Café
Tapri Central
Jaipur's best-known modern chai house, overlooking Central Park on Prithviraj Road, with a long tea list, vegetarian snacks and a small design store upstairs.
Curious Life Coffee Roasters
Pioneering Jaipur specialty roaster founded by former army officer Neeraj Sheoran, roasting Indian, Kenyan and Rwandan beans and serving all-day food in C-Scheme.
At a glance
- Type
- Specialty coffee roaster and café
- Area
- C-Scheme, Jaipur, India
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- curiouslifecoffee.com
Good to know
- In-house roasting
- Patio
- All-day food
- Work-friendly
Why we recommend it
Curious Life Coffee Roasters is widely credited as one of the pioneers of specialty coffee in Jaipur. It was founded by Neeraj Sheoran, who served in the Indian army until a spinal injury ended his military career, and who then turned a passion for coffee into a business. Curious Life began serving coffee in the city in 2014, opened its first café, known as Curious Life Blue, in 2015, and added a second space, Curious Life Red, in December 2018. The Red café in C-Scheme has a large, green outdoor patio and is the one most visitors head for.
Roasting is done in-house. The business started with a small 5 kg roaster, a second-hand La Marzocco espresso machine and an EK43 grinder, and has since moved up to a Loring S15 roaster. Beans come mostly from India, with coffees from Kenya and Rwanda too, which is unusual for an Indian roaster. Two house roast styles are sold: a lighter filter roast meant to be drunk black, and a bolder roast that works with milk and in espresso.
The drinks list covers the full range of espresso and filter coffee, plus a few signatures such as the Coffee-Cran, espresso poured over cranberry juice, and well-liked iced drinks, including a vanilla frappé and affogato. Food is served from breakfast through dinner, with house-baked bread for sandwiches such as a tofu paprika sandwich, and pastries including an almond croissant. Inside, dark walls are hung with photographs and artwork, and there are work desks for anyone who needs to catch up on emails.
Curious Life suits coffee enthusiasts, remote workers and anyone needing a calm break from sightseeing. It can be busy with a young local crowd, especially at weekends, so arrive earlier in the day if you want a desk. Bags of beans and brewing gear are sold, and the roastery also runs coffee subscriptions and supplies other businesses, so you can take a taste of Jaipur coffee home.
The café is in C-Scheme, a short ride from MI Road and the Albert Hall Museum. It makes a good first stop before heading out to the forts, or a restorative break in the afternoon.
Curious Life Coffee Roasters FAQs
Who founded Curious Life?
Neeraj Sheoran, a former Indian army officer, founded it after his military career ended.
When did Curious Life start?
It began serving coffee in Jaipur in 2014 and opened its first café in 2015.
Do they roast their own coffee?
Yes, coffee is roasted in-house on a Loring S15 roaster.
Where do the beans come from?
Mostly India, along with Kenya and Rwanda.
Is food served?
Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner, with house-baked bread and pastries.
Is it good for working?
Yes, there are work desks, though it can be busy at weekends.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, the Red café has a large outdoor patio.
Can I buy beans?
Yes, beans, brewing gear and subscriptions are available.