Mangaluru warms up to coffee culture as new chains brew buzz across city
For many residents, a regular cup of coffee has become more than just a beverage—it's a lifestyle. "I visited and enjoyed almost all coffee shops, both local and international brands. However, I am loyal to a café that has existed for a decade or more. I am also happy that coffee lovers like me can sit and sip their favourite coffee whenever they feel like it," said Sherin Saldanha, an IT professional.
Sherin, like many other young professionals, finds her week incomplete without at least two visits to her favourite café. And she is not alone—coffee lovers across Mangaluru are making similar rituals part of their routines.
The arrival of new coffee chains has not only diversified Mangaluru's café scene but has also shifted the city's social dynamics. Traditional alcohol-serving hangouts are making way for more inclusive spaces that cater to a wider crowd.
"These coffee shops provide a dedicated space for non-alcoholics, coffee enthusiasts, and connoisseurs to enjoy a conversation over a cup of coffee. While Café Coffee Day and Diesel Café have been favourites, the new national and international brands offer innovative menus featuring a variety of beverages and foods," said Laxmi Shenoy, a food blogger based in the city.
Whether it's for a remote work session or catching up with friends, cafés have emerged as preferred venues. "We have customers across all age groups, who come in as families, youngsters, groups of friends, business partners, or those who want to have a meeting over coffee. Some work the entire day, and others who spend a few hours," said Prajna Fernandes of Starbucks, which now operates two outlets in Mangaluru.
Third Wave Coffee store manager Yashwanth said lattes and cappuccinos top the popularity chart. "We have had a good response so far," he said, noting that exotic brews have yet to see demand in the city.
But Mangaluru's bond with coffee is not new. Historically, the port city has been a major player in the country's coffee trade. Since the 1830s, during British rule, Mangaluru has been pivotal in processing and exporting coffee, handling about 75% of India's coffee exports.
With this revival in café culture, it seems Mangaluru is simply circling back to its caffeinated roots—only this time, with an espresso shot of modern flair.
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