6 Genius Tips To Get Filter Coffee Froth Like A South Indian Cafe

NDTV

5 days ago

For many coffee lovers, South Indian filter coffee is a ritual. It has a deep aroma, the perfect balance of strong flavour and hot milk, and of course, that irresistible frothy top. It's not just a drink, it's an experience that starts with the first pour and ends with the last sip. Sure, you could simply order a steaming cup from your favourite food delivery app when the craving kicks in. But for those days when you want to recreate the magic at home, getting that authentic froth can feel like a task. So, if, like us, you are also a fan of filter coffee, here are some solid tips to help you ace this hot drink!
Here Are 6 Tips To Get Filter Coffee Froth Like A South Indian Cafe
1. Start With A Strong Base
A good froth needs a coffee base with some weight to it. Brew your coffee using freshly ground powder and let it steep in your filter for the full 15-20 minutes. Here, a medium-fine grind works best. If you don't brew your coffee properly, it will result in thin, flat coffee that simply won't be able to hold the froth on its own.
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2. Boil The Milk Just Right
Overheated milk will lose its sweetness and tend to form a malai that can ruin the texture. Heat your milk until it begins to bubble around the edges, then take it off the flame. This will keep it creamy and perfect for frothing at home.
3. Pour From A Height
This move is extremely important. Pour this decoction and milk between two containers from a slight height to add air to the mixture. This will add the froth to your homemade filter coffee. The higher you pour, the fluffier your coffee will become. Make sure not to spill while doing this. If you want, you can always start with a lesser height and then increase it eventually.
4. Use Two Steel Glasses
If you ask us, use steel tumblers or glasses to make your coffee frothy. This is because steel holds temperature well and allows it to form foam quickly. Alternating between two tumblers also helps you control the speed at which you pour, which creates that little foam-like froth you see in restaurants.
5. Blend Milk And Coffee Twice
First, pour the decoction into the milk and mix lightly. Then pour it back and forth between the tumblers two to three times. Mastering this step can literally make all the difference, but it takes time. So, if while doing so, you spilt your coffee on the kitchen slab, worry not! You can still order a piping hot cup of filter coffee from your favourite food delivery app, and enjoy its strong flavours without much hassle!
6. Serve In A Davara-Tumbler Set
Look, when it comes to filter coffee, presentation matters. Pour your perfectly frothed coffee into a Davara-tumbler set. This helps retain heat and gives you that authentic South Indian cafe feel at your home!
5 Common Mistakes To Avoid While Making Filter Coffee At Home | What Can Go Wrong When Making Coffee
1. Using Old Pre-Ground Coffee
While making filter coffee at home, make sure to use freshly ground coffee powder. Old powder loses aroma quickly and gives a flat flavour.
2. Overdiluting The Decoction
Overdiluting the coffee by adding too much hot water will ruin the coffee. It can weaken both the flavour and the desired froth.
3. Overheating The Milk
As mentioned above, overheating the milk can form a malai over the milk. This can cause burnt notes and prevent smooth frothing in your filter coffee.
4. Skipping The Back And Forth
If you want that cafe-like froth in your homemade coffee, just stirring won't suffice. To get that airy texture, keep pouring the coffee decoction and milk into two containers back and forth, and you'll see the form forming soon.
5. Not Serving Fresh
Remember that the form won't last forever. If you want that cafe-like experience and taste, serve the filter coffee immediately after checking all the boxes listed above.
Can You Drink Filter Coffee Daily?
Yes, you can, but in moderation. According to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, moderate coffee consumption (2-3 cups daily) may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. So, while it tastes delicious, it is best to avoid overconsumption of coffee.
Is South Indian Filter Coffee Bitter?
Not if made correctly. The bitterness comes from over-brewing the decoction or using a very high coffee ratio. A balanced brew with fresh milk should taste rich, slightly strong, and pleasantly smooth.