Here’s our guide to help you pick the best brew
Café Coffee Day
Spill the beans: Predictably, the Regular Cappuccino tops the most-wanted list, with the cream blended Café Frappe coming in second.
Tummy-filler: The Open Sandwich, with Mexican bread and corn, makes for a substantial meal, especially when followed by a brownie.
Value for money: Among the three chains, here’s where you get your maximum rupee’s worth.
Take-home token: The outlet sells a large range of merchandise, including coffee powders, mugs, T-shirts and shoulder bags.
Chill-out zone: A popular student hangout, especially the outlets with outdoor seating and juke boxes.
Addict at large: “What I like about this chain is that the quality is really standardised at all the outlets, ” says Sandeep Khewle, financial analyst.
Mocha - Coffees and Conversations
Spill the beans: The range is mind-boggling, but the African beans seem to have an edge.
Tummy-filler: A definite winner when it comes to munchies, be it muffins, cookies or paninis (Italian sandwiches). It’s also a chocolate-lover’s haven, from the brownies to the mousse. The more hard-core can OD on the Chocolate Avalanche.
Value for money: From the affordable Expresso to the indulgent Cheese Fondue, quality speaks in every mouthful. Don’t hesitate to shell out here.
Take-home token: Everything—from the coffee beans and the couches, to the curtains and the candlestands—is for sale. Now you know why the décor is so fluid.
Chill-out zone: The warm, informal ambience, diverse menu and late closing time attract patrons of all ages. Fruit-flavoured hookahs are added attractions.
Addict at large: “Who cares about how much you pay. This is where the best chicks come in, ” says Shakir, call centre executive.
BARISTA
Spill the beans: Here too, the Cappuccino and Frappe win hands down, though the black coffee range is fast catching up.
Tummy-filler: A limited choice of sandwiches, cookies and croissants are available. The indulgent can sink into the sinful Chocolate Xcess.
Value for money: You get what you pay for: nothing more, nothing less.
Take-home token: Other than the coffee powders and coffee mugs, it has soft toys, candles and sipper-jars.
Chill-out zone: A mixed bag of collegians and young professionals are found here. This is one joint that will never hurry you out.
Addict at large: “It’s ideal for business meetings as it’s spacious and not too noisy, ” says Birendrasingh Thakur, businessman.
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