Degree coffee, done right.
Slow-dripped decoction, hot frothy milk, poured from a height between tumbler and dabara. Here's the method, the maths and the gear for a cup that tastes like home.
Your coffee calculator
A starting point using heaped tablespoons and a 150 ml cup. Every powder and filter is different — adjust after your first cup.
The method
Warm the filter
Rinse the filter with hot water. A warm filter keeps the decoction hot and flowing.
Add the powder
Spoon the coffee powder into the upper chamber and level it. Place the pressing disc (the "umbrella") on top and press gently — don't pack it hard.
Pour just-boiled water
Pour water that has just come off the boil over the disc, close the lid, and walk away.
Wait for the decoction
Give it 15–20 minutes to drip through. The first decoction is the thickest and most aromatic — that's the one for your morning cup.
Heat the milk
Bring full-fat milk to a boil. Add sugar to the tumbler if you like it sweet.
Mix and froth
Pour decoction into the tumbler, add hot milk, then pour back and forth between tumbler and dabara from a height until frothy.
Coffee & chicory: pick your blend
100% coffee
Cleaner, more aromatic, lighter body. Loved by purists.
80 : 20
A popular middle ground — a little more body and colour.
70 : 30
Thicker, darker and slightly bitter — the classic "strong" Madras cup.
Brass or steel filter?
Brass
- Traditional look, beautiful on the counter
- Holds heat well
- Wash and dry promptly to prevent tarnish
- A lovely gift
Stainless steel
- Low maintenance, everyday workhorse
- Easy to clean, won't tarnish
- Look for SS 304 grade
- Budget-friendly
Keep it flowing: wash the filter after every use and clear the tiny holes with a soft brush. Clogged holes are the number-one reason decoction drips too slowly.
The filter coffee kit
Prefer an electric machine? Browse coffee makers. Brass looking dull? Try our brass polishing service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the coffee to milk ratio for filter coffee?
A classic cup is roughly 1 part decoction to 3 parts milk. For a strong cup, try 1 part decoction to 2 parts milk.
Why is my decoction dripping too slowly?
The powder may be packed too tight, ground too fine, or the filter holes may be clogged. Press the disc gently and clean the holes regularly.
Can I store coffee decoction?
Fresh is best, but many families keep decoction in the fridge for a day. Warm it gently — don't boil it.
Why add chicory to filter coffee?
Chicory adds body, colour and a slight bitterness, and makes the decoction thicker. It's a matter of taste.
