Coffee is a popular beverage made from roasted coffee beans, which are the seeds of berries from the coffee plant. It is beloved worldwide for its rich flavour and stimulating effects due to the presence of caffeine. There are many variations of coffee, each offering a unique taste and preparation method; some common types include latte, espresso, cappuccino, and filter kaapi.
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Coffee, despite being a source of comfort, is a debate topic for many coffee lovers. Are the two popular coffee options, cappuccino and filter kaapi, the same? But the common answer is no. So, let's find out how each option offers distinct flavours, textures, and different cultural significance and brewing methods. Let’s dive into the world of these beloved beverages and explore how they differ from each other.
What Is Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a classic Italian coffee drink famous for its rich flavour and creamy texture. This popular beverage is made with three key components: espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Its preparation process begins with a shot of espresso, which is a concentrated coffee brewed under high pressure. In this, steamed milk is added, followed by a generous layer of frothy milk foam.
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Each component of cappuccino defines their identity in the small cups, like rich flavours; the foam on the top of the cup adds a lightness and balances the boldness of espresso. Coffee lovers often enjoy a cappuccino with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for added flavour.
What Is Filter Kaapi?
Filter kaapi or filter coffee is recognised by its common name as South Indian coffee, as it is a staple in many South Indian households and cafes. It is prepared using a traditional drip brewing technique that involves steeping finely ground coffee beans in hot water. After this, the coffee slowly drips through a filter, collecting in a lower chamber as a strong, aromatic extract. This decoction is then mixed with hot milk, creating a rich and flavourful coffee that’s often enjoyed with a dash of sugar.
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Aspects On Which Both Differ From Each Other
Cultural Significance
Both coffee variations differ on the first main aspect, which is their cultural significance. The cappuccino originated from Italy, and it symbolises the Italian coffee culture, which is often enjoyed in cafes with its refined presentation. On the other hand, filter kaapi, commonly known as South Indian coffee, is deeply rooted in South Indian traditions and heritage, typically served in simple brass or steel tumblers or cups and enjoyed daily in households.
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Brewing Method
Cappuccino is made by using an espresso machine that brews coffee under high pressure to create a strong espresso shot. This is then combined with steamed milk and topped with foam.
In contrast, filter coffee is brewed by steeping finely ground coffee beans in hot water using a traditional drip filter technique, resulting in a concentrated decoction mixed with hot milk.
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Flavour And Texture
Each coffee variation’s flavour and texture are different from each other, where cappuccino offers a creamy, well-balanced taste with a rich espresso base, steamed milk, and airy foam. On the other hand, filter coffee has a strong, robust flavour due to the slow brewing process and is often enjoyed with a simple, smooth texture.