Kaapi, or South Indian Filter Coffee, is one of India’s most beloved beverages.
It’s rich, frothy, and perfectly balanced — strong coffee blended with hot milk and sugar, made using a traditional metal coffee filter.
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this authentic taste at home, here’s the complete process to brew it like a true South Indian.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 tablespoons South Indian coffee powder (medium-dark roast, blended with chicory if possible)
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
- ¾ cup (180 ml) boiled milk
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar (to taste)
🛠️ Equipment
- South Indian coffee filter (metal drip filter)
- Dabarah and tumbler (or two small metal cups for mixing)
- Spoon for stirring
- Small pot for heating milk
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Process
1. Prepare the Coffee Filter
Assemble the traditional South Indian coffee filter — a small metal device with two chambers.
Add 3 tablespoons of coffee powder to the upper chamber and gently press it with the built-in disc.
2. Brew the Decoction
Pour hot water (not boiling) over the coffee powder.
Cover with the lid and let it drip slowly into the lower chamber for about 10–15 minutes.
You’ll get a thick, aromatic coffee concentrate called the decoction.
3. Boil and Froth the Milk
In a small pot, bring milk to a gentle boil.
Add sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
4. Mix the Coffee and Milk
Pour ¼ cup of the coffee decoction into your tumbler or cup.
Add ¾ cup of hot milk and stir.
For that signature frothy texture, pour the coffee back and forth between two cups several times (known as aerating).
5. Serve the Kaapi
Serve your Kaapi in the traditional dabarah and tumbler set, or any small metal cup.
The frothy top, rich aroma, and perfect sweetness make it a coffee experience unlike any other.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Kaapi
- Use coffee powder with chicory (80:20 ratio) — it gives authentic flavor and thickness.
- Always use fresh decoction — don’t store it for later use.
- The higher you pour, the foamier the Kaapi becomes.
- If you prefer it stronger, adjust the ratio of decoction to milk.
❤️ Why You’ll Love Kaapi
Kaapi isn’t just coffee — it’s tradition, warmth, and comfort in a cup.
In South India, it’s the start of every morning, often enjoyed with family or while reading the newspaper.
Making Kaapi at home connects you to that same cozy ritual — rich aroma, creamy texture, and a flavor that wakes both body and soul.
DeliciousPath: Enjoyment in Every Moment
Explore the Gourmet on Board category for exquisite flavors that elevate your meals, even when you’re on a boat, and the Coffee category for aromatic coffee blends that make every moment special. DeliciousPath is here to turn every experience into something unforgettable!
