The Enchanting Journey of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters: Brewing India’s Finest

In the bustling heart of India, where tea has long reigned supreme, a quiet revolution was brewing. Matt Chitharanjan, a finance graduate from NYU, returned to Chennai, his father’s hometown with a dream to change how Indians experience coffee.

In 2013, Matt, along with his wife Namrata Asthana and partner Shivam Shahi, founded Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters. Their mission was simple yet powerful: to source the finest Arabica beans from Indian estates, roast them with care, and make exceptional coffee accessible through cafés and online platforms.

From 1kg Roaster to National Brand

Blue Tokai began with a small 1-kilogram roasting machine, humming late into the night as Matt and Namrata perfected each batch. More than a decade later, the brand has grown into a powerhouse with modern roasteries in Gurgaon, Mumbai, and Bangalore, using advanced Probat machines.

Their commitment to continuous learning shows in every cup. The team cups hundreds of green bean samples each harvest, experiments with new processing methods, and trains baristas with precision tools like refractometers.

A Transparent, Farm-to-Cup Experience

What sets Blue Tokai apart is its deep-rooted belief in transparency. From barista chats about brewing techniques to customer service guiding coffee choices, the brand keeps the process open and educational.

They source beans from over 80 of India’s finest farms, ensuring that every batch reflects care, craftsmanship, and connection to the land.

This approach has helped elevate India’s coffee culture, introducing specialty brews that rival global standards and creating a loyal community that values flavor, traceability, and authenticity.

Homegrown Excellence

Blue Tokai remains proudly Indian, guided by its founders Matt Chitharanjan (CEO), Namrata Asthana, and Shivam Shahi (COO), who continue to drive its growth.

Their focus on affordable yet premium pricing has made specialty coffee accessible to a wider audience. From fresh beans to instant coffee, Blue Tokai offers quality without compromise.

Blue Tokai vs Starbucks: A Tale of Taste and Tradition

As Blue Tokai cafés pop up across Delhi and beyond, comparisons to global giants like Starbucks are inevitable.

Is it better than Starbucks? It’s subjective, but many coffee lovers swear by Blue Tokai’s fresher, more nuanced flavors from single-estate Blue Tokai coffee beans and in-house roasted instant coffee, giving every sip an authentic kick.

While Starbucks offers consistency and convenience, Blue Tokai wins hearts with its artisanal edge, transparency, and Indian roots, often at a comparable or better value.

In India, it has become a key competitor of Starbucks, alongside Third Wave Coffee, challenging the American chain’s dominance with hyper-local appeal and rapid growth.

While Starbucks grapples with slower expansion, Blue Tokai’s 70% revenue jump highlights a shift toward brands that celebrate Indian coffee origins, pure, passionate, and proudly local.

Savor the Story in Every Sip

Today, Blue Tokai isn’t just coffee; it’s a movement. From expansion opportunities attracting entrepreneurs to growing curiosity about brand’s revenue and valuation, the brand’s trajectory inspires people.

Whether you’re exploring their Wikipedia page for the full backstory or debating Blue Tokai vs Starbucks, one thing’s clear: this Indian gem has redefined what a great cup means.

As Matt puts it:

“The coffee we roast is the coffee we like to drink, and we hope you like it too.”

(Rh/VK)