Ask ten households in South India how they make filter coffee and you will hear ten slightly different answers, and most of the differences come down to one thing: how much chicory goes in. The ratio shapes the body, the bitterness and even the caffeine level of the cup, so it is worth getting right.
Most South Indian filter coffee uses about 80% coffee and 20% chicory, though blends range from 90:10 to 70:30. More chicory adds a woody, nutty flavor and lowers caffeine, because chicory contains none. Start at 80:20, then shift ten points at a time until the strength and taste suit your guests. This guide explains what chicory does, how to adjust the ratio, and how to brew it.
What Is Chicory, and Why Is It in Filter Coffee?
Chicory is the roasted, ground root of the chicory plant. It is not coffee, but it has long been blended with coffee in South India. It gives the brew a thicker body, a darker color and a slightly bitter, nutty character that stands up well to hot, sweetened milk, which is how kaapi is traditionally served.
The Standard Ratio: 80:20
The most common blend is 80:20, meaning four parts coffee to one part chicory. It is the starting point we recommend, and our own brass filter guide cites it as the common split for a chicory blend. It balances the clean, aromatic notes of the coffee with enough chicory to add body.
That said, 80:20 is a convention, not a rule. Many households and cafes use their own proportions, which is why published ratios vary.
How to Adjust the Ratio
Change one variable at a time, and change it in steps of ten points.
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90:10 for a lighter touch. The coffee character leads, with only a hint of chicory body.
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80:20 for the classic balance. A good first brew for guests.
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70:30 for a bolder, more bitter, more rounded cup, which many people prefer with plenty of milk.
Because chicory has no caffeine, a higher chicory share lowers the caffeine in each cup. If you want a milder, more comforting drink, move toward 70:30. If you want more caffeine, move toward 90:10.
Also Read: How to Use an Indian Coffee Filter to Make Kaapi. A step-by-step recipe to pair with the ratio you choose.
How to Brew Filter Coffee with Chicory
The ratio matters, but so does the method. A traditional South Indian filter makes a strong decoction that is mixed with hot milk.
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Preheat the filter with warm water so it holds heat.
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Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of medium-fine coffee and chicory blend to the top chamber, depending on how strong you like it, and tamp lightly. Pressing too hard can block the flow.
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Pour hot water into the top chamber, close the lid and let the decoction drip for about 10 to 15 minutes.
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Mix one part decoction with one part hot milk, add sugar if you like, and adjust to taste.
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Pour back and forth between the tumbler and dabara to cool and froth the coffee.
To start with a blend that is already balanced, try our Smell of Rain, our signature chicory coffee blend. If you are new to the method, our South Indian Filter Coffee Starter Kit includes a filter, dabara sets, a brass measuring spoon and a packet of Smell of Rain. You can also browse our brewers and our brewing guides for more methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chicory have caffeine? No. Chicory root is naturally caffeine free, so the caffeine in a cup of chicory coffee comes only from the coffee portion. The more chicory in the blend, the lower the caffeine per cup.
Is 80:20 the standard ratio for filter coffee? It is the most commonly cited ratio, but not a fixed standard. Blends range from 90:10 to 70:30, and the right one depends on how strong and how bitter you like the cup.
Can I make filter coffee without chicory? Yes. Filter coffee made with pure coffee is cleaner and brighter, while chicory adds body and a nutty bitterness. Neither is wrong, and many people keep both on hand.
Conclusion
The coffee to chicory ratio is the simplest lever you have for shaping South Indian filter coffee. Begin at 80:20, adjust by ten points, and trust your own palate. Our coffees are shade-grown in India and roasted fresh in the USA, so whichever ratio you land on starts with a quality base. Explore our chicory coffee collection and our coffee subscription to keep your filter coffee routine stocked, or see our gifting collection if you are introducing someone else to kaapi.
