Drink Filter Coffee Like a South Indian!

The South Indian filter coffee is nearly an institution - one that most thorough bred Tamilians cannot do without, especially popular in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.

The wafting aroma of freshly brewed filter coffee heralds the new day in most South Indian homes. The ubiquitous coffee filter can be found in the kitchen occupying pride of place, creating a thick decoction that is mixed with the right amount of hot milk and sugar.

Typically filter coffee is served in a stainless steel tumbler and dabarah (container/cup) that is used to cool the coffee. A piping hot cup of filter coffee served with a frothy layer - and you are all set to start the day!

Step 1: To Hold

Using your fingers carefully lift the stainless steel tumbler by the rim (as the filter coffee will now be piping hot) off the container (dabarah), and place it aside. 
Now get ready to lift it slowly.

Step 2: To Pour and Cool

Pouring the hot coffee into the container is a ritual practice meant to cool the coffee to an optimum drinking temperature. 
It involves lifting the tumbler with the Coffee till a considerable height and tactfully pouring it into the container (without spilling). 

Step 3: To Pour and Cool

Now Pour the coffee from the container back into the tumbler, again from a considerable height. Pouring the coffee from this height reduces the heat and adds a delicious frothy layer.
Not to worry, the pouring steps (from such heights) are usually mastered with practice.  

Step 4: Repeat

The pouring back and forth from tumbler to container (and container to tumbler) would continue until you feel the coffee is at a perfect temperature to be sipped (not burning hot but perfectly warm).

Step 5: Cooling Complete

The entire coffee has been finally emptied into the container as is ready to be tasted. 

Now just pour quarter portion of the coffee from the container into the tumbler. 

Step 6: Mixing

Mix the coffee by turning the tumbler around in a circular motion (make 2-3 circles for a perfect mixture).

Step 7: Drinking

Lift the tumbler with coffee and drink up!

Now pour more coffee into the container and drink again until the container is empty!

Step 8: Finally

After your final sip of South Indian filter coffee, wipe your mouth with the back of your hand.

Smile! You are now charged with the energy of caffeine, milk and sugar!
Have a great day :)