Cohica Travel
  • About
  • Custom Travel
  • Designed Trips
  • Inspiration
  • Blog

coffee shopping in da lat

5/4/2015

2 Comments

 
The second largest exporter of coffee in the world, Vietnam grows the majority of its coffee in the central highlands and we found plenty of farms near Da Lat. Only second to Brazil in production, this country isn’t just an exporter. There is a true coffee culture here. In Da Lat, also a university town, we found dozens of awesome coffee shops, both big and small. 
Salt Coffee. Vietnamese coffee slowly brews into the ceramic cups on our table. A small, metal single-cup personalized French Press, used across the country for drinking traditional Vietnamese coffee, takes patience but is worth the wait. The result is an inch of strong, thick, black coffee accompanied by a small pitcher of hot water to make a local version of an Americano - with far more kick. Smoothies and blended coffee drinks are served in mason jars with a small ribbon wrapped around the top. Opt for a smoothie made with locally-grown fruits, such as mango or coconut. The iced mocha puts a frappucino to shame. Perfect for a hot day (or rainy afternoon, like when we visited!). 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Windmills. A trendy coffee shop near the center of Da Lat with a partially open air rooftop serving coffee drinks (both Vietnamese and Italian), smoothies, pastries and cakes. Where we stopped was a space far removed from the omnipresent sights, sounds, and smells of Vietnam’s busy streets, but Windmills has multiple locations. It’s a sneak peek in to the young, hip vibe of this hill town that’s clearly influenced by its namesake university.
delicious lattes at Windmills in Da Lat
Picture
Picture
‘Weasel’ Coffee. A short drive out of the city and you’ll find yourself among the coffee farmers of the central highlands. In a valley as picturesque as almost any in the world, a coffee delicacy is being created. Known as Kopi Luwak in Indonesia, but simply Weasel coffee in Vietnam, we’re talking about coffee beans that have been pooped out by civet cats (weasels). The animals eat what the producers believe to be the best berries, then defecate, leaving behind enzymes which create a coffee that’s even better than before. 

At first taste, it’s smoky and chocolatey, the ‘cherry’ version (for lady, apparently) a little sweeter than the ‘moka’ bean (strong, for man). Overlooking the strikingly beautiful countryside, this could be some of the best coffee we’ve ever had. Mind blowing Vietnamese coffee experience… check.

*As with any product made with or from animals, the ethical treatment, or lack thereof, should always be considered. Through our research, we found that many people and organizations have serious concerns about how these animals are treated and whether the process is humane. The farm we visited featured only a few, seemingly unharmed and well-treated weasels. However, we are finding that animals are often exploited for the purposes of tourism and will not support and report on any situation that is questionable.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Also worth mentioning are Bicycle Coffee and the cafe at Les Sapins 60. Both seemed like very cool spots and we'll stop by for a cup when we're back in Da Lat.

Coffee, coffee, coffee. We can't get enough, but luckily Vietnam's got plenty of it.
Picture
2 Comments
Rosemary link
5/4/2015 12:18:04 am

Wish I had a cup right now! You two look like you are having a blast and that area looks fascinating! xo

Reply
ryan & megan link
5/7/2015 01:22:21 pm

Thanks Rosemary! The coffee is amazing - by far stronger than a shot of espresso back home and full of flavor. We're having an amazing trip so far!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Cohica Travel

    A travel design agency.

    Categories

    All
    Argentina
    Belgium
    Cambodia
    Chile
    Colombia
    Croatia
    Ecuador
    Expat Life
    France
    Germany
    Greece
    Guatemala
    Hungary
    Iceland
    Indonesia
    Italy
    Laos
    Malta
    Mexico
    Morocco
    Nicaragua
    Peru
    Portugal
    Romania
    Scotland
    Slovenia
    Spain
    Sri Lanka
    Thailand
    The Netherlands
    U.S.A.
    Vietnam
    Vlog (Video Blog)

    Archives

    April 2025
    February 2025
    December 2024
    October 2023
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015

    Follow us on Instagram @CohicaTravel

    RSS Feed

​​cohica designed trips
custom travel 

TRAVEL GIFT CERTIFICATES
​​TRAVEL INSPIRATION
BLOG

 CLIENT Log IN
TRAVELER REVIEWS
PRESS
CONTACT US
​TERMS & CONDITIONS

Picture
  • About
  • Custom Travel
  • Designed Trips
  • Inspiration
  • Blog