Visited July 27 and August 8th 2025 – Day 24 and 36 in India
Depauls is truly an institution and an absolute must every time we are in Delhi. It holds such a special place in our hearts that my husband has made it the gold standard for cold coffee. Everywhere we go, he compares it to Depauls. So when we planned this summer’s visit to India, one of the first things on our list was introducing our daughters, ages five and seven, to the place we have loved for so many years.
On July 27, we finally made our way back, and stepping into Depauls felt like stepping back into something familiar, comforting, and timeless. There is something so grounding about the space. It is not fancy or overdone. It is honest, welcoming, and filled with the quiet charm that only places with decades of history can offer. The counter, the bottles of cold coffee neatly lined up, the light chatter of regulars, it all felt exactly as it should.
We ordered two chocolate milkshakes for our daughters and, of course, their famous cold coffee for my husband and me. The moment we took our first sips, we smiled. Nothing had changed. The coffee was smooth, perfectly chilled, with just the right amount of sweetness. But the real surprise was watching our daughters fall in love with it too. They happily sipped their chocolate shakes, but before long, both had wandered over and started stealing generous sips of our cold coffee. By the end, we were left with empty bottles and happy hearts. It felt like a generational rite of passage, passing on something we have cherished to them.
The service, as always, was efficient and warm. The gentleman behind the counter was incredibly kind and gracious, treating our daughters with patience and smiling as we snapped a few photos. We were lucky to find space inside to sit and savor the moment. It was one of those simple experiences that somehow becomes a favorite memory, the kind you do not plan for but end up treasuring the most.
Then, on August 8, we found ourselves unexpectedly back in Delhi after our flight was canceled. As inconvenient as that moment might have been, we all looked at each other and immediately knew what we wanted to do with our bonus day. Go back to Depauls. And so we did.
Returning felt even more special. The same familiar faces greeted us. The same inviting energy filled the space. We ordered the exact same drinks, cold coffee for us and chocolate shakes for the girls, and somehow, it was even better the second time. There is a quiet consistency at Depauls that is hard to find these days. You can trust that what you loved the last time will be just as good, just as comforting, just as memorable when you return.
More than just coffee or milkshakes, what Depauls offers is a feeling. A sense of being part of something that has stood the test of time. In a city that is constantly moving and changing, this little shop remains rooted, beloved, and reliable. You do not just come here for a drink. You come for the experience, for the warmth, for the memories.
This visit was even more meaningful because we got to share it with our children. Watching them enjoy the same cold coffee that has meant so much to us over the years was a full circle moment. Their giggles, their delight, their sticky little fingers reaching for our bottles, it was everything.
To the staff at Depauls, thank you. Thank you for your kindness, your incredible consistency, and for creating a space that welcomes families, travelers, and regulars alike with the same generous spirit. Thank you for turning what could have been a stressful travel delay into one of the best parts of our trip. And thank you for reminding us, once again, why we keep coming back.
We cannot wait to...
Read moreDePauls Cafe
The Cosmetics, Coffee & Snack Shop located on 22 Janpath , Indian Oil Bhavan Corridor is an institution in itself.It stands tall and proud as one of the few remaining old haunts of Dilwaalon ki Dilli. Known widely for its perfect blend of frothy cold coffee & consistency throughout the years, it has managed to withstand the big bad wolves like CCD, Costa, Barista & Starbucks.
I can say with utter confidence that there does not exist any true Dilliwaala who hasn’t visited the infamous Depaul’s. The name itself is sure to stir up conversations stemming from fond memories and nostalgia between friends, students, colleagues and thinkers. Be it discussing philosophy & politics right in the middle of the capital city or whiling away time after bunking lectures to getting that much needed kick of caffeine after the endless bargaining at Janpath, Depaul’s has managed to be everyone’s first choice in the bustling market of Janpath & Connaught Place.
The reason why Depaul’s has successfully continued and further strengthened its legacy is because it emits an aura of permanence & culture in an otherwise fast-paced world where producers are driven not by their craft but by their desire to...
Read moreHere’s the revised version without any bold text:
Depaul's in Janpath Market is one of Delhi’s most iconic and oldest cafés. It's more than just a shop, it's a nostalgic landmark for many Delhiites. What makes it even more special is the fact that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan used to visit this place during his younger days, adding a touch of charm and legacy to its name.
Depaul’s is especially renowned for its wide range of cold coffees and milkshakes. Their cold coffee has a loyal fan base, and each variety has its own unique flavor. Personally, I’m a big fan of their strong cold coffee, it’s perfectly bold and refreshing. I also love their butterscotch milkshake, which is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Whenever I visit, I make sure to order their chicken cheese sandwich, grilled to perfection. It’s warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, the perfect snack to pair with their beverages.
Despite being tucked away in a corner of Janpath, the shop is almost always buzzing with people. It’s extremely crowded every day, and weekends are especially packed. But the vibe, the taste, and the nostalgia make it absolutely worth the wait. Depaul’s isn’t just a café, it’s a part of...
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