Indian

The Barista Bridging India’s Coffee Heritage and London’s Specialty Scene

The Barista Bridging India’s Coffee Heritage and London’s Specialty Scene

Lionel Crasto is rewriting the rules of coffee. Split between Mumbai’s vibrant café culture and London’s specialty scene, he’s a barista, advocate, and bridge between two worlds. With a Master’s in Biotechnology and a passion for precision, he’s turning Indian coffees into global conversations. His journey from pandemic curiosity to championship contender is a masterclass in discipline, context, and curiosity. Crasto’s career began during the pandemic, when home brewing turned into obsession. He devoured books, experimented with origins, and realized coffee wasn’t just a drink—it was a story. That passion led to a role at Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters, where…
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Mumbai’s Coffee Revolution: A Journey Through India’s Specialty Scene

Mumbai’s Coffee Revolution: A Journey Through India’s Specialty Scene

Mumbai’s coffee scene is undergoing a quiet revolution. Once dominated by chai stalls and filter coffee, the city now pulses with specialty cafes that blend Indian flavor narratives with global brewing techniques. These spaces are more than just places to grab a cup—they’re hubs of experimentation, education, and community. From roasteries that champion single-origin Indian beans to cafes that reimagine espresso with local spices, Mumbai’s coffee culture is evolving into something bold, authentic, and deeply rooted in its heritage. At Grey Soul Coffee, the emphasis is on transparency and craftsmanship. Behind its stark modern facade lies a roastery that educates…
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Society Tea’s Blue Blueprint: How a Century-Old Brand Masters Tradition and Tech

Society Tea’s Blue Blueprint: How a Century-Old Brand Masters Tradition and Tech

There’s something brewing in Mumbai’s Chai Gali that’s been simmering for nearly a century. Society Tea, a brand born in 1933 by Hiravan Pranjivandas, has turned a simple promise—“tea as it should be”—into a formula that’s outlasted trends, rival brands, and even the rise of coffee. Now, under the guidance of third-generation leader Dhaval Shah, the brand is redefining itself without losing its soul. With a 28% market share in Maharashtra and a growing presence in a digital-first India, Society Tea’s playbook is less about flashy slogans and more about quiet mastery. At its core, Society Tea thrives on consistency.…
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Beyond the Puer: Exploring Global Fermented Teas

Beyond the Puer: Exploring Global Fermented Teas

If you’ve ever sipped a pu'er or heicha, you’ve tasted the magic of fermented tea. But what if you’re craving something outside China’s fermented tea canon? The answer lies in Japan’s kuzuyu, Korea’s jeotgal, and even India’s rare, wild-fermented blends. These teas aren’t just variations of the same formula—they’re distinct ecosystems of flavor, shaped by climate, culture, and centuries-old techniques. Japanese fermented teas, like kuzuyu (a sweet, umami-rich brew made from fermented rice and tea leaves), offer a stark contrast to the earthy, woody profiles of puers. While puers rely on microbial fermentation over decades, kuzuyu is crafted through a…
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Why Emerging Markets Are Rewriting the Rules of Specialty Coffee

Why Emerging Markets Are Rewriting the Rules of Specialty Coffee

If you’ve ever wondered why coffee shops in Shanghai are booming while European cafes struggle to keep customers, the answer lies in a quiet revolution. Emerging markets are redefining what specialty coffee can be—by blending passion with pragmatism, they’re proving that creativity outpaces competition. In places like India, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a cultural conversation. These regions are growing at double the pace of Western markets, with India’s coffee shops expanding at twice the rate of their US counterparts. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s rise as a global coffee hub shows that novelty, not just quality, still…
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India’s Coffee Output Holds Steady Amid Brazil’s Rising Threat

India’s Coffee Output Holds Steady Amid Brazil’s Rising Threat

Time to spill: India’s coffee production is holding near 6 million bags for the 2025/26 season, but the battle for global market share is intensifying. Excessive monsoons battered yields, yet USDA data shows output barely dipping below last year’s levels. The real story? Brazil’s aggressive push into European markets is reshaping the competition, and India’s farmers are feeling the pressure. The USDA report paints a mixed picture. Arabica yields fell 3%, robusta 2%, as monsoon rains flooded southern India—especially Karnataka, the heart of the country’s coffee belt. While soggy soil boosted short-term growth, fungal diseases and fruit splitting are now…
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Le Mil’s Coffee: Bringing Bangalore’s Flavor to Your Cup

Le Mil’s Coffee: Bringing Bangalore’s Flavor to Your Cup

Time to spill: For years, I’ve chased the smoky, earthy depth of South Indian filter coffee—only to be met with flat, lifeless cups that felt like a counterfeit version of the real thing. That is, until Le Mil’s Coffee arrived on my radar. This Berkeley-based roaster isn’t just selling beans; they’re resurrecting a forgotten ritual. Their single-origin blend from Chikmagalur, a region known for its volcanic soil and coffee heritage, hits every note I’ve ever craved. The key? They’re roasting locally, not shipping frozen beans across the globe. The magic lies in the details. Le Mil’s filter coffee blend includes…
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Discover the Future of Coffee in India: Top Artisanal Brands to Watch

Discover the Future of Coffee in India: Top Artisanal Brands to Watch

India, often renowned as a tea-loving nation, boasts a rich coffee heritage, primarily in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Over the past decade, a wave of artisanal and specialty coffee brands has emerged, transforming the Indian coffee scene with their focus on origin, craft, and sustainability. This World Coffee Day, dive into these Indian labels that are shaking up the industry - each offering a unique story to savor in your brew. Halli Berri, nestled in Karnataka's coffee belt, offers single-origin, shade-grown beans, grown under natural forest canopies. Their small-batch roasting ensures quality and consistency while providing an aromatic, low…
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