Ask anyone who grew up with South Indian filter coffee how they like it, and you'll often hear the same answer: strong, smooth, and with a little chicory. For many families, that means an 80:20 blend, 80% coffee and 20% chicory. It's the ratio most people think of as the "classic" taste of kaapi.
An 80:20 filter coffee blend is 80% ground coffee and 20% roasted chicory. It gives a strong, full-bodied decoction with a smooth finish that pairs well with hot milk.
What does 80:20 mean in filter coffee?
Filter coffee powder is often a mix of two things:
- Coffee: roasted and ground coffee beans, which give the aroma, flavour and caffeine.
- Chicory: a roasted root that adds a darker colour, a thicker body and a slightly bittersweet taste. It has no caffeine.
The ratio tells you how much of each is in the pack. An 80:20 blend is mostly coffee, with just enough chicory to round out the cup.
Why 80:20 is called the classic ratio
There's no single rule for filter coffee, but 80:20 sits in a sweet spot that suits most people:
- It keeps the coffee in charge. With 80% coffee, the aroma and flavour of the beans still lead the cup.
- It gives the body people expect. The chicory makes the decoction thicker and darker, so it doesn't taste thin once you add milk.
- It's smooth, not harsh. The chicory softens the bitterness of a strong decoction.
- It suits milk coffee. South Indian filter coffee is usually one part decoction to three parts milk. An 80:20 decoction holds its flavour through all that milk.
That balance is why 80:20 is the blend many people grew up with at home and in neighbourhood coffee shops.
How 80:20 compares with other blends
If you're choosing a filter coffee powder, here's how the common ratios taste. Our full coffee-chicory ratio guide covers each one in more detail.
| Blend | Coffee : Chicory | Taste |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Blend | 100 : 0 | Bold and clean, no chicory |
| Rich Blend | 90 : 10 | Strong coffee with a touch of body |
| Classic Blend | 80 : 20 | Rich coffee and smooth chicory, the classic balance |
| Gentle Blend | 70 : 30 | Smoother and lighter |
| Chicory Blend | 60 : 40 | Deep colour, traditional taste |
| Balanced Blend | 50 : 50 | Mild and easy, for everyday drinking |
A simple way to choose: the more coffee in the blend, the bolder and more aromatic the cup. The more chicory, the darker, thicker and milder it tastes.
Plantation A, Peaberry and Robusta: what goes into the coffee
The coffee part of a blend matters as much as the chicory. Namma Coffee's filter coffee is made from three kinds of beans from Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, the region where coffee was first grown in India:
- Plantation A: a grade of washed Arabica that gives aroma and a clean, smooth flavour.
- Peaberry: small, round single-seed beans that add brightness and a touch of sweetness.
- Robusta: strength, body and a stronger coffee "kick".
Together they give a decoction that's aromatic, smooth and strong enough for milk coffee. We medium-roast them in small batches and grind them for the South Indian filter, then pack and dispatch every batch within 24 hours.
How to brew an 80:20 blend at home
- Add the powder Put about 3 tablespoons of coffee powder into the upper chamber of your filter and press it lightly with the disc.
- Pour hot water Pour in water just off the boil, close the lid and leave it for 15–20 minutes while the decoction drips.
- Mix with milk Mix one part decoction with about three parts hot milk, and add sugar to taste.
- Pour and froth Pour between the tumbler and davara a few times until the coffee turns frothy.
If the coffee tastes too strong, add more milk. If it tastes weak, use a little more powder rather than leaving it to drip for longer. For more tips, see our complete filter coffee guide.
Who should try an 80:20 blend?
An 80:20 blend is a good choice if:
- you want the familiar taste of South Indian filter coffee
- you drink your coffee with milk and sugar
- you're new to filter coffee and not sure which ratio to start with
- pure coffee tastes too sharp for you, but 50:50 tastes too mild
If you like a stronger, more coffee-forward cup, try the Rich Blend (90:10) or the Pure Blend (100% coffee).
Frequently asked questions
Is 80:20 filter coffee strong?
Yes. With 80% coffee, it gives a strong, full-bodied decoction. The 20% chicory makes it taste smoother, not weaker.
Does chicory have caffeine?
No. Chicory is a roasted root and has no caffeine, so an 80:20 blend has a little less caffeine than pure coffee. More in Is filter coffee good for you?
Can I make 80:20 filter coffee without a filter?
A traditional filter gives the best decoction. You can also use a French press or a pour-over cone, but the result is usually lighter.
What does "Namma" mean?
"Namma" means "our" in Kannada and Tamil. Namma Coffee means "our coffee", the filter coffee that feels like home.
Ready to try the classic taste? Order the Namma Coffee Classic Blend (80% coffee, 20% chicory) and brew your first cup at home. New to filter coffee? Start with our brewing guides.
