The Enduring Legacy of 'Kaapi'
South Indian filter coffee, affectionately known as 'kaapi', is more than a beverage; it's a cultural ritual. Its unique profile comes from dark-roasted coffee beans blended with roasted chicory root. This practice began in the 19th century, when chicory—a
plant from the dandelion family—was used to extend scarce and expensive coffee supplies, a habit that arrived in India via French and British influence. Though born of necessity, the addition of chicory became a deliberate culinary choice. It lends a bittersweet, almost chocolatey flavour, adds body and viscosity to the decoction, and helps create the signature thick, frothy head when mixed with hot milk. For many, the slightly bitter, earthy notes of chicory are not an adulteration but the very soul of authentic filter coffee.
Enter Cold Brew: A New Generation's Obsession
Parallel to this long-standing tradition, a new coffee culture has swept across urban India, captivating Gen Z. Cold brew, made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, has become a mainstay in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi. Its appeal is multi-faceted. The slow extraction process results in a coffee that is significantly less acidic and bitter than hot-brewed versions, offering a smoother, naturally sweeter taste. For a health-conscious generation, this is a major draw. Furthermore, cold brew aligns perfectly with the values of Gen Z: it's highly customisable, visually appealing for social media, and can be more sustainable as it requires less energy to produce.
A Bridge Between Tradition and Trend
The magic happens when these two worlds collide. A new wave of artisanal coffee brands and innovative cafés are discovering that chicory is not just for hot filter coffee. Its robust, earthy characteristics, which can sometimes be overpowering in a hot brew, are perfectly mellowed by the cold brewing process. The result is a smooth, full-bodied cold coffee with a complex, lingering finish that doesn't require much, if any, sugar. The chicory complements the natural sweetness of cold brew, adding a nostalgic depth that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. It’s a flavour profile that stands out in a crowded market, offering a distinctly Indian twist on a global trend.
Why This Fusion Resonates with Gen Z
This trend is more than just a clever flavour combination; it taps directly into the Gen Z psyche. This is a generation that values authenticity and storytelling. A chicory-infused cold brew isn't just a drink; it’s a narrative. It connects them to their heritage—the taste of their parents' or grandparents' morning coffee—but presents it in a modern, aspirational format they already love. It's 'local' and 'global' in the same sip. In a world of fleeting digital trends, this blend offers something rooted and real. By embracing chicory, roasters are celebrating a uniquely Indian coffee tradition, and in doing so, are giving young consumers a product that feels both personal and culturally significant.
