Among these, Subko Coffee Roasters, a Mumbai-based brand, is redefining how India produces, perceives and experiences coffee. Founded in 2020 by Rahul Reddy with a vision to place Indian speciality coffee on the global map, Subko has emerged as a pioneer in reshaping the country’s relationship with its coffee heritage, leveraging hyper-local sourcing, sustainable practices and immersive storytelling.
While many global third-wave coffee brands draw on international sourcing and appeal, Subko’s approach is refreshingly inward-looking. The brand is focused on the Indian subcontinent, partnering directly with smallholder farmers and estates across the region. Every microlot of coffee curated by Subko is selected through direct trade relationships, processed using experimental methods and precision-roasted by certified Arabica Q Graders to showcase coffee that respects both craft and terroir. The result? Coffees that consistently score above 85 points on the Speciality Coffee Association scale, with flavour profiles that celebrate the distinct terroir of their origin. Their coffee beans are sourced from various coffee-producing regions within India, including states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the South, as well as Meghalaya, Assam, and Tripura in the Northeast.
“Our vision is to take Indian coffees to the forefront of the global coffee movement, by choosing sustainable practices and fair-trade partnerships, empowering communities along the supply chain,” said Neha Joshi, senior director of operations at Subko Coffee Roasters.
At one of the thirteen Subko Cafés and Bakehouses around the country, the menu bridges tradition and experimentation, with offerings that highlight Indian-origin ingredients through a global lens. Popular picks include the signature Cold Brew Lemonade, a zesty twist on classic cold brew and the South Indian Filter Coffee, elevated with single-estate beans. On the food side, the Bombay Burrata Toast and Pulled Kathal (jackfruit) Croissant fuse local flavours with artisanal techniques, while the Subko Sando, their take on a Japanese-style sandwich, has become a cult favourite. Freshly baked viennoiserie, infused with Indian elements like jaggery, coconut and chai masala, round out the experience.
Subko’s ever-expanding offerings include speciality coffees, artisanal bakes, and bean-to-bar chocolate.
As with its food and beverage, their decor too reflects Indianness through carefully curated design choices that celebrate local culture and craftsmanship, featuring earthy tones, traditional materials like reclaimed wood and cane and vintage industrial elements reminiscent of Bombay cafés of yesteryear. Branding incorporates Indian languages, typography inspired by regional scripts and visual cues drawn from South Asian postal, rail and industrial aesthetics. Even the cups are custom-made, handcrafted by local artisans, emphasising tactility and rootedness.
Every element—from packaging to signage—tells a story of heritage reimagined for the contemporary Indian coffee drinker.
