Punjab on a new high: Three cheers to coffee
The land of lassi is waking up to smell the coffee as youngsters hang out at cafes to down the brown beverage in dusty towns
COFFEE IS CONSIDERED UPMARKET PROMPTING EVERYONE, INCLUDING VILLAGERS, TO STOCK IT IN KITCHENS. EVEN CATERERS AT VILLAGE WEDDINGS HAVE STARTED SERVING IT
awareness.” Chandoke, who has links with several coffee plantations down South, is trying to bridge this gap.
Harjinder Kukreja, the owner of a popular café called Bel France in Ludhiana, and a coffee lover himself, says Punjabi taste buds have evolved over the past few years. “Three years ago, people would only drink latte with additional helpings of milk, now they have started savouring Americano and espresso,” Kukreja says.
LUDHIANA LEADS Ludhianvis, he says, have developed a soft spot for this brew. “It’s a big hit with realtors who go café hopping as opposed to pub hopping. Coffee kitties are also a rage here,” he says.
Chandoke, the connoisseur, says it’s the caffeine in the brew that is working its magic. “Caffeine gives a high, it is addictive.”
Punjabis are happily succumbing to this addiction. And this time, no one is complaining.
Karan Veer Singh sums up the sentiments of many when he says, “I’d rather have youngsters addicted to coffee than drugs or liquor.”
Back in Ferozepur, it’s time to pack up and a customer is griping about the café timings . “Jaldi khol deya karo yaar, coffee de bina neend hi nahin khuldi (Open early, it’s impossible to wake up without coffee),” he says.