offer a dependably excellent cup of coffee that is locally sourced. I buy my beans from Blue Tokai and have visited many of their locations. There are Blue Tokai coffee shops all over Delhi.
4. Third Wave Coffee
Third Wave Coffee is another dependable chain of mostly single source coffee. All beans come directly from farms in South India, and roasted in small batches in house.
Third Wave Coffee makes a concerted effort to keep prices fair so the cafes are accessible to more people. I have bought Third Wave Coffee beans too. They have locations across Delhi.
5. Quick Brown Fox Coffee Roasters
Quick Brown Fox is one of the best independent coffee shops in Delhi. Certified Q graders (professional certification by the Coffee Quality Institute) ensure each coffee is treated uniquely to bring out its best potential.
They source directly from coffee farms, ensuring you get an ethically produced cup of coffee.
This is one of the only places in Delhi you can get cold coffee and nitro coffee on tap. It’s work friendly too, there were several people on their laptops when I was there. Great location in Hauz Khas Market.
6. BBR Coffee by Before British Raj
BBR Coffee in Delhi is a very distinctly Indian coffee shop, and I mean that in the best way.
While many of Delhi’s third wave coffee shops have an international or European feel, BBR highlights India’s history and culture through coffee and food.
They have an excellent selection of hot and cold brews, sourced from South Indian farms. On top of that, they are very work friendly – so if you want a place to set up for a few hours, this is a great spot. BBR now has locations on Siri Fort Road and Panchsheel Park.
7. Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate Atelier
Savorworks Coffee & Chocolate Atelier takes coffee and chocolate very seriously. Coffee and cacao beans are sourced from India, and great care goes into the fermenting and roasting process to ensure beans yield optimum flavour.
I was already a fan of the coffee, but the gourmet, made-on-site chocolates and desserts make it the ultimate coffee shop. Speaking from experience, the pasty and chocolate is just as good as the coffee.
And if you’re into cold coffee you’re going to love this spot – they have an impressive selection. Located in Greater Kailash II.
8. Kaffa Cerrado
This is easily the best coffee shop in the busy Delhi area of Okhla. Kaffa Cerrado sell and brew Indian and international coffee. It’s one of the few coffee shops you can buy beans from Ethiopia, Vietnam, Costa Rica and Brazil.
Beans are roasted onsite in small batches to ensure maximum freshness. Guests can completely customize their cup, choosing the coffee beans and brewing method. Kaffa Cerrado is a work-friendly coffee shop.
9. Sardar-Ji-Bakhsh Coffee & Co
I really like this quaint coffee shop in Lajpat Nagar. Because it’s walking distance to Lajpat’s Central Market, I sometimes stop in after shopping. I’ve tried their cold brews and hot coffees and they’ve always been good.
When they first opened in 2015, Sardar-Ji-Bakhsh Coffee & Co was named SardarBuksh. They were promptly sued by Starbucks for having a name that sounded too similar to the coffee giant. So they had to change their name.
10. Brims Modern Coffee
Brims Modern Coffee is a great addition to Defence Colony Market. For all basic cold brews, pour overs, and variations of espresso based coffee drinks, this is a great little coffee shop. They serve an affogato with soft serve, first time I’ve seen that!
The coffee shop a bit small and can get busy, so not the best spot to set up for hours, but definitely good for a coffee break in Delhi.
FAQs about Coffee Shops in Delhi
G-Shot Coffee Roastery in Goa is the most famous coffee shop in India. They are an independent, artisanal coffee shop that only uses single source beans which they get directly from local coffee farms. They are famous for their excellent coffee and zen atmosphere.
Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters is Delhi’s best coffee chain. They have multiple locations across the city.
Coorg and Chikmagalur, both in Karnataka, are considered India’s best coffee districts. Both areas have large plantations and produce Robusta and Arabica beans.
Last Words on Best Coffee Shops in Delhi: Where to Get Seriously Good Java
Delhi is the site of India’s best burgeoning coffee culture, with some truly excellent artisanal coffee shops. Whether you prefer a straight up Americano or a Chemex pour-over, these coffee shops will satisfy the most serious coffee drinker.
