Search
Login
Foodies Only in your inbox
By clicking "Subscribe", you agree to ourPrivacy Policy and to receive marketing emails from Foodies Only
ITC Portal
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
6 Min
27/01/2026
There are two types of aromas that dominate Indian homes in the mornings and evenings: those of chai and coffee. While chai is more popular in the northern part of the country, coffee is widely consumed in the southern part. But they are more than just beverages. Chai and coffee reflect the region’s history, geography, climate and culture. This article looks at the way these two beverages made their spaces in Indian cuisine, and whether one of them dominates the other. Dive deeper to know more.
Every morning, there are some familiar sounds and aromas that fill Indian homes, and two of the most popular ones are those of chai and coffee. The water is boiling, milk is bubbling, and the strong aroma of tea and coffee leaves is ready to kick-start your day! But these beverages are more than just beverages; they are symbols of identity and comfort.
For some, a cup of chai is the start of their day, for some it is about belonging to a community, and sharing it with neighbours, co-workers, or strangers at a roadside stall. For some, coffee is about being calm and starting their day with focus and energy. The story of these two beverages runs parallel to India’s own journey, the one blends colonial influence, regional pride, and modern lifestyle changes. While chai is the lifeline of the North and some parts of the East, the South takes pride in its traditional filter coffee served in steel tumblers. Today, both drinks are evolving, all cafes have trendy tea and coffee menus, and even homes are experimenting with the beverages by keeping the traditional taste intact. Read this article to understand how the beverages evolved over time and continue to remain an indispensable part of the Indian kitchens and daily routine.
Chai is more than just a beverage for Indians; it is an emotion that connects millions. Across North, East, and West India, the day often begins with a cup of sweet, milky tea simmered with spices like ginger, cardamom, or cloves. Masala chai is the go-to beverage, especially during winter, while adrak chai is a monsoon favourite. At rural gatherings or urban offices, tea is the first offer of hospitality, and refusing it can feel rude. Street stalls, known as tapris, are social hubs where people discuss cricket, politics, and life. Chai is not just consumed; it is shared, from clay kulhads to paper cups, and it binds people across regions and classes.
Coffee culture in India has deep southern roots. States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala have grown coffee since the 17th century. The hallmark of this region is filter coffee, which is a strong decoction made from freshly ground beans mixed with chicory, then blended with milk and sugar to create a rich, frothy brew. Served traditionally in a steel tumbler and a dabara, coffee is as much about the process as the taste. In the South, it is a sign of warmth and hospitality. Yet, in recent years, coffee has also become a modern trend, embraced by cafés, startups, and younger crowds who see it as a drink of energy, focus, and conversation.
India’s beverage map mirrors its geography. The cool and misty hills of Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiris produce world-famous teas, while coffee thrives in the shaded plantations of Karnataka and Coorg. These growing conditions have defined local preferences over centuries. Climate plays a role too; people in colder regions prefer spiced, milky tea, while the humid South leans toward lighter, robust coffee. Even the choice of serving vessels reflects regional personality, which is clay kulhads for tea’s earthy charm, and steel tumblers for coffee’s lasting warmth.
Chai and coffee have evolved into distinct social experiences. The chai tapri is the heart of India’s street culture; it is casual, accessible, and filled with chatter. Coffee, however, found its own corner in the quiet sophistication of cafés. Early Indian coffeehouses became hubs for intellectuals, while modern chains turned coffee into a lifestyle statement. Meanwhile, urban chai cafés have revived the humble tapri with a twist, showing that both beverages are finding space in contemporary India.
When enjoyed mindfully, both drinks come with health benefits. Tea, packed with antioxidants, supports digestion and immunity, especially when brewed with herbs like tulsi or ginger. Coffee boosts alertness and metabolism, and studies link moderate consumption to better heart health.
However, both lose their benefits when overloaded with sugar or cream. That’s why herbal teas, green teas, and black coffee are finding favour among health-conscious Indians seeking flavour without excess.
In the end, there is no winner in the chai versus coffee debate but only personal preference. Many Indian homes serve both, switching between them through the day. Chai might symbolise warmth and belonging, while coffee stands for calm and creativity, but together they represent India’s diversity in a cup. Whether brewed strong or sweet, both drinks remain comforting constants and prove that India’s beverage divide is not a divide but a beautiful balance.
