Ultimate Filter Kaapi Trail Across Bengaluru

By Ujjainee Roy

The thriving filter kaapi spots keep Bengaluru’s vibrant coffee culture up and running. The city has a good mix of both old-school and new-wave joints; while you’ll spot legacy joints like Veena Stores or MTR that serve a classic no-frills filter kaapi, you’ll also see spots like Church Street’s Matteo Coffea which offers a slightly modern twist on the traditional filter coffee experience with expertly crafted coffee.

*Some restaurants listed in this trail serve non-vegetarian food, but have been added because they have good vegetarian options on their menu as well.

  • Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR)

    Established in 1924, MTR is an iconic establishment that has stood the test of time. While it is celebrated for its delectable South Indian breakfast, the filter coffee here is one of the bestsellers. The blend is carefully crafted, resulting in a perfect balance of strong coffee flavour and lightly foamy texture. The old-world charm of MTR adds to the overall experience, making it a must-visit for filter coffee enthusiasts.
  • Brahmin's Coffee Bar

    Located in the bustling area of Basavanagudi, Brahmin's Coffee Bar is a humble yet legendary spot for filter coffee lovers. This no-frills establishment has been serving up exceptional filter coffee since 1965. The simplicity of the place adds to the authenticity of the experience. You can pair your filter coffee with their delectable idlis or some crispy vadas for a quintessential South Indian breakfast.

  • Indian Coffee House

    Nestled in the heart of Bengaluru, the Indian Coffee House is a historic establishment that dates back to the pre-independence era. With its vintage ambience and traditional decor, it provides a unique setting to enjoy a cup of filter coffee. The coffee here is robust and flavourful, capturing the essence of South Indian coffee culture. Take a trip down memory lane as you sip your coffee in this iconic establishment that has been a witness to decades of Bengaluru's history.
  • Airlines Hotel

    Airlines Hotel on the busy Lavelle Road is another gem in the city's coffee landscape. Known for its old-world charm and colonial architecture, this place exudes a nostalgic charm. The filter coffee at Airlines Hotel is brewed to perfection, delivering a rich and aromatic experience. The serene garden seating adds to the overall appeal, providing a tranquil environment to enjoy your cup of filter kapi.
  • Veena Stores

    Veena Stores, located in Malleshwaram, is a quaint eatery that has been dishing out delicious South Indian snacks and filter coffee since 1977. The filter coffee here is renowned for its traditional preparation, using a meticulous blend of coffee beans. The crispy vadas and fluffy idlis make for the perfect accompaniments to the aromatic filter coffee. Don't be surprised if you find yourself becoming a regular at this popular spot!
  • CTR Shri Sagar

    Shri Sagar, previously known as Central Tiffin Room, is an iconic Malleshwaram-based restaurant where you can enjoy a benne dosa under the shade of trees. Their mildly-spiced potato masala inside a buttery-fluffy dosa is known to be the ultimate dosa-lovers treat, for a solid breakfast or even an evening snack. Want to try something else? Order the set dosa with a spicy curry or their rava ghee roast.
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