Story of Coffee

The Legend of Coffee’s Discovery

The story of coffee begins in the 9th century with a curious Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. He noticed that his goats became energetic and restless after eating red berries from a certain shrub. Intrigued, Kaldi took these berries to a local monk, who experimented by making a drink from them. This discovery spread across Arabia, where coffee was first cultivated and enjoyed as a stimulating drink.

Coffee’s Voyage Across the World

From Ethiopia to Yemen, coffee found its way to Mecca and later to the Ottoman Empire. By the 15th century, coffee houses, known as qahveh khaneh, flourished in Istanbul. European traders and travelers took notice, bringing coffee to Venice, London, and Paris, leading to the rise of coffee culture across the world.

Coffee’s Arrival in India: The Story of Baba Budan

India’s tryst with coffee began in the 17th century, when a Sufi saint named Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee beansfrom Yemen’s port of Mocha and planted them in the hills of Chikmagalur, Karnataka. These hills, later known as Baba Budan Giri, became the birthplace of coffee cultivation in India.

The Rise of Indian Coffee Plantations

By the 18th century, the British expanded coffee plantations across South India, especially in the Western Ghats—Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Today, India is one of the largest producers of shade-grown, hand-picked coffee, known for its unique flavors influenced by monsoon winds and rich biodiversity.

India’s Coffee Culture Today

From traditional Indian filter coffee to specialty Arabica and Robusta brews, Indian coffee has gained global recognition. The country's diverse coffee styles—from the strong Kaapi of Tamil Nadu to the exotic spiced Malabar Monsoon blend—make it a paradise for coffee lovers.