ANAN Coffee Roasters
Hanoi, VN
Vietnam is an amazing country with so much to offer the world. The unique blend of cultures and ideas makes this one of my favorite places in the world. As far as coffee is concerned, there are several one of a kind experiences to be had. While in the capital I was able to explore a couple micro roasters and taste some of the Vietnamese best.
Incredible Pricing
In arguably one of the most expensive cities in Vietnam Roasted coffee can be had for less than $0.80 a pound. With specialty coffee like Kopi Luwak for around $4.50 a pound. Expect much cheaper prices as you travel south.
Just off the beaten path in downtown Hanoi you can find ANAN Coffee. They are a small store front roaster that offers locally grown coffee to locals and tourists. The prices are almost double compared to some of the larger distributors to the south. However the accessibility and assortment provided is outstanding. I felt they were trying a bit too hard to please everyone but even I found some beans I liked. This specific shop has a lot of English packaging and is aimed at those traveling dollars. With that being said you have to breakdown coffee product around the country into three categories. Instant, Espresso and Boutique.
Instant: is what your going to receive at most restaurants, cafes and street stands.
Espresso: might be found at the higher end places, hotels and premium cafes.
Boutique: is hit and miss. Like China, imitations are everywhere. Be careful and you just might find a real gem (Like the local Hanoi Egg Coffee). More often than not though you are getting hoodwinked.
In all of the Asian continent Vietnam has some of the most robust Coffee establishments and cultures. They inherited this from the French. After the Sino-French War between China and France, Vietnam was occupied in 1885 and in 1887 French Indochina was formed. In 1954 and after massive bloodshed Vietnam was released by France and with it came reformations and ideological transformations. However long after the french left their habits of cuisine, tobacco and coffee have remained.
French roasts are predominant and make up most of the coffee you will find as you travel this region. Since dark roasts are my personal preference I found this place to be spectacular.
Selection Galore
You can get anything you want. Green, Light, Medium, Dark, Espresso, Cat, Weasel, Kopi… anything.
So ANAN offers high end Boutique coffee beans. They have both green and roasted selections for you. I would recommend the locally grown beans from the Hoàng Liên region. Its a steep mountain region that has been developed with phenomenal vertical agriculture. These high altitude tropical areas provide the ideal growing zones for your red cherries. You can see this visually in the size, quality and sweetness of the raw products.
Hoàng Liên region
I was able to visit several places during my travels here and yet this spot of all stood out to me as a sound place to grab some beans. I wish to come back and sample more great roasts. This time however I will be sure to bring an empty bag so I can hoard all of the cheap commodities. The staff and environment are helpful and you will be sure to have a good time.
Its all in the nose.