Asia's Best Coffee

Posted by kneworld (15 days ago)

Great Article and so true. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125731326056327485.html

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Posted by Ed (15 days ago)

As a coffee addict I thoroughly enjoyed that article - once we relaunch our site we are going to add an option on our home page news to allow people to get an email notice when we drop stories like the one above onto the site each morning... and btw I put these up around 7am each morning while enjoying... you got it... fresh brewed coffee.. :)

Posted by woods99 (14 days ago)

Interesting. I have only been to Taiwan once, and have never heard anything about the quality of coffee there.

I would have assumed that Vietnam would be pretty good, because of the French heritage.

The Coffee Shop at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok used to have a really nice drop, but I have not been there for a while.

Posted by Ed (14 days ago)

I've never been able to get Vietnam coffee to work for me - it drips so slowly through those filters they use that it cools before you drink it... we've got some workers building a bamboo garage for us in Bali and when I stop by I bring them Coke and they offer me coffee they brew in a pot on a coconut husk fueled fire... its some of the best I've had so go figure...

On the other hand a friend was hiking in remote hills near Ubud and the local farmers were drinking Nescafe 3 in 1... meanwhile they grow some of the best coffee in the world... I suppose 3 in 1 is there 'Louis Vuitton' in that those who can be seen to afford this relatively expensive 'luxury' feel somehow superior... how twisted our world is heheh...

We've a related thread on the topic of the best coffee in Hong Kong here http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/forums/restaurants-and-entertainment/threads/120398/good-coffee-anywhere?/

Posted by boblam07 (14 days ago)

Nice find, kneworld.

I do find it mostly historical account and it seemed to miss those third waver like Gabee and Trilobite though the guys mentioned in the article must be pretty cool.

Hong Kong's coffee scene is nowhere near that but I think the way it takes shape is in the good direction. At least judging from my experience yesterday morning at Fuel Espresso, IFC, which was the first time I saw it crowded, brimming with clientele.

Posted by jobin (14 days ago)

Not asia, but Buenos Aires has a pretty good coffee culture going. tiny cups nice and strong, little cakes, sidewalk cafes, dressed waiters; in all, a very pleasant outdoor drinking and dining experience. but, the argentineans typically don't get up very early in the morning so if like coffee at 6am, u gotta wait.

Posted by sistim (14 days ago)

Best Coffee - Japan? Don't make me laugh. Vietnam and Bali every time.

Posted by boblam07 (14 days ago)

>>> from sistim "Best Coffee - Japan? Don't make me laugh. Vietnam and Bali every time."

I've never been to both places but I really doubt about whether they have what can be called "best coffee" in cafe.

My understanding is Vietnam is actually the largest export of low quality coffee (Robusta) so I doubt whether they will have good coffee in the cafe there. I saw its slow drip coffee was laced with lots of sugar and condensed milk so I doubt how it tastes like in black. Burned rubber should be prominent, I guess, which is a hallmark of robusta bean, a mainstay for instant coffee manufacturing. And I think Bali is famous for tourist, not coffee.

BTW, Japan is famous for its vac pot coffee, not espresso based that is becoming mainstream among third wave cafes these days.

Posted by GreenValleys (12 days ago)

Isn't the measure of 'best' in something like food & drink (and many other things) totally subjective, and a very personal thing? I've just printed the article for my husband (haven't read it myself either yet) but he has spent a lot of time in France, Italy and Switzerland as well as Vietnam and Indonesia...and he has drunk a lot of coffee in those places. And whilst he certainly wouldn't consider himself a coffee connoisseur by any means he very clearly has a favourite - STARBUCKS!

Now before anyone starts referring to him as a peasant let me refer back to what I said at the start - it's a very personal thing. And what is right for one person is not necessarily right for another.

Posted by boblam07 (12 days ago)

GreenValleys, if you and your husband like coffee, you are in HK at the opportune time, I believe, as the coffee culture here just starts to take shape, particularly over the last 1-2 years.

I would suggest you bring your spouse to these places for a change from Starbucks.

1. Coco Espresso: cappuccino, latte and Australian coffee's Flat White - This is the friendliest one that I suggest you start your "seriously good" coffee journey here.
2. Crema Coffee: IMHO, the best in HK. I suggest cappuccino and latte. Also, tell the barista not too hot/just warm for milk.
3. Fuel Espresso: Ristretto (short espresso shot)
4. Cafe Corridor: milk drink cappuccino and latte
5. Xen Coffee: Siphon/Vac Pot/Japanese style coffee

You can find all the addresses here
http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/eat/coffee-renaissance-blooms-hong-kong-846754
and

http://www.timeout.com.hk/restaurants-bars/features/26326/hong-kongs-20-best-coffee-spots.html

One important thing, NO SUGAR in the drink.

If you happen to like sugary taste in your coffee, Starbucks is definitely a place to go for.

But if you want to venture out to what is called Third Wave/Coffee Renaissance and understand why they are booming (while Starbucks is closing stores left and right), you should try these Indie cafes for a change. You may redefine what you call "Best" coffee.

Posted by GreenValleys (11 days ago)

Thanks for the tips - I might not either!

Posted by sistim (10 days ago)

Bali- the island next to Java... any connection between Java & coffee?? The coffee sold in the Indonesian shops here doesn't compare to the stuff I bring back from Bali, by the ton. As for Vietnam, I think the French influence may be part of it, I loved the coffee there.
True, it's all subjective.... I spent a large part of my formative years in Japan and never found a really good cup of Java.
I also once read that you can't get a decent coffee in Costa Rica, cos they export the best beans to Europe, where the customers are more choosy, the medium grade ones to Japan, and the low grade ones to the USA, or keep in the country! Will see if I can find the article & post here.
Am not going near the Starbucks discussion! Or the shop itself.. ;)

Posted by Hk guy? (9 days ago)

vietnam coffeee is awesome, esp the "weasle" style and the somewhat chocalately one whose name escapes me. Ed, you might need a slightly larger grind to prevent blockage :-)

Posted by GreenValleys (9 days ago)

Thanks to my wife for 'outing' me and my closet coffee likes. I do like the coffee in Vietnam, but generally find it far too strong (as I do the coffee in Indonesia - generally - and even when I ask for 'sedikit kopi' (= 'just a little coffee') the taste is still too strong). In Vietnam I love the iced coffee that comes with the cold condensed milk already in the bottom of the glass. But yes, sadly for me Starbucks rules OK. Is there any chance of redemption for such a wretch as me? I fear not, but at least I know what I like and will not be swayed by others!

Posted by Ed (9 days ago)

Anyone ever tried this type of coffee? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopi_Luwak

They sell it at Kopi Bali in Sanur but I've never tried it...

Posted by boblam07 (9 days ago)

I think Four Seasons Hotel in HK will issue certificate for you if you drink this Kopi Luwak coffee. I don't know whether it's worth it though

You can find discouraging words from coffee enthusiast websites on this coffee.

Also, reports of counterfeit exist.