Growing up in the early 2000s, my love for pop culture ran deep. From Bollywood blockbusters to sitcom marathons and chart-topping pop music, everything I consumed shaped my personality—and, funnily enough, my coffee habits too. Whether it was watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and craving a Central Perk moment or Bollywood romanticizing those late-night chai and coffee rendezvous, pop culture has played a huge role in how I (and many others) perceive coffee.

 

From On-Screen Sips to Real-Life Rituals

Before I even fully grasped the taste of coffee, I was already in love with the idea of it. Blame it on Karan Johar movies, where intense conversations happened over steaming cups of coffee.

Then came the international influence. Remember how F.R.I.E.N.D.S. made the idea of sitting in a cozy café with your friends seem like the ultimate life goal? I’d watch Monica, Rachel, and Ross sip their oversized mugs, and suddenly, I needed a coffee fix. The idea of coffee as more than just a beverage, but as an experience, started settling in.

And then there was Suits—where every power move was fueled by a cup of coffee. Whether it was Harvey Specter confidently sipping his espresso before closing a deal or Donna handing out cups with her signature sass, coffee in Suits symbolized ambition, wit, and success. It wasn’t just a drink; it was part of the game.

 

Bollywood’s Love Affair with Coffee

Indian cinema has had its fair share of coffee moments. From college romances where a cup of coffee sparks love stories to power-packed business meetings where espresso shots fuel decisions—coffee is always present. Wake Up Sid had that iconic coffee shop scene where Sid and Aisha discuss their dreams, and Tamasha gave us the fantasy of drinking coffee in quaint European cafés while discovering life’s purpose.

But let’s not forget Koffee with Karan—the show that literally made coffee the centerpiece of Bollywood gossip. It turned casual coffee drinking into a symbol of elite conversations and juicy revelations. Who knew coffee could be so dramatic?

The Rise of the Café Culture in India

Fast forward to the 2010s, and India saw a café revolution. Inspired by pop culture, coffee shop chains started popping up everywhere. Suddenly, we weren’t just drinking instant coffee at home; we were exploring cappuccinos, mochas, and lattes in aesthetically pleasing cafés.

Social media also played its part. The rise of Instagrammable coffee spots, aesthetic coffee shots, and influencers posing with their perfectly foamed lattes turned coffee into more than just a drink—it became an aesthetic. Suddenly, everyone wanted a “coffee date” or a “work-from-café” lifestyle.

 

The Evolution of India’s Love for Coffee

India’s relationship with coffee has come a long way. Traditionally, South India has always been a stronghold for coffee lovers, with generations growing up on aromatic filter coffee. Meanwhile, the rest of India leaned heavily towards tea. However, with globalization, travel, and exposure to Western pop culture, coffee began making its way into urban homes and lifestyles.

From instant coffee being a staple in middle-class households to artisanal blends now being a status symbol, the Indian coffee landscape has transformed dramatically. The rise of homegrown brands, third-wave coffee roasters, and an increasing appreciation for single-origin beans have made Indians more conscious of quality coffee. No longer just a wake-up drink, coffee has become an experience, a conversation starter, and an expression of taste and personality.

 

How This Shaped UNFLTR

My love for coffee, heavily influenced by pop culture, led me to dive deep into its origins. Unlike the frothy, sugar-loaded drinks seen on TV, I discovered the beauty of pure, unadulterated coffee—one that doesn’t need fancy filters, just great beans and the perfect brew.

That’s how UNFLTR was born—coffee, as it is. Inspired by the nostalgia of pop culture but staying true to the raw, real flavors of South Indian coffee. Whether you’re sipping on a strong filter coffee while rewatching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or enjoying a black coffee while bingeing on the latest Bollywood drama, UNFLTR brings coffee back to its essence—bold, pure, and unfiltered.

Because in the end, pop culture may have made us fall in love with coffee, but real coffee lovers know—it’s the taste that keeps us coming back.

So, what’s your favorite pop culture coffee moment?

CONCLUSION ⬇️

But hey, we’re left with a question: what’s the perfect blend for you? Is it the richness of tradition, the excitement of innovation, or something entirely new?? Beyond this what’s next for India’s coffee lovers? We at UNFLTR believe it’s time to take our coffee game to the next level. Join us in our mission to serve up the best, most authentic coffee experience in India. And yeah, before leaving, let’s raise a cup to the future of UNFLTR’D coffee!