Starbucks in Bangalore

American global coffee company Starbucks just opened its very first store in Bangalore and everyone has been buzzing about it since! I was invited to the opening of the flagship store located in Koramangala on the 22nd and judging by the number of people who were haggling outside the store, I was a little hesitant before entering. One foot in and I was swarmed with 300 odd people squeezed in the coffee shop, glaring lights, camera flashes, and thankfully, that lovely aroma of roasted coffee beans wafting through the air.

Squiggling in, elbowing people and getting elbowed in return, I reached a space where I could finally breathe and was thankfully greeted by a lady serving us mini chocolate Frappucinos. Cream, chocolate and coffee: how can this possibly go wrong? One sip of the cold coffee and I got that lovely flavour of roasted coffee beans that delighted me. But by the end of the small glass of that coffee, I was feeling reasonably full.

The Starbucks Roast Spectrum

The lovely Deepika, from whom you can ask for two frappucinos trustingly.

When I spotted Arjun and Irum from Wooplr with coffee-bearing smiles.

Akhib is courteous enough to smile for the camera while I sneakily grab four delicious Lemon Bars.

I love people who can get my name right!
And, oh, this was a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Lovely.

Here's Nikitha, who got my name right. That is enough reason for me to llike her.

Avani Davda (L), CEO, Tata Starbucks Limited and John Culver (R), Group President, Starbucks Coffee APAC

Salmon & Cheese Croissant and Double Meat Sandwich loaded with lamb pieces and sausage,
generous amounts of cheese and a fried egg. *burrrrp*

Chicken with Roast Peppers on Ciabatta - ordinary in taste, and quite filling.

I *love* the interiors of this place.

The guys who ensured that my coffee and service was perfect.

What I Liked About Starbucks:
Extremely friendly service delivered with big smiles. The staff had huge smiles plastered across their faces and were very warm. Personalized cups with your names is a tradition followed in Starbucks stores around the world, and that definitely adds a nice touch.
Delicious coffees - out of the 3 coffees that I tried, the Salted Caramel Mocha stood out for me. The salty sweetness combined with that nutty flavour makes for one helluva coffee!
Ambience is warm, well set-up and walls are adorned with fun things to read.
Delectable desserts - the Blueberry Muffin is not to be missed!

Stabucks could work on: 
Sandwiches: Barring the Salmon and Cheese croissant (and whether or not that is a sandwich is debatable), I didn't find the sandwiches that great. They tasted ordinary and the quality could definitely improve.
Including lighter food items in the menu: Everything from the cream filled pies to even a Roast Chicken sandwich with peppers is mighty heavy. A sandwich and a coffee will easily fill you up, but leaves you feeling a little bloated. I'd like it if they start serving salads bowls here like the other Starbucks stores around the world do.
Pricing: The coffee and food prices ranged from Rs. 100 - 250 and are not exactly expensive, but not cheap either (no surprises there!). I think they could definitely improve the quality of the food and add more items to the menu for that price point.

Of course, this isn't a review, just a piece collecting my thoughts on the store opening.
While it was nice to see a packed house, I couldn't fathom why all the guests looked like they came straight out of a fashion show. Extremely well-dressed,  all made up, designer purses in hand and definitely adding to the glam quotient of Starbucks.. Oh, well, I think I answered my question right there. :)

Disclaimer: This isn't a paid review of Starbucks. The food and coffees offered were complimentary to all the guests who attended the opening of the store.

Starbucks in located in Koramangala, opposite Raheja Arcade. The opening of the store has been responsible for causing traffic in the area the past couple of days. If you want to enjoy your experience at the coffee shop, wait it out a week till the buzz dies down and sit down for a cuppa. :)