There is nothing like a cup of strong, aromatic coffee to kick-start your day. A cup of coffee is also a good excuse to catch up with freinds. Cashing in on this are scores of coffee shops in Hyderabad.

Made from the finest Arabica beans and brewed by experts from Italy, the coffee at Barista definitely deserves a sip. Mull over their delightful cappuccinos, or take a hit with their strong Italian espressos, or choose to chill with some granitas and iced-teas along with delectable brownies and sandwiches, while engaging in games like Pictionary and Scrabble. Alternatively, choose to dig into those sinfully-rich desserts.

Another favourite haunt is Cafe Coffee Day . Muse over your regular brew or try out their international offerings like the Ethiopian Qawah. You also have the option of lounging with a flavoured hookah. Their menu has an interesting array of sandwiches, pastries and samosas as well.

The next one claims to take you on a “30-min vacation” into a laidback, luxurious world. At Mocha (Banjara Hills) the ambience sure does do the talking! The interior is a fuse of retro and Boho tones with low seating lounge, courtyard with hammocks, and the aroma of fine coffee beans (some 19 varieties from across the globe) blending with that of the hookahs. Desserts, wraps and omelettes make for fine accompaniments with your brew, smoke and banter.

To relish coffee with whiffs of cigars, do check out Qahwa – Cafe Arabica (Jubilee Hills). Their caramel-flavoured black coffee, the Cafe Arabica, the chilled Qahwa Delight are popular mugs. These, coupled with sandwiches, and rich pastries make Qahwa a must-visit cafe.

A quaint coffee hole embossed at an art gallery by modern artists, Le Cafe’ d Art (Banjara Hills) has the ambience perfect for those looking for tranquil evenings. Their signature items are wraps and croissants, along with excellent coffee.

For bibliophiles, Cafe Odyssey is the place to be. Yet another coffee place worth checking out is Java Green, the Reliance coffee kiosk present at almost all Reliance World outlets, that is popular for a post-meal coffee.

Go on, time to grab your favourite brew!