The best cafe chains in India are now proudly Indian

If your first instinct for a coffee outing is still Starbucks or Tim Hortons, you might be missing out on a vibrant world of homegrown cafés that have transformed the way India drinks coffee. Over the last decade, Indian brands have grown in both quality and scale. Some began as small roasteries, others as youthful hangout spots, and many have now become national favourites.

These are the café chains shaping the Indian coffee story today.

Café Coffee Day (CCD)
CCD introduced India to the idea of a casual neighbourhood café in 1996. It taught an entire generation that a café could be a place for conversations, first dates or simply a break from the day. Despite its ups and downs, CCD continues to have one of the widest networks in the country. Its consistency and comfort factor keep it relevant, especially in smaller cities.

Barista
Barista arrived soon after CCD and brought espresso style coffee into the mainstream. It was one of the first brands to offer a European café feel to Indian customers. Many of its outlets still retain that old world charm, supported by a simple, approachable menu.

Blue Tokai
Blue Tokai began with a clear purpose. It wanted to introduce people to freshly roasted Indian coffee. The brand works directly with estates, pays attention to sourcing and has built a strong reputation among serious coffee drinkers. Its cafés act as tasting rooms where customers can explore single origin beans, manual brewing and seasonal roasts.

Third Wave Coffee Roasters
Third Wave is one of the fastest growing café chains in the country. It focuses on speciality coffee and careful brewing. This is the place to go if you want a consistent flat white or a pour over made with attention to detail. The brand attracts younger customers who enjoy both the beverage quality and the minimal café design.

Araku Coffee
Araku’s story begins in the Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh where tribal farmers cultivate organic, shade grown coffee. The brand champions sustainable agriculture and produces some of the finest single origin beans in India. Its cafés offer a quiet, thoughtful coffee experience with a strong sense of place.

Chai Point
Chai Point is known for tea but its café format has grown to include a broader menu with coffee, snacks and quick meals. It understands the Indian palate well. It has also built a strong presence in offices through its dispensers and delivery model.

Coffee Culture
Coffee Culture began in Surat and has expanded steadily across India. Rather than being a coffee purist, it positions itself as a lively hangout space. The brand offers a wide menu ranging from beverages to comfort food and is popular among younger crowds who want a café that is relaxed, colourful and social.

And if you want to see how far Indian café culture has come, here is the story of Old School Tea, a tiny tea shop from Kottayam that has grown into a fast-expanding café brand by selling premium teas at affordable prices and building a space designed for people to slow down and linger.