An Ode to Coffee and the Memories It Brewed

I’ve always called myself a hardcore tea person. The kind whose morning doesn’t kickstart without a self-brewed masala chai. Yet, somewhere deep down, there’s this soft, undeniable corner in my heart reserved for coffee. Because “coffee” isn’t just a drink for me, it’s a memory trigger. Each sip takes me back to a different phase of life, to faces, laughter, and quiet moments that still feel warm.

So, let me take you down the memory lane of my coffee chapters.

1. Coffee Dates

When I first moved to Delhi for graduation in 2007, I was wide-eyed and smitten by the city, the freedom, and yes, the cafés. CCD (Café Coffee Day) was the place back then which was fancy enough to feel special, yet kind to a college student’s wallet.

I still remember those afternoons with my then-boyfriend (now husband), sitting over cappuccinos. At first, I didn’t really like the taste, but I guess it grew on me, maybe because of the company.

Those endless cups of coffee, fancy snacks, cosy corners, and long conversations with my partner just felt so perfect.

2. The DU (Delhi University) Fest Nights

Ah, the fest season! It was a whirlwind of colours, chaos, and crazy memories. But nothing matched the excitement of the AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science) fest night. My hostel was located in South Extension Part 1, just a short walk from AIIMS. So, when our seniors invited us along, we were over the moon.

We even made “LG passes” (local guardian passes) so we could stay out all. Imagine, almost all juniors “staying” at their LG’s that night! I still wonder if we were too smart or just too naïve.

By midnight, our energy began to fade, so we plopped down near the Nescafé stall, and that’s where the magic happened. I must have tried every flavour on the menu that night. The coffee kept us awake, laughing, and alive until dawn broke, when we finally headed back to the hostel.

(Imagine us returning at the same time in the morning! We were really naïve. Thank God the warden didn’t spot us.)

Even today, the smell of Nescafé reminds me of that night- the thrill, the laughter, and the tiny taste of freedom.

3. The Home-Style Comfort

Although I love brewing my own tea, I was pleasantly surprised when my brother and sister-in-law praised me for my coffee skills. Yes, that creamy, milky, and sweet kind of coffee!

I once tried making beaten coffee, but it felt like too much work. So, I came up with my own way to prepare a creamy, frothy, sweet, and delicious coffee that became an instant hit at home.

Winters were the best. All of us huddled under blankets on a lazy Sunday, sipping coffee, munching snacks, and laughing at silly things. My coffee just added that perfect touch. Now that I live away, I often find myself longing for those small but golden moments.

4. Coffee and Sandwich: The Perfect Duo

One thing my mom and I instantly bond over is a cup of hot, creamy, slightly strong coffee paired with homemade sandwiches. Those veg golden sandwiches which were crispy on the outside and soft inside paired perfectly well with the sweet bitter beverage!

Once we had them together purely by accident, the silence that followed was pure bliss. We knew it was a hit combination.

Even now, whenever I visit home, we make sure to recreate that one cosy evening, the same coffee, the same sandwiches, and the same comfortable silence that says we’re home.

So yes, tea might still rule my mornings, but coffee owns the nostalgia. It’s been my companion through college adventures, midnight fests, and family time.

Coffee, for me, isn’t just a beverage. It has always remained a sacred and special part of me, and this post is my little ode to that great taste that brewed my countless memories.

PS: This post is part of #BlogchatterBlogHop