Raise A Toast To The Cup That Cheers

Coffee, a globally popular beverage, in several variants like Americano, Frappe, Latte, etc., is becoming popular in India too. Coffee is not just being consumed as a beverage but it is also being used in several bakery products. It can happily marry with baked goods like muffins cookies and cakes, fruit pastries and even with rich desserts and bread. No wonder it has its own special “Coffee Day”. Ashok Malkani finds that besides acting as a bracer to pep you up it also has several health benefits.

- Ashok Malkani

Coffee, which is believed to have a worldwide consumption of about 3 billion cups per day, is considered to be one of the most loved beverages globally. However, its popularity in India varies, depending on the region. It is said to be more popular in South India, where there are ample coffee plantations that grow Robusta species of coffee. While Filter coffee is popular here, worldwide there are more ways to drink coffee. Lattes, frappucinos, drip, cold brew and, of course, espresso, are just a few of them. The overwhelming popularity of coffee on the global front has enabled it to have an International Coffee Day on October 1.

In India, however, tea is considered to be the preferred drink. So how does coffee compare with tea in India?

Syed Kazmi, Assistant Manager at Venues, in Aloft Hotel Cessna Business Park, to is of the view that tea is more popular as compared to coffee. He adds, “This sweet drink is an integral part of the rhythm of life of more than 80% of Indians. Yes, coffee is popular among Indians but the preference is divided across states or cities - Bengaluru, Pune, and Delhi are the most ‘chai (tea) loving cities’ in India whereas Mumbaikars consume twice as much of coffee than tea. But if we see the overall data in the country’s tea obsession, Ginger tea tops the list of favorites, followed by Masala chai, Iced tea, and Elaichi / cardamom tea.”