The Story Behind South Indian Filter Coffee

In much of South India, 'coffee' means one specific thing: filter coffee, brewed slowly through a traditional metal filter and served in a tumbler and davara (a small stainless-steel cup and saucer set).

How it's traditionally made

Filter coffee is brewed using a two-chamber metal filter. Coarsely ground, dark-roasted coffee sits in the upper chamber while hot water slowly drips through it, extracting a strong, concentrated decoction. That decoction is then mixed with hot milk and sugar to taste.

Why the tumbler and davara matter

The tumbler-and-davara serving style isn't just tradition for its own sake — pouring the coffee back and forth between the two vessels cools it to a drinkable temperature and creates a light froth on top, which many coffee drinkers consider part of the experience.

At Mysuru Coffee Bar, we prepare our filter coffee the traditional way — strong, aromatic and made fresh for every order.