Coffee guide / Filter coffee
South Indian filter coffee: the classic way
Filter kaapi is a thick decoction, hot milk and a pour between davara and tumbler. It is simple, and it rewards a little patience.
In the cup: Thick, dark and bittersweet, softened by hot milk. Swadamalnad is made for this: bold body and a thick decoction.
How to make it
Steel filter and milk (About 20 minutes)
- Add the powder. Put two to three heaped tablespoons of Swadamalnad in the top cup of the filter. Level it gently.
- Pour hot water. Fill the top cup with water just off the boil and close the lid.
- Let it drip. Wait 15 to 20 minutes. The first decoction is the strongest.
- Heat the milk. Boil full-fat milk. Filter kaapi is mostly milk, so the milk matters.
- Mix and pour. Add decoction to the tumbler, about one part decoction to three parts milk, then sugar. Pour back and forth between tumbler and davara.
| Starting point | |
|---|---|
| Powder | 2–3 heaped tablespoons for a small filter |
| Water | Just off the boil, to fill the top cup |
| Decoction : milk | About 1 : 3, adjust to taste |
| Time | 15–20 minutes to drip |
What you need
- South Indian steel filter (you probably have this): Two stacked cups with a pressing disc: it drips a thick decoction slowly. The classic way to make filter kaapi.
- Davara and tumbler (nice to have): For pouring the kaapi back and forth, which cools it and builds the froth.
- Airtight coffee jar (nice to have): Keeps air, light and damp away from your coffee between brews.
We are planning to stock this equipment; it is not on sale yet.
Which Kaapiswada coffee to buy
Swadamalnad (80% Arabica · 20% Chicory, 250 g): Swadamalnad is 80% Arabica and 20% chicory, which gives the thick, bittersweet decoction that stands up to hot milk. It is the classic.
Also works: Pureswada (100% Arabica · No chicory). If you like a lighter, cleaner cup with milk, Pureswada has no chicory. Use about half a tablespoon more powder.
Tips
- Use the decoction the same day. It loses its aroma by the next morning.
- Do not press the disc down hard. A packed bed blocks the water.
- If the kaapi tastes thin, add more powder next time rather than less milk.
Read more: How to make South Indian filter coffee at home · How much coffee powder for filter coffee · How to use and clean a South Indian filter
More guides: I like chicory coffee · I want cold coffee · All guides
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