COLABA. Forget Starbucks ­ Barista is the leading coffeeshop chain in Mumbai. Locals and travellers come here in droves to sip on convincing cappuccino, espresso, European-style tea, and sinful smoothies and coffee shakes. There are dozens of branches around Mumbai and some have high-speed wireless internet access, so you can browse while you sip.

A spin-off from the Barista coffee chain, Barista Crème takes the concept of the coffeeshop and adds in deli sandwiches, salads, cheese melts, and sweet hot and cold desserts. People still come here to enjoy full-flavoured espresso and cappuccino, but the café-like atmosphere ensures that people take their time. It's a popular place for breakfast with friends or a working lunch.

One of India's leading coffee-chains, Café Coffee Day serves up real espresso, cappuccino and other Italian favourites, made with real Arabica beans. Locals flock here for coffee, smoothies and sweet cakes, plus the modern, international atmosphere. There are branches all over town, including near the New Capital Cinema in Fort and at Juhu and Chowpatty Beach.

Probably Mumbai's trendiest coffeeshop, Mocha serves a full range of teas, herbal infusions and espresso-based coffees, plus beers, wines, spirits and ­ the main attraction ­ an intoxicating selection of herbal tobaccos in tall shisha pipes. An evening of relaxing puffing will set you back around INR 200. The food menu runs to waffles, panini, tapas and omlettes.

Run by the Tea Board of India, this quaint teashop and restaurant offers traditional English afternoon tea, served in polished silver teapots. Topping the list is the tippy orange pekoe from Darjeeling. The dining room has display boards describing the history of tea production in India, and the food menu includes Indian curries and raitas (yoghurt dips), and European snacks like sandwiches, scones and French fries.