Coffee, the aromatic elixir that kickstarts the day for millions around the world, transcends cultural boundaries. From the bustling cafes of New Delhi to the serene hills of Colombia, coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a ritual, a moment of solace, and a catalyst for conversation.

To pay homage to this delicious drink, Taste Atlas, a popular food guide, recently released a list of the ’10 Best Rated Coffees’ in the world. While the list was topped by ‘Café Cubano’ — a sweetened espresso shot prepared using dark roast coffee and sugar — our very own ‘Indian filter coffee’ came in the second position.

But what makes Indian filter coffee unique? We reached out to chefs to understand.

What sets Indian filter coffee apart is its distinctive blend of coffee beans, typically a combination of Arabica and Robusta varieties sourced from the lush plantations of South India. “These beans undergo a meticulous roasting process, often with a touch of chicory, to enhance the depth of flavour and impart a subtle bitterness to the brew,” Biswarup Chatterjee, executive chef at Hilton Garden Inn, New Delhi, tells indianexpress.com.