Coffee is beyond just a beverage. It is a mood. It’s a social glue. For many, it’s a passion that runs very deep—enough to make them invest in fancy set-ups that could blow up one’s monthly budget. With that kind of increase in demand and its evolution into a serious hobby, the capital is catching […]
Coffee is beyond just a beverage. It is a mood. It’s a social glue. For many, it’s a passion that runs very deep—enough to make them invest in fancy set-ups that could blow up one’s monthly budget. With that kind of increase in demand and its evolution into a serious hobby, the capital is catching up by presenting unique setups for people to enjoy a cuppa. From slow bars to coffee omakase and even pop-ups at an apartment, say goodbye to the usual cafes and head to the capital’s most happening coffee experiences that are anything but usual.
If you’re ever split between enjoying a cup of fresh brew in the comfort of your home or heading out, the apartment pop-ups by Lazy Boy Coffee, a Delhi-based small-batch coffee company, are exactly your jam. Besides their signature cold brew (steeped for 18 hours), Lazy Boy brings a roster of fabulous drinks like cold brew with sweet vanilla cream and a mean matcha latte.
To go with it, you can also sample a delicious line-up of sweet bakes and savoury snacks by Delhi-based kitchens, Sweet Moses and Kagui’s Kitchen. Often held in a cosy apartment space in Hauz Khas, these pop-ups also make for a great solo hang and a fantastic way of bumping into new people who may be just as much in love with coffee as you. To know when they’re ready with their next edition, follow them at @lazyboy.coffee on Instagram.
This cosy Japanese-inspired slow bar has blown up on Instagram and for all the right reasons. Founded by two best friends, the bar is an absolute departure from your typical café and presents a space where you can truly recharge and reconnect. Unlike most places, this one does not have a whirring espresso machine—a win for all the coffee aficionados out there. Instead, expect an espresso shot pulled carefully using a manual-pressurised machine, resulting in a deep, flavourful drink. Besides, they put in just as much thought and care to make their matcha-based drinks. With no food menu but ample open space and shelves full of manga, books, and board games, Hinoki stands out with its cool yet effortless vibe.
If your love for coffee extends beyond just one cup a day to being a full-blown obsession, then Caarabi Coffee Roasters is right up your alley. Not only are they particular about their beans and roast, but they’re taking the whole coffee experience notches above by bringing India’s first coffee omakase experience. The whole drill includes a 4-course menu featuring various coffee roasts in multiple forms: from a pure coffee shot to pannacotta and even sangria. Moreover, each sitting only accommodates a limited number of guests, ensuring you have an immersive experience. For more, read our experience here.
If you like your coffee strong and with a side of an amazing playlist, then Genre is just your vibe. Genre in Defence Colony is a café-bar hybrid in South Delhi that blends stylish décor, good food, and a strong coffee culture. Their interiors strike a modern-minimalist chord—warm lighting, carefully curated furnishings, and a relaxed vibe that works both for casual hangouts during the day and more upbeat evenings.
When it comes to their coffee, Genre keeps things refined and reliable. Visitors often praise their classic hot brews, from a well-extracted espresso to creamy lattes—made with consistency and care. Their Iced Salted Caramel Latte is frequently mentioned as a standout for its balance of sweetness and richness without being overwhelming. Though Genre may not go overboard with experimental manual brews or third-wave coffee theatrics, it’s exactly this steadiness and polished execution that attracts both day-sippers looking to work quietly and lovers of cosy cafés wanting a comforting, well-made cuppa.
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