Coffee holds a sacred place in South Indian culture, especially filter coffee, known for its rich flavour and aromatic blend. Brewed using freshly ground beans in a traditional metal drip filter, this beloved beverage is more than just a drink – it’s a ritual. Recently, a video showcasing the unique South Indian coffee experience went viral, capturing the attention of both locals and foreigners. The video shared on Instagram, features a Tamil Nadu man and his South Indian family dining at a restaurant with his Dutch in-laws. The humorous caption reads, “Let’s teach Dutchies how to drink South Indian coffee.” The clip shows a tray filled with stainless steel glasses of coffee and a traditional dabara – a small metal cup used for both brewing and serving.
What follows is a demonstration of the iconic South Indian pouring technique: coffee is poured from a height between vessels to create the perfect froth. The froth, a crucial element of the perfect cup, is made with precision and care. The Dutch visitors, eager to learn, try replicating the technique, their expressions showing genuine enjoyment.
The caption emphasises the deep connection between South Indians and their coffee, stating, “South Indian & coffee, you can’t separate both.” It also highlights the importance of the froth, with a playful Tamil term “aathu rathu” or “aathuffying” describing the pouring method that makes the coffee both drinkable and frothy. For many South Indians, a coffee without froth isn’t really coffee.
The video also features the creator’s wife, originally from the Netherlands, who has already mastered the art of making South Indian coffee. However, it’s the creator’s mother-in-law, who prefers black coffee over the milk-based variety, that steals the show. Despite her preference, she eagerly learns the frothing technique, adding a fun twist to the viral moment.
Take a look at the video here:
Were you aware of this technique of drinking coffee? Let us know in the comments below!
