The best filter coffee desserts and cocktails in Mumbai

What is it: Filter coffee ice cream folded in with caramel and hazelnut butter

Why we love it: Chef-entrepreneur-influencer Saloni Kukreja’s home recipes on Instagram have always been a comfort watch for many, and when she launched Indu Ice Cream in 2023, many rejoiced. The ice cream in question’s darkly indulgent, with coffee caramel and a nutty, toasted hazelnut butter.

Time Out tip: The 250ml sundae comes with an additional layer of dark chocolate shell dusted with cocoa powder.

Address: They do in-city delivery daily from 2pm to 11pm (Mondays closed), but their new scoop shop’s open in Bandra during the same timings: Shop No. 2, New Silver Sands CHS, Pali Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050.

What is it: Fudgy chocolate cake with a filter coffee swirl and a rava cardamom crumble

Why we love it: That the darshini-style Benne Dosa’s inspired a cultural shift in Mumbai folks is an entirely different story altogether; the fudge cake at the Juhu and Chowpatty outlets is what’s got our attention right now. Soaked in filter coffee, topped with a filter coffee ice cream, and finished off with a drizzle of ghee chocolate fudge sauce, rava cardamom crumble and toasted peanuts – it’s a big, heavy affair. The founders of Benne Dosa also grew up drinking Kotha’s filter coffee – so the quality here never misses. 

Time Out tip: They also have an iced filter coffee on their menu, as well as a newly launched filter coffee cookie!

What is it: Old monk finished off with some filter coffee

Why we love it: Old Monk has no season. It cuts across seasons, moods, and times of the day. At Tanjore Tiffin Room, this cocktail comes with a velvety, syrupy mouthfeel, with the nutty richness of the traditional chicory-blended decoction. A perfect accompaniment to, what in my opinion, is the star dish: the Madras Railway curry, or even the egg bonda and jackfruit cutlets. 

Address: 12, Second Floor, Union Park, Pali Hill, Bandra West, Mumbai

Timings: Daily. Noon to 12.30am. 

What is it: A filter kaapi soft serve! 

Why we love it: The newly opened Rameshwaram (a Bengaluru hot favourite) brings with it their classic garlic dosa, kesari bat, and thatte idli. That, and their iconic filter coffee soft serve, made with a special blend from estates across Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka. It’s a nice ratio of Arabica and Robusta, with that classic chicory aftertaste. 

Address: Cambata Building, 42, Maharshi Karve Rd, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020

Timings: Daily. 5am-1am. 

What is it: Kulfi topped with filter coffee decoction

Why we love it: This one’s delightfully odd. The dish marries the traditional Mughlai dessert with the South’s favourite beverage: freshly brewed filter coffee decoction’s poured over a classic slice of kulfi at the moment of service. The sweetness of the kulfi interacts wonderfully with the bitterness of the decoction, resulting in a pretty cool, unique flavour.

Empty nester Panchali Bhatia began OOR with her husband, by the way – the place is traditionally designed, with channapatna wooden objects and prints of Raja Ravi Varma’s work. The dessert’s best preceded by the warm podi-ghee thatte idli. 

Address: 5, Ground Floor, 5, Kitab Mahal, Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Rd, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

Timings: Daily. 8am-10pm.

What is it: What I assume would be the love child of caramel custard and filter coffee

Why we love it: Kerala Quarters is a time capsule into a toddy shop in ‘God’s Own Country’ – you’ll be welcomed with a Swagatham and almost overwhelmed with the wonderful ambience inside, ranging from the fun coasters to the staff’s dress. The dessert is beautifully jiggly and perfectly set – a custard infused with coffee. 

Address: Kerala Quarters, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Plot 126, Senapati Bapat Pawar Marg, Lower Parel 

Timings: Daily. 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 6 pm–12:30 am

What is it: An espresso martini that swaps the espresso for a shot of decoction, with a creamy stout finish

Why we love it: It’s served on tap with a creamy, frothy head – similar to a stout with a salty finish. The cocktail blends vodka, coffee liqueur, a decoction concentrate made from 80% Arabica and 20% chicory blend, and a pinch of salt to round everything off. Goes best with a gossip session with the girls and their signature Sea Bass Sev Puri and Corn Locho. 

Address: The Bombay Canteen Unit-1, Process House, S.B. Road, Kamala Mills, Near Radio Mirchi Office Lower, Parel

Timings: Daily. Noon-1.30am.