We live in a world where mornings have become a race against the clock. From squeezing in a workout before work, to answering emails over breakfast, we've become accustomed to treating the first few hours of the day as a checklist to get through rather than a moment to ease into. Even our coffee has become something to grab on the way to somewhere else. But maybe, mornings don't have to be productive to be worthwhile. And maybe, instead of rushing through that first cup, we can give ourselves the luxury of actually enjoying it, once a while. This is the philosophy that lies at the heart of Karafa, a thoughtful coffee spot nestled amid the bustle of Hyderabad, where the idea is to trade the morning rush for a little unhurried indulgence.
A specialty coffee and dining destination built around the philosophy of slowing down, Karafa isn't simply interested in getting you your caffeine fix. It wants you to stay awhile. To eat something good, to read a book, talk to a friend, or sit quietly with your thoughts. And if you happen to spend a little longer than you intended, well, that's the point!
For founder Ajitha Challa, coffee has always been a family affair, thanks to childhood mornings fuelled by South Indian filter coffee. Her eventual discovery of specialty coffee inspired Karafa, but the idea was never just to serve a good brew. From thoughtfully paired desserts to food that doesn't leave you needing a nap, the menu is designed around one simple idea: good coffee deserves to be slowly savoured, preferably with something delicious on the side.
With two stores in Hyderabad, Karafa brings its philosophy to life through a menu that’s thoughtfully made, much of it in-house. The team makes its own pastries, breads and chocolates, paying close attention to the ingredients that go into them. The founder even recalls initially trying to do away with the tomato ketchup served alongside dishes, concerned about the additives in store-bought versions. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks to the thought that goes into what ends up on your plate.
Here's an interesting detail: Karafa doesn't offer Wi-Fi. In a world where cafés have become unofficial offices, where a cold brew is often accompanied by a laptop, three open tabs and a looming deadline, this might sound almost rebellious. But for Ajitha, it's a conscious choice. She wanted to create a space that supports the art of slowing down. "We truly believe that when you want to take a break, you should be able to unwind completely," she says. "And that happens only when the ambience around you makes you feel like slowing down, even if it's for five minutes."
Asking people to slow down is one thing, creating a space that makes them want to is another. Karafa’s ambience—both at the Jubilee Hills and Banjaara Hills stores—is designed in accordance with the philosophy of slowing down. Both stores have been designed around greenery, open spaces and natural light, remaining true to the brand's underlying philosophy.
While designing the space, the founder recalls being presented with designs that were done-to-death. But a cookie-cutter café wasn't quite what she had in mind. She wanted sunlight streaming in and trees becoming part of the experience. She wanted to retain the feeling of warmth and calm. "I wanted my sunlight in the café, I wanted my trees, and I wanted my logo. Everything else was up for discussion." says Ajitha.
It's a beautiful sentiment, and one that feels particularly relevant when so much of our everyday life unfolds indoors, often in front of screens and under artificial lighting.
For someone who has spent years exploring specialty coffee, the founder's favourite brew is a charmingly familiar one: the humble South Indian filter coffee. It's a reminder that, for all the fascinating things to discover in the world of coffee (and otherwise), the pleasures we grow up with have a way of staying with us.
At Karafa, though, there's plenty for the curious drinker, too. Ajitha is particularly proud of the foams developed for the café's signature beverages. “I think that's very unique to us. Be it the foam on the cold brew, or on the cheese coffee, or on the Pistachio Crèma that we do. Our brews are very good, and you need to have a very good complementing foam on it for the whole dish to come together.” says Ajitha.
When it comes to her favourite dish on the menu, the founder picks the Malai Murgh Croissant, a showstopper that's been a fan favourite since it first landed on the menu.
While on the dessert front, the classic chocolate cake remains Ajitha’s favourite on the menu. “It’s a very basic dessert, but to crack the basics is also something that you should be proud of. It’s not easy, and I think we are there. Whoever eats it, loves it.” says Ajitha, on her favourite dessert on the menu, the classic chocolate cake.
When asked about the most underrated thing on the Karafa menu that she’d like to recommend, Ajitha mentions ‘barley with hung curd’. “I think it's a very nice dish. People do reorder it, but it's not very popular, and slightly underrated. It's very healthy; maybe that's why people don't order it (laughs).
Manifest: The best-seller at Karafa?
Ajitha: Avocado toast with chili oil!
Manifest: One thing that you’re hoping to add to the menu soon?
Ajitha: I'm really looking forward to adding some very unique-tasting coffees. I'm very excited about it.
Manifest: Your go-to coffee order?
Ajitha: I love my pour-overs. I always order them whenever I'm at Karafa.
Manifest: Your comfort dessert
Ajitha: My comfort dessert is actually the lemon raspberry slice. I love lemon cakes!