Kaapi from the Holy Filter

I went to a school which was run by a group of non-resident south Indians. That's where I learned a lot about south India. Things like there are actually 4 different languages down south, and not just one 1 incomprehensible Madrasi language. It was also where I first heard about filter coffee.

Quite a few teachers carried special cups and once in a while you'd find one of them performing the elaborate mixing ritual in the staff room. It seemed to be their little secret. The ingredients, the mixing, the apparently heavenly taste.

It is a pity that it was only about 4 years after coming to Hyderabad that I actually tasted real filter coffee. It was during a fortuitous visit to Cafe Nandini - it was love at first sip. Earlier, this love would make me cycle out of my way to Nandini. But after the Udupi joint opened close to our house, not one opportunity to taste the divine concoction is wasted.

There is something about filter coffee that I can't quite put my finger on, which makes it what it is. Try a cup when you're nursing a massive hangover and as the first sip makes its way down to your stomach, you'll feel the hangover easing out, your head feels lighter, your neck and back stop aching almost immediately.

Try a cup when you have a very bad cold, try one when you are down with fever, try one after an intense workout, try one when you're feeling low.

Filter coffee never disappoints. It brings back hope, convinces you that everything will be alright.

Here's to the divine potion.