Strawberry Shortcake Latte
“I like to recreate the profiles of sweet baked goods in our coffee syrups.”
Swadesi CEO Anumoy Das and I have a lot in common. We both love coffee and we both love cakes. That’s why I was thrilled to discover what Dasa has to offer when it comes to recreating the sweet thrill of cake in fun coffee drinks. Coffee purists like me just can’t get enough.
Swadesi, located blocks from Chicago’s Union Station, opened in 2024 by the same group that runs the only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in the city and draws inspiration from chai houses in India. Its beverages include coffees, nitro masala chai, other teas, wines and a unique program of seasonal offerings such as the up-to-date Strawberry Shortcake Latte, which can be ordered with an espresso or matcha base.
Das felt that “the sweet, flaky and buttery notes of strawberry shortcake pair perfectly with coffee. We used the same flavor elements along with fresh strawberries to develop a homemade syrup for the recipe.” Using Kilgus Farm Milk and fresh strawberries, the drink can be drunk both iced and warm.
How did you work to balance the flavors and create the perfect flavor profile?
Given my culinary experience, I believe that each product requires a balance of salt, sugar, acid and heat. When I’m developing any syrup, I focus on these elements alongside the main ingredients.
What type of coffee was used in this drink?
We employ a South American blend with notes of cherry, nougat and wildflower honey. Our espresso beans are very lithe in color, which goes perfectly with the strawberry syrup. In the matcha version, we employ ceremonial matcha from Spirit Tea with notes of edamame, pea shoots and chocolate daisy.
Would you recommend any food pairings that could go with this?
The drink itself is complete and does not require any special mixing. But really, any of our baked goods at the café will go great with it! From our Buttered Chicken Croissant to our Jaggery Chocolate Chip Cookie, anything goes!
Thank you!
The drink is available until June 21, 2026. Welcome Swadesi official website, follow them on Instagram @swadesicafeand check them out at 328 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661.
