Degree Coffee - Chasing flavours of Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam, also spelt as Coombaconum in the records of British Indiais known aspot of nectar and is also known as the "Temple City" due to many temples that are located there. For me as an avid traveler, the place is interesting for various reasons. A breakfast at Mangalambika hotel followed by a cup of coffee popularly known as " Degree Coffee " was on my list during visit to Kumbakonam.During a recent visit I was able to fulfil my long time wish and here is my experience !
Vishwanath Radhakrishna 
Tourists are bound to itinerary, sightseeing and entertainment...
Why is it called ‘degree coffee’ ?
No one, in Kumbakonam or otherwise, really seemed to know the story behind the name ‘degree coffee’.
Though there are quite a few interesting opinions about the name,
Some believe that this coffee was originally called ‘chicory coffee’, because certain percent of chicory would be added to extract and make it thick for the full flavour from the coffee. Locals started calling it ‘tikeri coffee’, which, over time, changed to ‘degree coffee’.
Another interesting explanation which convinced me as explained by Hariharan is that ‘degree coffee’ is made only with milk whose purity has been checked using a lactometer – that the degree markings on the meter led to the name.
Some people believe that ‘degree coffee’ is made using the first decoction from the filter – sometimes referred to as ‘first degree’. This is what gave the coffee its name.
As a coffee lover, i saw how its made.
Whatever be the story behind its name, degree coffee certainly it was a Refreshing drink and truly enjoyed it . The thick decoction , roasted beans, freshness, milk and finally froth make it special.It is served in little brass davara - tumblers – a tradmark for South Indian filter coffee –. Kumbakonam is know for brass ware and being a alloy if retains heat and one can sip it hot. There’s definitely something special about Kumbakonam’s degree coffee.
The auto driver mentioned of other joints You can even try coffee at other places which are popular too...
What is Chicory. Is it good for health and what percentage is ideal or recommended.
A thick-rooted usually blue-flowered European perennial composite herb (Cichorium intybus) widely grown for its roots and as a salad plant
The dried ground roasted root of chicory used to flavor or adulterate coffee
High (roughly 80–100 mg per cup), ideal for a strong energy boost.
Where to savour it ?
Hotel Venkatramana and Murali’s Cafe are believed to be the best places in Kumbakonam to have similar coffee !
If you are interested in authentic degree coffee, your best bet would be to head to Kumbakonam and try it out in the little eateries in town.
Leave a comment after you taste, your opinion as a coffee lover matters a lot !
