Discover Coffee Island: Europe’s Cult Coffee Brand Brewing Joy in Delhi

There’s something sacred about your first sip of coffee. Whether it’s a rich espresso that wakes you up or a chilled Freddo that cools down your afternoon, coffee isn’t just a beverage, it’s a ritual. And now, Delhiites have a whole new way to experience it. Say hello to Coffee Island, Europe’s largest foodservice coffee brand, now brewing in the heart of GK II.

This flagship Delhi café marks Coffee Island’s third store in India and symbolises more than just expansion; it signals a shift in India’s coffee culture. With nearly 500 cafés across Europe and a cult following in Greece, the brand’s arrival is anything but ordinary.

Redefining Coffee Culture in India

The brand’s India journey is being led by Pratyush Sureka, Founder of Vita Nova, the company behind Coffee Island’s Indian expansion.

“We didn’t want to be just another café,” says Sureka. “The traditional coffee setup in India has been people working on laptops, doing meetings, ordering the usual cappuccino or latte. With Coffee Island, we’ve introduced a space that feels chill, unpretentious, and full of discovery. It’s about creating a different energy: something vibrant, social, and yes, aspirational.”

That energy is evident in every detail, from the music playing in the background to the bold, meaningful wall art. “Our cafés will always celebrate a subculture,” he adds. “In Gurgaon, we’ve spotlighted a women’s biking group. In GK II, the wall art celebrates a traditional Indian woman who doubles up as a DJ. It’s our way of merging coffee with commentary—of saying this space is for everyone.”

Why Coffee Island Hits Different

India’s coffee scene is evolving, especially among younger consumers who see coffee as more than a drink, it’s a vibe.

“Coffee today isn’t just a drink, it’s a lifestyle,” explains Sureka. “When I was growing up, we weren’t even allowed coffee at home. But today’s Gen Z and even Gen Alpha are born into coffee. It’s cool. It’s social. It’s what you sip when you're not sipping on beer. Coffee is aspirational and we’re here to elevate that aspiration into an experience.”

With India consuming only 0.05 cups of coffee per minute compared to the global average of 0.5, the growth potential is immense. And Coffee Island is tapping into that gap by offering more than just caffeine; they offer craftsmanship.

Brewed with Precision, Served with Purpose

The menu blends award-winning global bestsellers with local flair. Coffee Island’s Freddo series, cold brews, and the unique ibrik coffee brewed slowly over sand, are just the beginning. “We didn’t adapt the menu to Indian tastes, we’re elevating the Indian palate to appreciate speciality coffee,” says Sureka.

And then there’s the long pour, 16 hours to brew just four cups. Or the Nitro coffee, infused fresh in front of guests for full visual drama.

Behind the scenes, the quality is monitored by Asia’s first coffee quality expert, Sunalini Menon. “Every bean, every batch is quality-checked under her supervision, our head barista has trained under her and represented India globally, this isn’t just coffee—it’s craftsmanship,” says Sureka.

The Beans Behind the Buzz

Coffee Island’s beans are imported straight from their global HQ, including single-estate selections from Kenya and Colombia, and two signature blends made entirely with Indian beans.

“Our ‘granary wall’ in-store displays all our beans. You can see them, smell them, and touch them. We want guests to choose their coffee the way they’d choose a perfume—based on personality and preference,” Sureka shares. “You walk in and we help you find your coffee, not just serve a cappuccino. It’s almost like creating your own blend, but with expert hands guiding you.”

Consistency is Key

From how a napkin is placed to how a cup is poured, attention to detail defines Coffee Island’s ethos.

“Quality,” says Sureka, “is non-negotiable. We aren’t sub-franchising. That’s where control gets diluted. Every store is personally operated to ensure that the consumer experience stays consistent.”

Even the delivery menu is tightly curated. “We don’t deliver items like gelato affogato or Nitro brews—they don’t travel well. What we do deliver is coffee that retains its integrity.”

Sustainability with Substance

Beyond taste and aesthetics, Coffee Island is serious about sustainability. Beans are sourced from small, underprivileged farms, with fixed fair pricing that’s independent of market swings.

“We make sure the farmers get a fair livelihood, no matter how the commodity prices fluctuate. Our cups are 100 per cent compostable, with zero plastic lining. Even our tissue paper is packaged in a sleeve to ensure it reaches you fresh. That’s the level of attention we’ve put into sustainability,” he shares.

Where Next for Coffee Island?

The journey has just begun. With locations already in Gurgaon, Hyderabad, and Delhi, Coffee Island plans to open 15 to 20 stores by the end of 2025. But the focus is on quality over quantity.

“We’re not rushing. We’re expanding with intention, not volume.”

At its core, Coffee Island isn’t trying to be just another café. It’s crafting a daily ritual that feels like a mini escape.

“It’s not about selling cups,” says Sureka. “It’s about creating an hour of joy, a space to unwind, discover, or even just be. Whether it’s the music we play or the walls we paint, everything is done to make people feel welcome.”

So next time you crave more than just caffeine, step into Coffee Island. Your hour of joy is brewing.