Third Wave Coffee Review:
There’s something magical about wrapping your hands around a warm cup of coffee on cold winter mornings (and evenings) with a slight nip in the air. It’s this simple pleasure that Third Wave Coffee, India’s beloved coffee-first QSR brand, has mastered to perfection. Having served a staggering 7.1 million cups in 2024 (imagine a coffee tower four times taller than Everest!), they’ve clearly captured the hearts and taste buds of over 5 million coffee enthusiasts across the nation.
As we entered their charming Jayanagar outlet in Bengaluru on a crisp winter morning, the inviting aroma of freshly ground coffee beans welcomed us. The interior exuded warmth, featuring natural wood panelling, round tables, and rattan-backed chairs that created a rustic yet comfortable atmosphere. Each detail added to the cosy ambiance, inviting us to sit back and savour the inviting surroundings.
Third Wave Coffee Specials
Third Wave Coffee’s core menu strikes a beautiful balance between cherished classics and bold innovations. The menu reads like a comfort seeker’s dream: their signature cappuccino leads the lineup, including the indulgent Mocha Choco Chip, rich hot chocolate, and their crowd-favourite Classic Cold Coffee—yes, even in winter, especially with Gen Z regulars. Evening regulars swear by the warming embrace of Choco Malt or the nuanced notes of their Pistachio Latte and/or Frappe.
Beyond beverages, their food selection hits all the right notes. The freshly baked Banana Walnut Tea Cake, savoury Baked Chilli Cheese Toast and the perfectly laminated Chocolate Croissants are chart-toppers we were told. Their all-day brunch options served throughout the day looks straight out of the trendy cafes in Copenhagen.
We started with—you guessed it—their winter special, cappuccino—the star of our tasting—crowned with velvety foam art that was almost too pretty to disturb. Alongside came this slice of heaven: freshly baked banana walnut tea cake that wrapped us in pure comfort. Sweet, caramelised bananas flirting with toasted walnut pieces in every bite. The bananas lend a moist, tender crumb, while the walnuts add just the right amount of swagger to each slice. It wasn’t just a cake and coffee combo; it was a symphony of comfort served on a plate.
Sometimes the best bites come from trusting an unwarranted suggestion. The paneer and cheese toastie—not something I’d normally go for, but one bite in and I was sold. Following that revelation came a plate of pancakes that could make breakfast for dinner a matrimonial affair: perfectly fluffy, topped with fresh seasonal fruits, a dollop of fresh cream, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Lovely stuff.
Then came in the Classic Cream Cheese Bagel: my personal favourite, featuring a freshly baked, crisp, and soft bagel with a generous layer of melted cheddar, crowned with a medley of fresh toppings. The spicy mustard added a zesty kick to the meal. And to make it even more special, we paired it with a rich, creamy hot chocolate as the perfect finale, adding an extra layer of comfort and indulgence to this delightful experience. There’s also a good selection of pastries and cakes, which we voluntarily skipped, as our stomachs were waving white flags.
TheGlitz Verdict
Let’s be real: while coffee connoisseurs might have their favourites elsewhere in Bengaluru—Third Wave Coffee carves out its own special niche. You come here for reliably good coffee, comfort food, a dash of camaraderie, and an escape from the trash and flash that all sundry cafes around town offer.
The staff are super friendly and only too happy to have a chat, offer coffee recommendations, and even take tonnes of photos when it’s not busy. The barista runs the show like a pro with ten hands. Friendly, welcoming, and remarkably attentive.
