India’s home coffee game growing strong with self-brew

Scenario 1 

“Ma, can you make me some black coffee? I cannot work with this headache.”

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“Wait, wait, I’ll make you some adrak chai.”

“No, no, a freshly brewed mug of black coffee works like magic.”

Scenario 2

“Want to go out and enjoy some cappuccino?”

“How about we opt for some freshly made pour-over coffee at home with the Arabica beans I recently purchased?”

It’s here. Slowly and steadily, the coffee culture in India is redefining itself, transcending the traditional Indian filter coffee and instant, convenient coffee pouches, to looking for a soulful slow grinding of coffee beans in the morning and enjoying a freshly brewed cup, offering a curated experience with every sip.

A tea-loving nation, coffee in India was centred around South Indian filter coffee before. That slowly changed in the early 20s when private coffee chains started emerging as a hotspot for social confluence, business meet-ups and leisure. However, the coffee culture entered a completely new regime when during the pandemic with cafes remaining nonoperational, home brewing took the centre stage and did not limit itself to just instant coffee solutions but rather the urban millennials and Gen Z redefined the tale of this concoction by creating brewing communities where they learned brewing techniques, discussed the likes of speciality coffees and equipment, resulting in a steady demand for those. Once exposed to manual brewing methods, many realised that making good coffee isn’t intimidating. For consumers of today, it’s no longer just about a caffeine fix—it’s a mindful morning ritual or an evening unwind where they want control over their cup, their brewing method and their ingredients.

While India has always been a country that has been inclined towards and appreciative of its diverse tea, Abhinav Mathur, CEO and Managing Director, Kaapi Machines and Something’s Brewing thinks the sudden inclination towards increasing coffee culture is deeply tied to evolving lifestyles and global exposure, “As travel, international media, and café culture became more mainstream, coffee began to represent more than a beverage—it became a symbol of modern living. Cafés offered not just coffee, but an experience, a place to work, socialise, or reflect. The youth resonate with coffee’s versatility—from espresso shots to cold brews—and see it as an extension of their identity. Social media has also played a role, popularising artisanal brewing, latte art, and speciality coffee rituals that are aesthetically appealing and culturally aspirational.”

As per a report, the Indian coffee market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.56 per cent and achieve a benchmark growth from USD 1.05 billion in 2025 to USD 1.88 billion in 2033. Artisanal coffee, special beans, micro-lot coffees, and innovative brewing methods are taking the centre stage, replacing basic blends because consumers now want traceability behind everything they consume and use. “Consumers want to know where their coffee is grown, how it’s processed, and what tasting notes they can expect. Single-origin beans and micro-lots offer unique flavour profiles, much like fine wine, allowing people to explore regions, roasters, and varieties. Brewing methods like pour-over, French press, and siphon are gaining popularity because they bring out distinct notes and nuances. Artisanal coffee goes beyond branding—it’s about storytelling, from farm to cup. This shift signals a move away from uniformity towards discovery, where coffee becomes a personal journey of taste and refinement,” said Abhinav Mathur, a coffee connoisseur himself who comes with an aim- to empower coffee lovers at every stage—from beginners to pros.

Home brewing is no longer functional—it’s expressive. It’s also a space where design, sensory pleasure, and ritual converge, making coffee not just a drink, but a lifestyle statement. While globally there has been a growing consensus that the transition from the third coffee movement to the fourth has begun, many believe that at-home brewing is at the forefront of this by making speciality coffee scalable, more inclusive, and hyper-personalised. According to Abhinav, what would drive this fourth wave are AI-enabled machines, sensor-driven brewing, and platforms that connect farmers directly to end-users, blurring boundaries between expert and everyday drinker, giving more people access to elite coffee experiences without the learning curve.

At-home brewing culture continues to boom with seasoned baristas and experts, demystifying brewing techniques and building confidence through online blogs, videos, and community forums. Again, the availability of smart brewers with app integrations, grinders with precise dosing and temperature control kettles is reshaping the coffee landscape further. So if you are someone who wishes to dive into your coffee journey, and find your rhythm, your flavour, and your ritual, here’s what Abhinav Mathur has to say, “Start with good quality beans—freshness is key. Understand your brew ratio (coffee to water), and invest in a simple grinder if possible. Water temperature should ideally be between 90–96 degrees Celsius, and brewing time matters depending on your method. Explore one or two methods first—like pour-over or French press—before expanding. Cleaning your equipment regularly ensures consistency. But most importantly, don’t chase perfection—chase enjoyment.”

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