Craft coffee, a term that emerged in the coffee industry, represents a commitment to creating exceptional cups of coffee while turning coffee appreciation into a refined profession. It combines technical, artistic, and academic aspects, much like craft beer or wine. The concept of craft coffee, as depicted by Jessica Easto in her book "Craft Coffee," offers a distinct perspective on the evolving coffee scene by simplifying the trend and making it more approachable.
Crafting a delicious cup of coffee requires a series of skills and expertise across various stages of the coffee production process. From the farmer's cultivation techniques, the processor's precision, the roaster's artistry, to the barista's brewing mastery, every step contributes to the craft of coffee making. It is not merely preparing a beverage but an intricate craft, akin to a profession. As Easto aptly puts it, "coffee is a craft, and coffee enthusiasts are craftsmen."
Furthermore, craft coffee inherits the core principles of the third wave coffee movement, emphasizing sustainable relationships throughout the supply chain. Transparency, fairness, and ethical practices in interactions between coffee farmers, importers, roasters, baristas, cooperatives, and consumers are central to the ethos of craft coffee. These values, inherent in the second and third waves, are integrated into the craft coffee definition, fostering a culture of conscious consumption and support for ethical practices in the coffee industry.
Artisanal coffee establishments, such as Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Portland, Oregon, champion the craft coffee movement by offering consumers more than just a cup of coffee. Each batch of coffee roasted by Stumptown comes with a narrative, sharing the origins of the coffee beans, the partnership between Stumptown and the coffee growers, and the journey of the beans from farm to cup. This storytelling adds depth to the coffee-drinking experience, enabling consumers to appreciate not only the flavors in their cups but also the stories behind them.
Craft coffee culture in Vietnam has been flourishing in recent years, adding a new dimension to the country's rich coffee heritage. Traditionally known for its strong and robust traditional coffee styles like cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) and cà phê trứng (egg coffee), Vietnam has embraced the craft coffee movement, blending modern techniques with traditional flavors to create a unique coffee experience.
Craft coffee in Vietnam is characterized by a dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Local coffee enthusiasts and entrepreneurs have been exploring new brewing methods, experimenting with different roasting profiles, and sourcing high-quality beans to elevate the coffee scene in the country. This dedication to craft has led to the emergence of specialty coffee shops and roasteries across Vietnam, each offering a distinctive take on Vietnamese coffee culture.
One of the key aspects of craft coffee in Vietnam is the focus on single-origin beans and direct trade relationships with coffee farmers. By establishing transparent and fair partnerships with local growers, craft coffee establishments in Vietnam ensure that the coffee beans are sourced ethically and sustainably. This not only benefits the farmers but also highlights the unique flavors and characteristics of Vietnamese coffee terroir.
In addition to sourcing premium beans, Vietnamese craft coffee enthusiasts pay particular attention to the roasting process. Roasters carefully roast the beans to bring out the best flavors and aromas, ensuring that each cup of coffee is a true sensory delight. Some craft coffee shops in Vietnam even offer on-site roasting, allowing customers to witness the roasting process firsthand and choose from a selection of freshly roasted beans.
When it comes to brewing methods, Vietnamese craft coffee aficionados are not afraid to experiment and innovate. While traditional Vietnamese coffee brewing techniques like phin filter and French press remain popular, craft coffee shops in Vietnam also embrace alternative brewing methods such as pour-over, AeroPress, and siphon. This diversity in brewing techniques allows customers to explore a wide range of flavor profiles and discover new coffee experiences.
Moreover, craft coffee in Vietnam is not just about the coffee itself but also about the overall coffee culture and experience. Many craft coffee shops in Vietnam pay attention to the aesthetics of their spaces, creating cozy and inviting environments where customers can relax, socialize, and appreciate a good cup of coffee. Some establishments also organize coffee workshops, cupping sessions, and educational events to engage with coffee enthusiasts and promote coffee appreciation.
UCC COFFEE ROASTERY
UCC Coffee Roastery has made a significant impact on the craft coffee scene in Vietnam with its commitment to quality and innovation. By focusing on direct relationships with coffee farmers and sourcing premium beans from specific regions, UCC Coffee Roastery ensures that each cup of coffee tells a story of origin and excellence. Their meticulous approach to roasting brings out the unique flavors and aromas of the beans, elevating the coffee-drinking experience for customers. With an emphasis on sustainability and transparency in their practices, UCC Coffee Roastery sets a high standard for ethical coffee production in Vietnam. The chic and inviting ambiance of their coffee shops provides a delightful setting for customers to savor their expertly crafted brews, making UCC Coffee Roastery a standout player in the Vietnamese craft coffee scene.
17, D2 Street, Saigon Pearl, 92 Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. +84 28 2253 4350
SAIGON COFFEE ROASTERY
Saigon Coffee Roastery, founded by renowned barista Phap Vo, is a popular destination offering quality yet affordable coffee experiences for the younger generation. Nestled in a serene garden setting along Vo Thi Sau street, the cafe exudes a spacious and tranquil vibe with lush greenery in the front yard. The interior boasts a minimalist design with a predominant white color scheme, focusing on simplicity and customer comfort. Prioritizing privacy, patrons can enjoy their coffee alone or with friends. The menu goes beyond coffee, offering a selection of teas, juices, cakes, and satisfying dishes. Using premium beans sourced from Da Lat and global coffee hotspots like Kenya and Ethiopia, signature drinks like Chemex + Panama Natural and Cold Brew Coffee are must-tries for a delightful and flavorful experience at Saigon Coffee Roastery.
232/13 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. +84 93 880 83 85
WHEEL COFFEE
Wheel Coffee boasts an exquisite selection of rare, high-quality coffee beans sourced from worldwide locations alongside Vietnam, promising a decadent coffee journey for its patrons. Each bean undergoes meticulous testing in various roasting techniques to discover the ideal flavor profile, followed by a resting period to enhance brewing results. The diverse menu features bottled coffee blends, espresso, chocolate variations, hand-brewed delicacies, traditional brews, teas, and fruit juices. Noteworthy recommendations include the precisely brewed Pour Coffee, the flavorful Salty Brown US Route 50 with whipped cream, and the sweet Wandering Bac Siu concocted from honey-processed Robusta seeds.
6B Cua Dong, Hanoi. +84 97 182 28 32
ATELIER COFFEE ROASTER
Atelier Coffee Roaster stands out for handpicking and roasting premium Vietnamese coffee beans on-site, showcasing a dedication to craft and quality. Renowned for its utilization of the micro roasting method in Vietnam, Atelier epitomizes artisanal coffee culture. A must-try specialty is 'Cloudy,' a luscious blend of milk, heavy cream, and doppio espresso, offering a delightful sensory experience. For those craving a velvety indulgence, the 'Black Sugar Latte' beckons with its impeccably smooth texture and tantalizingly sweet flavor profile, promising an unforgettable sip. Delight in these unique creations at Atelier Coffee Roaster for a truly decadent coffee escapade.
65A Ton That hiep Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
