What is inside
What is inside Desi Cold Coffee?
Desi Cold Coffee is a thick, frothy blend of coffee, milk, sugar and ice cream. Here is what is inside it, layer by layer, and why each one is there.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Layers
5 in all
Key ingredient
Ice cream
Heat
None
Served
Cold, thick
The 5 layers of Desi Cold Coffee
Desi Cold Coffee is built from 5 parts. They are listed in the order you meet them, and the numbers match the diagram.
The coffee
Instant coffee dissolved in a little hot water or milk, which gives a sweet, mellow coffee flavour.
The milk
Cold full-fat milk that gives the drink its body.
The ice cream
A scoop or two of vanilla ice cream that makes it thick, creamy and frothy.
The sugar
A spoonful of sugar to give the classic sweet, dessert-like taste.
The chocolate finish
A drizzle of chocolate syrup inside the glass and on top, with a little foam.
01
What it is made of
Desi cold coffee is a milkshake with coffee, more than an iced coffee. The ice cream makes it thick, and the instant coffee gives it a gentle, sweet flavour rather than a bitter one.
- Instant coffee
- Cold milk
- Vanilla ice cream
- Sugar
- Ice
- Chocolate syrup
02
How the layers work together
Sweet, creamy and frothy, with a mild coffee flavour and a chocolate finish. It is richer and sweeter than a typical iced coffee, and closer to dessert.
03
Where it comes from
Blended cold coffee became popular in Indian college canteens and bakeries before espresso chains spread, and it remains a classic cafe drink across the country. It is closely tied to the habit of making coffee from instant powder.
04
Variations and other names
You may see versions with:
- Coffee with chocolate ice cream.
- Cold coffee with nuts or cookies.
- Frappe: a thinner, frothier version.
- Coffee shake with caramel.
05
How to eat it
Drink it with a wide straw, cold and soon after it is blended, while the foam is still thick.
06
Desi Cold Coffee at Tapri Chai
Desi Cold Coffee is $8.99 CAD on our menu. We make it in a 100% vegetarian kitchen at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm, closed Mondays.
Questions, answered.
What is Desi Cold Coffee made of?
Desi Cold Coffee is made of instant coffee, cold milk, vanilla ice cream, sugar, ice and chocolate syrup.
How many layers does Desi Cold Coffee have?
Traditionally 5: the coffee, the milk, the ice cream, the sugar and the chocolate finish.
Is Desi Cold Coffee vegetarian?
Yes. The traditional recipe is vegetarian, and every dish at Tapri Chai is vegetarian.
Is Desi Cold Coffee spicy?
There is no spice. It is a sweet, creamy drink.
Where can I try Desi Cold Coffee in Ottawa?
At Tapri Chai, 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa. Desi Cold Coffee is $8.99 CAD on our menu.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.