Strawberry Swing and the Mindful Brew: Sahil Punjabi's Coffee Ritual in Madhya Pradesh

For the first feature of Hands That Brew, a special section dedicated to home brewers on HUDES, we spoke with Sahil Punjabi, a passionate coffee enthusiast from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. Known as @sahilbrews on Instagram, Sahil shares his journey into manual brewing and the ritual that keeps him hooked.

Sahil Punjabi from India | photo by Sahil doc.

Sahil’s love for manual brewing didn’t happen overnight. It was a journey of discovery, one that deepened as he immersed himself in the craft. The moment that changed everything was when he realized the level of control and precision manual brewing offers. “It wasn’t just about making coffee anymore; it became a ritual,” he shared.

Among all the methods he has explored, the V60 pour-over holds a special place in his heart. The process, the patience, and the artistry involved in each pour made him fall in love with every step of brewing.

A Memorable Brew

Every home brewer remembers that one perfect cup—the moment when everything clicks. For Sahil, it was the first time he truly nailed a V60 pour-over. “I had been experimenting for a while, tweaking grind size, water temperature, and pouring technique, but this particular brew was different,” he recalled.

The coffee had a floral profile, with notes of lavender, cinnamon, and a hint of sweetness. “For the first time, I could actually taste the intricate notes described on the coffee bag. That was the moment I realized how much craftsmanship goes into manual brewing.”

Among all the coffees he has brewed, Sahil holds a special admiration for Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters’ micro lot RBW from Ratnagiri Estate. “From the first sip, it was floral, aromatic, and beautifully layered,” he said.

What made it unforgettable was its balance and clarity. The washed cultured process gave it a clean, refined profile, while the light roast preserved its delicate notes. “Ratnagiri Estate continues to impress me. I have many more of their coffees in my top list, each offering something unique and exciting.”

The Dripper That Feels Like Home

For Sahil, the Hario V60 remains the dripper of choice. While he hasn’t experimented much with other brewers, the V60’s level of control and precision keeps him coming back to it. Beyond technique, it holds a deeper meaning. “It’s the brewer that truly deepened my appreciation for manual brewing. Watching the bloom, fine-tuning each pour—it’s almost meditative.”

When asked about the best food to pair with coffee, Sahil had two favorites: cheese toasts and buttery cookies. “A crisp cheese toast contrasts beautifully with the deep, complex notes of black coffee, while a buttery cookie adds just the right amount of sweetness,” he explained. Both, he believes, enhance the coffee experience without overpowering its natural flavors.

Coffee and music often go hand in hand, and for Sahil, the perfect soundtrack for a brew session would be a mix of jazz and lo-fi. “The soft notes of a saxophone or the unhurried feel of lo-fi keep you in the moment,” he said.

But if he had to pick just one song? “Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay. Its dreamy guitar, soft rhythms, and nostalgic warmth make it the ideal companion for a slow, mindful brew. “It’s unhurried, soothing, and lets you truly be in the moment—much like the ritual of brewing itself.” (hudes)