Brewed To Perfection: 5 Coffee Houses In Bengaluru Blending Art & Culture
Discover the 5 latest coffee houses in Bengaluru, from an ethereal Malaysian Kopitiam to modern brewers creating unparalleled experiences.
From the bustling ‘darshinis’ where standing tables and frothy filter brews define a quintessential morning to its deep-rooted connection with the bountiful estates of Chikmagalur, the high-octane metropolis of Bengaluru has long been synonymous with coffee. Today, the city is witnessing a resurgence of spaces that go beyond the dopamine fix to become hubs of creativity, community and aesthetic innovation. Whether you’re in it for the intriguing colour palettes or the rich visual stories steeped in heritage, here are five of Bengaluru’s newest spots proving that a great cup of joe is just the beginning.
#1 Ajji House by Subko, Shanti Nagar — A Masterclass in Adaptive Design
Commissioned in 1953 by Kamalamma, a visionary woman dedicated to securing a brighter future for her son, the 2,500-square-foot Ajji House now serves as Subko’s flagship café within Bengaluru’s The Courtyard Community. Subko’s Studio Substance, in collaboration with M9 Design Studios, has preserved the structural framework with restored red oxide flooring and antique stained glass windows that scatter mirages of light across the brick interiors. At its heart, the custom Strada AV espresso machine, adorned with artwork inspired by Subko’s coffee-growing regions, stands as a testament to local harvests and provenance.
Immersive speciality rooms dedicated to coffee, chocolate and bakes compose a multi-sensorial symphony, while whimsical corners like the ‘Khel Kona’ with its old-school carrom board capture the essence of simpler times. Highlights on the menu include the Mango Kaffé Tonic, PB&J bonbons and the Chocolate Granola Gratitude Bowl, which perfectly complement the café’s intercultural sensibilities.
DP Loves: The café’s seamless homage to Indian Railways through its “AC two-tier sleeper” bunk design, a playful yet sophisticated nod to cultural integrity.
Also Read: New In Mumbai: An Artisanal Chocolate Factory, A Nostalgic Sandwich Bar, And More
#2 Katte Kulture, Jayanagar – Keeping The Togetherness Alive
Founded by sisters Arpitha and Ashritha BC, Katte Kulture draws inspiration from the lush coffee plantations of Chikmagalur and the enduring relevance of “katte” — the stone platforms outside homes that invite community building and piquant conversations. This essence of gathering is woven into the café’s thoughtful architecture. Reclaimed wooden furniture and micro-topped stone benches anchor the space, while an expansive courtyard elicits a yearning for the bygone era.
The courtyard at Katte Kulture, Bengaluru infuses a sense of homeliness into the café’s visual narrative. (Image Credits: Krithika Sriram and Rajeev C)
The café’s menu is equally evocative, with standout offerings like the Korean Buns, the indulgent Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake and the refreshingly unique Berry Infused Americano. These creations interlace innovation with comfort, making Katte Kulture as much about the experience as the flavours.
DP Loves: The minimalist design flows effortlessly between indoors and out, with tranquil greenery enhancing the atmosphere.
3. The Kind, Bellandur – Painting Tranquility with Neutral Hues
Following the success of its debut outlet in JP Nagar, The Kind Roastery & Brewroom has unveiled a second location in Bellandur, offering a spacious and versatile environment. While the first outlet captured a personalised aura, the new café boasts a larger, more fluid layout, purposefully designed by Principal Architect Madhurima Kordale of The Local Studio. The mise en scène is elevated by terra-inspired tones and a serene Brew Bar clad in vertical sandstone.
With its dynamic seating arrangements, including movable furniture and a private dining area encased in fluted glass partitions, the café is a haven for casual meetups and creative collaborations. The carefully curated menu amplifies its appeal with creations like the restorative Mango Kaffé Tonic, the hearty Jackfruit Malabar Curry and their much-loved gluten-free pizzas.
DP Loves: The showstopping Brew Bar with its vertical sandstone cladding and the reassuring interplay of earthy tones, configuring a design that soothes the senses.
Also read: Indulge Your Favourite Coffee Aficionado With These Brilliant Giftables
4. Drip And Drop Coffee, JP Nagar – An Ode To Vivid Colours
Designed by architect Deekshita Sanjay of Inari Atelier and envisioned by owner Gurudeep Murthy, Drip and Drop Coffee is an experiential haven where design and flavour intertwine. The café’s palette of luscious berry tones, deep blacks and energising orange accents crafts an interior that is both striking and welcoming. Expansive street-facing windows transform the space into a mesmerising tableau, offering a glimpse into its euphoric brand language. A skylight bathes the espresso bar in natural light, highlighting the labour of love behind every brew.
The café’s perfectly balanced sandwiches and seasonal desserts provide a perfect accompaniment to their coffee. (Image Credits: Drip and Drop Coffee)
Signature offerings such as the Spiced Jamun Cold Brew, Saffron Mocha Iced Latte, and Iced Mango Matcha add an inventive twist to the café’s repertoire. The effortless connection between indoor and outdoor seating, enriched by vibrant greenery, orchestrates a calming environment. Drip and Drop Coffee isn’t just a café—it’s an immersive experience where intentional design and gastronomy meet.
DP Loves: The skylight’s interplay of natural light with bold interiors, a perfect nod to design ingenuity.
5. Kopitiam Lah, Indiranagar – A Paean to Subliminal Spaces
Nestled in the languorous streets of Indiranagar, Kopitiam Lah serves as a geography-defying portal to the heart of Malaysia resurrected through cutting-edge design. Conceptualized by Stapati, an award-winning Kerala-based architecture firm, the café reinterprets the essence of an archetypal ‘Kopitiam’—the beloved culinary and social hubs where Malaysians gather to begin their day. The 72-cover layout is centred around a ‘kopi’ bar, where high stools and a sleek counter create a Zen-like ambience for casual conversations. A cleverly positioned mirror—a signature element of Malaysian dining rooms that symbolizes abundance—adds depth and visual intrigue.
The interiors are a treasure trove inspired by Kuala Lumpur’s archetypal patterns, cane-backed chairs and well-appointed details like vintage Milo tins, rooster motifs and ‘maneki-neko’ figurines. Every design element fosters communal engagement while the aroma of freshly brewed kopi and the lively hubbub hanging in the air make for a robust, dynamic atmosphere you would want to go back to every day. Signature dishes such as the Char Kway Teow, BBQ stuffed buns, and Wantan Mee Soup bring authentic Malaysian flavours to life, complemented by the irresistible Kopi-C.
DP Loves: The green-and-white mosaic tiles, a subtle paean to the endearing quality of Malaysian coffee shops.
From offering the timeless appeal of filter coffee to newer artisanal cafés redefining the experience with visually arresting spaces and innovative brews, Bengaluru eloquently bridges its rich heritage with modern sensibilities. This harmonious balance cements the city’s role as both a guardian of its legacy and a leader in shaping India’s evolving coffee culture.
