Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a connection to culture, community, and identity. And for Tanya Rao, founder and roaster at Kaveri Coffee Works, it’s also a family legacy!

Tanya grew up in India, where coffee wasn’t just a morning pick-me-up, it was tradition. Her grandfather was one of the country’s first coffee traders, and later her father carried on the family business. But when Tanya moved to the U.S. at 17, she lost that daily connection to her coffee roots. It wasn’t until years later, while working from cafés in the East Bay, that the aroma of fresh coffee transported her back home.

That nostalgic feeling—plus a surprising realization that Indian coffee was missing from many specialty shop menus—led her to start Kaveri Coffee Works, bringing Indian coffee into the spotlight where it belongs.

In this interview, Tanya shares her journey, the unexpected way she found herself in the coffee industry, and the advice she’d give to anyone chasing a big dream. Grab a cup and dive in—you won’t want to miss this one!

Bringing Indian Coffee to the Spotlight: An Interview with Tanya Rao of Kaveri Coffee Works

How did you first get into coffee? Was it love at first sip, or did it grow on you over time?

I grew up in a coffee family. My grandfather was one of the first coffee traders in newly independent India and started a coffee roasting business in Bangalore. My father continued the family business after my grandfather retired. Coffee drinking is a daily ritual and habitual love to many South Indians. I lost this cultural connection to coffee when I moved to the US at age 17. A few decades later, I found my way back to my roots and coffee culture. Even now, the smell of freshly ground coffee gives me the feeling of “coming home”.

Tell us more about Kaveri Coffee! How and where did it start? How has it evolved? Where do you see its future?

Kaveri Coffee Works was born out of a desire to do fulfilling work that centered around community building and my love of nature. When researching and shaping business ideas, I worked out of many specialty coffee shops in the East Bay. The smells and sounds of coffee making got me nostalgic and reminded me of my father's coffee roastery. I also noticed that while many coffee origins were being promoted on the cafe menus, none showcased any Indian coffee. I got curious and spoke to the baristas. I was shocked to learn that many didn't know India grew coffee. India is the 7th largest coffee producer in the world and 70% of the coffee is grown in my home state. I found a niche and business opportunity. Since my dad was my inspiration to start my own business and his inheritance my startup fund, I thought it fitting to start a coffee roasting business that connected me to my roots and my culture. Thus, Kaveri Coffee Works was born.

What’s been one of your favorite moments you’ve had while working in coffee and/or growing Kaveri Coffee?

Connecting with people from all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life. Coffee is truly a common global language, and I have had the great fortune to connect with and learn from people all along the coffee value chain, starting with coffee producers, import/exporter, logistics coordinators, other roasters, cafe owners, baristas, and of course the end consumers. It is incredible how far and wide the impact of coffee can be felt. This is what fuels and inspires my work to do what I can to bring about positive change and joyful moments in everyday life through coffee.

If you weren’t working in coffee, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

Before I started Kaveri Coffee I was working in the adventure travel and outdoor education industry. I left my previous employer with the dream of starting my own outdoor travel company, but I invariably fell into the specialty coffee rabbit hole instead! Now, I can’t see myself doing anything else because being a coffee entrepreneur covers all my passions - nature, adventure, community, and most importantly cultivating positive change with a group of like-minded individuals. 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a woman just starting out in coffee — or just chasing a big dream?

Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you. When in doubt, remember - "The only thing worse than starting something and failing... is not starting something." - Seth Godin. Don’t just dream, make a plan and put it into action, one baby step at a time.

Through Kaveri Coffee Works, Tanya is shining a light on Indian coffee and sharing the rich, complex flavors of India’s coffee-growing regions with the world. Want to experience it for yourself? Our coffee subscription brings Kaveri Coffee Works and other incredible women-led roasters straight to your door. Try a subscription today and taste the story in every cup!

***All photos courtesy of Kaveri Coffee Works