Besant Nagar and Nungambakkam in Chennai are witnessing a revolution in the local coffee scene with the emergence of small, affordable specialty coffee kiosks. Positioned opposite the serene Velankanni church, Den, a kiosk-style café with a modern vibe, is challenging the traditional notion of quiet places of worship. The café, devoid of seating space except for two tables, offers a unique coffee menu featuring sinfully delicious coffee creations priced between ₹100 and ₹200.
S. Bhavesh, the barista and owner, traces his journey from being a coffee novice to experimenting with various versions of the brown elixir. His café aims to make specialty coffee accessible to a broader audience, encouraging patrons to explore different flavors without breaking the bank.
Similar coffee initiatives are cropping up across the city, such as Brews and Beyond on Uthamar Gandhi Salai, founded by cinematographer-turned-entrepreneur Balamurali Krishna. Inspired by the affordable specialty coffee options in Bali, Krishna and his partner envisioned bringing the same concept to Chennai, making quality coffee accessible without exorbitant prices.
In the past year, Chennai has witnessed a surge in small coffee establishments, each offering a unique twist to the traditional filter coffee. These kiosks, often with limited seating, experiment with macchiatos, bombons, and eclectic cold brews, all priced under ₹300. The new wave of coffee shops positions itself as cold brew bars, multi-roastery cafes, and artisanal coffee houses, showcasing customized roasting and grinding methods.
Entrepreneurs behind these coffee ventures are emphasizing experimentation and conscious sourcing of coffee beans. Viggnesh V, a coffee consultant and brew crafter, notes a heightened awareness among entrepreneurs regarding the origin of coffee beans and sustainable sourcing practices. These coffee establishments are becoming hubs for coffee enthusiasts, where customers can engage with baristas to learn about the beans, roasting methods, and flavor profiles.
The democratization of coffee culture is evident in the diverse customer base, ranging from quiet working professionals seeking a strong cup of coffee to those desiring vibrant, lively spaces for caffeine-fueled gatherings. These kiosks, often set up in unconventional locations, provide affordable iced drinks for summer and comforting hot beverages for winter, catering to varied preferences.
Despite their distinct positioning, these coffee establishments share a commitment to constant experimentation. Only Cold Brew in Besant Nagar, for example, is known for its creative cold-brew infusions, with a menu in its third iteration. The emphasis on flavor notes, bean origins, and brewing techniques sets these cafes apart, offering a dynamic coffee experience to patrons.
As social media amplifies their presence, these kiosks are balancing popularity with a focus on quality. While some envision growing into bustling cafes, others, like Brews and Beyond, prioritize manageable crowds and a focus on delivering a high-quality coffee experience. The rise of these affordable specialty coffee kiosks signifies a shift in Chennai’s coffee culture, transforming the city into a haven for coffee connoisseurs.
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