Let me start by confessing that I’m no coffee connoisseur. My knowledge of coffee is limited to ordering a basic cappuccino and hoping for the best. But my visit to the newly opened Nandan Coffee café in SoBo’s iconic Fort area turned this coffee novice into a bona fide enthusiast. If Nandan Coffee can win me over, it’s definitely got something special brewing!
Perched near the famous Flora Fountain, this café’s bottle-green façade is as inviting as it gets. But Nandan Coffee isn’t just another spot to sip a latte and scroll through Instagram. This two-storey coffee shop offers a sensory experience that dives deep into the art and science of coffee — one that you’ll be telling your friends about and then convincing them to try it too.
A Legacy Steeped In Sustainability
Before diving into its offerings, let’s talk about the beans – because Nandan Coffee is more than just a trendy spot. It is a testament to three generations of familial dedication to perfecting the art of sustainable coffee growing and roasting. Over three decades ago, Hansraj and Hansa Mariwala turned a barren stretch of land into Nandanvan, a thriving, biodiverse coffee estate in the Palani Hills of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Their passion for sustainability laid the groundwork for Nandan Coffee, now a pioneering organic, farm-to-cup brand.
Today, their granddaughter Yahvi Mariwala, carries forward the legacy of the brand, blending tradition with modern innovation. From the estate’s unique microclimate to its organic farming practices, every cup of Nandan Coffee brings Kodaikanal to Mumbai.
A Coffee Haven
Stepping into this two-storey coffee shop, I was welcomed with a warm, earthy charm and vibrant energy from the packed space. Yup, Nandan Coffee was crowded with people at 3:30 pm on a Wednesday and had some people waiting to get a table too. Lawyers, college kids, families, friends and furry friends – you’ll find a mixed bunch at this new coffee hot spot.
Designed by Farida Mariwala Interiors — with installations by Faizan Khatri — the space blends modern aesthetics with natural elements. The tall windows allow enough sunlight to seep through, allowing for that picture-perfect gram-worthy post. But it’s the coffee bar in the centre showcasing Nandan’s signature blends that grabs the eyeballs. And sitting right there was Yahvi, who greeted me with her infectious smile.
“Although our tables are small with fewer chairs, we’ve had people come in large groups willing to stand by the table or help themselves by picking up a vacant chair from another person’s table. People treat this space like their own home, and that’s what we want,” Yahvi told me.
Before I grabbed a chair to sit for my coffee experience, I headed upstairs to check out what it looked like. As I climbed up, I saw photos of the farmers and team members from the estate framed on the wall, giving a peek into life there. Upstairs, the space is more intimate and cosy, with couches and comfortable seating, and there is an aerial view of the coffee bar downstairs. However, pets aren’t allowed in this area; they are only allowed on the ground floor. Heading back downstairs, I also caught a glimpse of a screen that featured a short film that takes you on a virtual journey of the bean-to-cup process. Adjacent to the coffee bar, you’ll also find a display of all Nandan coffee blends available to purchase.
On The Menu
Yahvi took me through the all-day menu, which reflects the flavours of Kodaikanal and pays homage to the estate’s origins. Signature offerings include Cold Coffees on Tap such as Cold Kaapi, Cold Brew, Oat Cold Kaapi, and seasonal Cold Brew tonics infused with raspberry and plum. Just like a brewery, you can opt for tasters before settling on your preferred choice. As someone who likes fruity notes, I took a liking to the Raspberry Cold Brew.
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When it comes to food, the number of dishes is intentionally limited – it’s meant to complement your coffee and not vice versa. Pair your coffee with comforting bites like the rich and indulgent Nandan Tiramisu French Toast, the signature Mari-wala Scramble, Bombay Bagel, a warm Baked Brie (the winner for me), an Assortment of Butters, and a Kodi Cheese Platter, among other standouts.
More And More Coffee
Another highlight for me is the ‘Create Your Own Coffee’ station, where you can engage in an immersive tasting experience and create your very own coffee blend or brew your personalised cup using state-of-the-art equipment and ingredients. This hands-on experience immerses you in the craft of coffee making. And I happily opted for this experience, not knowing I would end up with a caffeine high. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed learning about Nandan’s light, medium, and dark coffee roasts, sampling different brews, and choosing a blend of my choice. The light blend featuring Red Cattura (40%), S9 Arabica (40%), and Robusta (20%) is what got packed for me to take home, and I’ve already started sipping on it every morning. My refill is due for sure!
ELLE’s Verdict
Whether you’re a coffee newbie like me or a seasoned espresso lover, Nandan Coffee is worth a visit. Who knows? It might just turn you into a coffee convert, too.
