• Cooperatives around the world,  Texts,  Trips and countries

    Circles and Lines of Stillness – 2nd Part ( Kathy – Jaipur – December 24)

    French version below At the heart of the JKK branch is Arun Ramakrishnan, a proud, human, and generous manager who has dedicated 20 years to the cooperative, with 15 years spent at the JKK location. Arun’s journey from the kitchen to leadership epitomizes the cooperative’s ethos: every employee is an owner, and the structure is built not on profit but on creating permanent jobs. The team at JKK’s ICH includes 30 workers, 20 of whom work in the kitchen, and they serve between 200 and 400 customers daily. Open seven days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM, this branch is a lifeline for many, offering crispy dosas, strong filter coffee, and other South Indian delights at affordable prices.…

  • Cooperatives around the world,  Texts,  Trips and countries

    Circles and Lines of Stillness – 1st Part – (Kathy – Jaipur – December 2024) – Revisited version

    French version below Jawahar Kala Kendra and the Indian Coffee House: A Cultural Oasis in Jaipur The Indian Coffee House (ICH) at Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) in Jaipur provides a peaceful escape from the city’s constant rush. While Jaipur’s historical significance is undeniable, the city often leaves me feeling disillusioned. Its streets, chaotic and filthy, obscure the beauty of its cultural heritage, and the visible poverty and aggressive pace of life can be overwhelming. Yet, amidst this turmoil, JKK and its Indian Coffee House branch offer a calm refuge—a cultural haven where community and serenity come together. JKK: A Cultural and Sustainable Landmark Designed by the acclaimed architect Charles Correa and inaugurated in 1993, Jawahar Kala Kendra is…

  • Food,  Texts,  Trips and countries

    Sipping Timelessness (Kathy – Thrissur – Feb. 24)

    Version en français plus bas Today, I’m flying low-key. A fresh perspective, perhaps even a different vibe? Picture this: the first-ever Indian Coffee House in Thrissur swung its doors open on March 8, 1958—over 60 years back! We’re talking about an old-school institution here, right? It was also the fourth of its kind in the entire country. Fast forward to 10:30 AM, and I’m chilling in the lower deck of this ICH, just around the Round central park in Thrissur, up in the north of Kerala. It’s scorching, I’m starving, but damn, it feels good to tip my hat to the cool folks running the show here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JR85DdLDUgDQPx8m8 There’s space…

  • Texts,  Trips and countries

    A Star Is Born (Kathy – Guruvayur – Feb. 24)

    Short reel about this outlet on Insta and FB Version en français plus bas Wow, what an enchanting find around the corner of the central temple in such a charming and serene neighbourhood – a gleaming Indian Coffee House with captivating signs! I actually spotted it thanks to one of those signs. It seemed odd that it was positioned exactly opposite the direction I was heading to visit the only listed ICH in Guruvayur. I thought I was losing my way. Inside this delightful place, there were two pink shirts, three turbans, and five khaki shirts. Around fifty seating spots bathed in a soft light from the ceiling’s curved design.…

  • Texts,  Trips and countries

    Thiruvananthapuram – Vanross Junction + Arcade (Kathy – Chavakkad – Jan. 24)

    Version en français plus bas The Indian Coffee House at Vanross Junction stands out as the most unique of them all. Nestled within a charming building, it unfolds like a labyrinth, each small room adding to its distinctive charm. What truly sets it apart is the rare gem of an outdoor terrace – a blissful rarity in India that I find incredibly delightful. This outdoor haven accommodates around thirty customers under whirring fans, desperately paddling through the warm air. Every detail is meticulously arranged, adorned with greenery and potted plants. To top it off, the service is exceptionally friendly and efficient. While the menu may not spring surprises, the food…

  • Texts,  Trips and countries

    Thiruvananthapuram- Napier Museum Road (Kathy – Guruvayur – Jan. 24)

    CHECK ALL PICTURES AND REELS ON INSTAGRAM (button on top) English version below Les plats sont disposés au centre de l’établissement, sur une grande table, dans ce Indian Coffee House qui se situe dans l’enceinte de l’université, de bureaux et de parkings où les voitures se superposent comme au Japon. Je n’avais jamais vu cela en Inde. C’est vrai qu’il y a, hélas, de plus en plus de véhicules individuels qui ne font qu’aggraver la pollution et la circulation chaotique. Donc, voilà joliment présentés de grands plats de riz, de subji, de poissons frits, de currys et de desserts pour les travailleurs, les étudiants et les familles qui viennent savourer…

  • Texts,  Trips and countries

    Bon appétit! (Indian Food Explorer on You Tube – Jan. 24)

    Hey, let’s take a delicious journey to India and explore the flavorful kitchens of Indian Coffee Houses. I also invite you to check out the awesome You Tube channel, Indian Food Explorer! It’s incredibly tempting, colorful, and full of life! Viens je t’emmène faire un petit tour en Inde et dans les cuisines des Indian Coffee Houses. Je t’invite aussi à découvrir la super chaîne You Tube du Indian Food Explorer! C’est super alléchant, coloré et vivant!

  • Texts,  Trips and countries

    Beans of Unity: Brewing Success Through The Cooperative Brilliance (Kathy- Jabalpur-2nd part- Dec. 23)

    Version en français plus bas Click on the Instagram button on top for more pictures The cooperative society model appeals to me a lot. When human beings are at the center of concerns, and not just financial capital, it creates a whole different dynamic. What strikes me when visiting various branches of Indian Coffee Houses (ICH) across the country is the pride of its workers, the enormous number of years of service within the cooperative, the dedication to the brand (many come from the southern part of the country, Kerala, and only see their families once or twice a year), the work carried out with visible commitment, and the loyal…