Varkala Beach’s café scene has it all: Smoothie bowls topped with mango and coconut, parathas stuffed with vegetables and paneer, and, of course, exceptional coffee sourced from India’s iconic coffee-growing regions.
BY MICHAELA TOMCHEK
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Photos courtesy of Michaela Tomchek
When one thinks of India, images of bustling streets, grand palaces, and busy markets tend to fill the mind—but the South Asian country is also home to many beautiful beaches and calm landscapes, specifically in Kerala, a state in southern India.
In Kerala, mountains meet steep cliffs that dive into the Arabian Sea. Nestled here is also Varkala Beach, a region that is home to some remarkable cafés and a unique community of locals and people from abroad.
The town itself is an eccentric blend of Indian shops and restaurants, with plenty of Ayurvedic clinics intermixed with cozy spots to sip coffee and listen to the waves. Even in the monsoon season, this area is exquisitely special; with its stunning scenery and gorgeous shoreline, it is an absolute must-see.
During my stay there, I had the chance to explore the area’s vibrant specialty-coffee scene. Below are the five top spots I discovered along the way.
Café Sarwaa
One of the best places to start a coffee tour of Varkala Beach is Café Sarwaa, ideal for views of the ocean, flavorful local food, and, of course, coffee—which is sourced from Chikmagalur, a state in southwest India well-known for its coffee production. On a hot day, an iced latte is always a great idea, perhaps alongside a mango pineapple bowl served in a handmade wooden bowl and decorated with coconut and fruit.
The Café Sarwaa chain was first launched fourteen years ago just an hour outside of Varkala in the city of Trivandrum. The Varkala Beach location opened four years ago and, since then, has become a go-to spot for the surrounding community. “The menu at Sarwaa is kept refreshingly simple, focused on well-executed dishes with thoughtful touches of authentic Kerala cuisine,” says Rohit Abraham, who serves as director of House of Sarwaa, the hospitality and design collective behind Café Sarwaa.
Sarwaa is open all day, for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. Aside from their coffee, their paneer (Indian cheese) dishes and momos (steamed dumplings) are also worth trying. This is also one of the best places in the area to watch the sunset—but be sure to get there early, because seats fill quickly at this time.
Sun Francisco
After visiting some local shops along the cliffs, a sweet spot to stop is Sun Francisco, which has an array of food options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Apart from exceptional coffee, they also offer great smoothies, juices, tea (including a terrific Masala chai), and ceremonial Amma cacao. Because this shop is situated along a cliff, it also offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea.
The ingredients at Sun Francisco are sourced locally, and they serve traditional south Indian dishes along with some Mediterranean options, salads, soups, and more. The dosas are delicious for breakfast with a cappuccino, and, for dinner, they offer various curries along with roti, naan, and a good selection of desserts.
InDa Café
Tucked away on the Varkala Beach’s North Cliff is InDa Café, part of the InDa family of restaurants and hotels. This coffee shop serves as a great place to unwind and take a step away from the busy paths filled with shops and aromas of incense.
Here, they offer a wide variety of tasty espresso-based beverages and delicious breakfast and lunch items, including traditional Indian food options as well as pancakes, omelettes, pizza, and pasta.
On the warmest of days, InDa Café is the ideal place to get some rest from the sun’s rays, nesting inside the white brick walls as the sun moves across the sky.
Novella
As one wanders through Varkala, there are many slopes, sandy streets, and steep steps you can climb up to catch the stunning views. Atop one of these hills is Novella. Here, you can indulge in an affogato, the perfect treat on a warm day, or sip on a refreshing espresso tonic. The mango lassis and smoothie bowls here are also a must-try. If you’re craving something more filling, Novella also offers a variety of toasts, including salmon and egg toast.
AUM Café
Operating since late 2023, AUM Café is run by Sakshi Porwal and her husband, Aumkar, who share that they always dreamed of opening a café—a dream that finally came to live after a visit to Kerala. Aumkar says that AUM’s beans are sourced from Chikmagalur in southwest India, giving customers the chance to try sustainably sourced Indian coffee.
AUM is also one of the only spots in Kerala brewing filter coffee via French press or pourover; typically, coffee shops in the area primarily serve espresso-based drinks. “Coffee is quite popular in South India; however, locals prefer filter coffee with chikori (chicory),” says Aumkar. “(But) in places like Varkala, where a lot of tourists visit, espresso drinks are in higher demand.”
AUM prides themselves on their sourcing techniques and careful roasting. As with many other cafés in the area, AUM provides stunning views with a comfortable atmosphere. Sit for a while with a book, and order some carrot cake or a stuffed paratha, a local flat bread filled with vegetables and paneer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michaela Tomchek finds coffee an important part of life and the world. She is an appreciator of the crop, the producer, and the many cafés throughout the world serving beautiful beverages. Currently, she writes about coffee, hoping to spread her joy across the globe.
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