Introduction: Filter Coffee is a Ritual Don’t Get It Wrong
For millions of Indians, brewing a cup of South Indian filter coffee is more than a routine it’s a sacred ritual. The soothing aroma, the sound of milk bubbling, and the first sip of freshly brewed coffee decoction it’s a moment of calm in a busy world.
But even the most devoted filter coffee fans make small mistakes that ruin the taste, texture, or aroma of their brew. Whether you're a first time coffee maker or someone who grew up around traditional filter coffee, chances are you’ve fallen into a few traps.
If you’re wondering how to make filter coffee the right way, it starts with understanding what not to do. While the process may seem simple, it’s the little things that can throw off flavor, aroma, and strength. That’s why we’ve compiled the most important filter coffee brewing tips so you can unlock the full potential of your daily brew.
At Rooh & Roast, we’ve studied the process deeply because we don’t just sell coffee, we celebrate it.
Here are the top 5 mistakes people make while brewing filter coffee, and more importantly how to fix them.
1. Using the Wrong Coffee Powder Consistency
One of the biggest filter coffee mistakes is using powder that’s too coarse (like French press grind) or too fine (like espresso).
Mistake:
Using coffee powder that’s too coarse won’t extract enough flavor, and a fine grind will clog the filter and slow down the decoction drip.
Fix:
Use a medium-fine grind, specifically roasted and ground for South Indian filters. At Rooh & Roast, our grind is perfected for the traditional metal filter, ensuring ideal flow and flavor release.
2. Pouring Boiling Water Directly into the Filter
Yes, hot water is essential — but there’s a science to it.
Mistake:
Pouring boiling water (100°C) scorches the coffee grounds, giving a bitter and over-extracted taste.
Fix:
Wait 30 seconds after water boils. Ideal temperature: 92°C to 96°C. This helps extract rich flavor without burning the beans. For best results, use freshly boiled water and a steel kettle.
Pro tip: Pre-warm your filter before adding powder — this helps maintain water temperature longer during brewing.
3. Not Letting the Decoction Drip Fully
Filter coffee is meant to be slow-brewed. Rushing it kills the depth.
Mistake:
Removing the filter or using the decoction too early leads to under-extracted, watery coffee. Some even shake the filter or press the top to speed it up!
Fix:
Be patient. Good decoction takes 10–15 minutes. The first 5 minutes yield a strong layer, and the next 10 gives the body. Never stir or shake the filter — it disturbs the coffee bed.
At Rooh & Roast, we encourage you to treat filter brewing like meditation. Trust the drip.
4. Skipping the Milk Quality Check
Believe it or not, your milk makes or breaks the brew.
Mistake:
Using watery, cold, or non-frothy milk dilutes the decoction. This leads to a flat taste and a soupy texture.
Fix:
Boil your milk well. Use full-fat milk and froth it traditionally by pouring between tumblers. The heat binds with the decoction for a creamy, authentic filter coffee finish.
Want to elevate your game? Use farm-fresh milk and preheat your tumbler.
5. Using Poor-Quality Coffee Powder
No matter how perfect your technique is — if the coffee powder isn’t great, your drink won’t be either.
Mistake:
Using supermarket blends that are over-roasted, stale, or poorly mixed with chicory.
Fix:
Choose the best filter coffee brand in India that sources fresh, single-origin beans. At Rooh & Roast, we use Arabica beans from Chikmagalur, blended in a 75:25 ratio with premium chicory.
Our coffee is small-batch roasted, packed fresh, and ground to the perfect consistency — ensuring every cup is rich, smooth, and truly satisfying.
Rooh & Roast: Brew Better, Every Morning
We started Rooh & Roast with one mission — to bring back the soul of South Indian coffee. Our blend of 75% Arabica beans and 25% chicory is time-tested, beloved by grandmothers, and now — reimagined for the modern Indian.
From sourcing beans in Chikmagalur to perfecting our roast profile, we’ve thought about every detail so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re a student, a hustler, or a homemaker — filter coffee is for everyone. And we want you to brew it right.