For coffee-shop regulars across India, Starbuck's plans to enter the Indian market will be hailed as a pleasant development.

In a culture formerly accustomed to having the day punctuated at regular intervals by steaming cups of "chai", urban Indians took to the coffee shop culture with great gusto. Since the late '90s when Indian coffee shop chains first began to open in every city neighbourhood, the coffee shop has worked its way into the Indian way of life.

Though some might still prefer drinking tea while at home, the plush sofas, casual setting, pop music and free Internet have attracted many.