A Royal Surprise: When the Maharaja of Mysore Graced HattiKaapi’s Ulsoor Café
It was a day of excitement and anticipation—the grand opening of HattiKaapi’s Ulsoor Office and Café. The team had worked tirelessly to bring the rich tradition of South Indian filter coffee to this new space, ensuring that every detail—from the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the warm hospitality—was perfectly aligned with the brand’s authenticity.
Little did they know, the most unexpected and extraordinary guests were about to walk through the doors.
A Visit Unlike Any Other
As the café buzzed with the energy of first-day customers, a graceful couple accompanied by an elegantly poised lady entered the premises. There was an air of dignity about them, but at first glance, no one realized the royalty that had just stepped in.
They placed a simple order—three cups of HattiKaapi’s signature filter coffee and a selection of traditional South Indian snacks. Like any other customer, they took their seats, admiring the ambience and soaking in the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
It wasn’t until Mahendar, the Founder & CEO, happened to notice them—after their driver, dressed in royal chauffeur attire, made his presence felt—that a hushed sense of awe spread through the team. The guests were none other than His Highness, Maharaja of Mysore, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, along with his wife, Trishika Kumari Devi, and his mother-in-law, Maheshree Kumari.
The Royal Acknowledgment
The realization sent waves of excitement and reverence through the café. Here was a direct descendant of the Wadiyar dynasty, a royal family with a history as rich as Mysore’s cultural heritage, sitting in HattiKaapi’s café, sipping on filter coffee—a beverage deeply intertwined with South India’s traditions for centuries.
As Mahendar approached them with respect and admiration, the Maharaja and his family received him warmly, embodying the grace and humility for which the Wadiyars are known. They expressed their appreciation for the authenticity of the coffee, noting how it reminded them of the rich traditions of Mysore, where coffee has been a cherished part of royal households for generations.
A Moment for the Ages
After enjoying their coffee and snacks, the royal guests graciously agreed to pose for pictures, sharing their experience with the HattiKaapi team. They even offered a short byte, praising the café’s commitment to traditional brewing methods, high-quality coffee beans, and its homage to India’s coffee culture.
For HattiKaapi, this was more than just an honor—it was a moment of validation. If the Maharaja of Mysore—a patron of heritage and tradition—could appreciate their coffee, it was a testament to HattiKaapi’s unwavering dedication to authenticity and quality.
A Legacy Brewing Stronger
As the royal entourage bid farewell, the café and its people were left with an unforgettable experience—one that reaffirmed HattiKaapi’s mission of preserving and celebrating India’s rich coffee heritage.
That day, HattiKaapi didn’t just serve coffee—it became part of history, earning the royal seal of approval from one of India’s most esteemed dynasties.
The team knew then and there—they were brewing something truly special, something that even royalty could call their own.
