It is no exaggeration to say that Vietnam is every coffee lover’s dream city. From the strong Vietnamese iced coffee to traditional drip coffee, there’s something for every taste bud.
With that in mind, we planned to visit one of the specialty coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City. One that particularly stood out on Google Maps for its great reviews was XLIII Coffee. It used to be called 43 Factory Coffee Roaster, but has since changed its name.
What to eat and drink at XLIII Coffee
Admittedly, we didn’t do very thorough research on the café. We were a bit surprised when the staff kindly told us that they don’t serve brunch, only pastries to pair with the coffee.
It does show that they have a strong focus on their coffee rather than doing up fancy brunch fare, which is not a bad thing! Just that you’ll need to take note if you’re coming here with the intention of having a filling meal.
The staff will take the time to explain the different coffee beans currently on hand – this differs based on season and availability.
I picked Kemgin, originally created in western Ethiopia from heirloom varieties of coffee that are very similar to Gesha. It is now produced in the Barú Highlands region of Panamá.
You can choose how you would like your coffee to be prepared. The staff will then prepare it right in front of you, while thoroughly explaining each step.
I found it quite an eyeopening experience, a bit like a coffee or tea brewing workshop! The same staff will be tagged to you throughout your time there. Hence, you really get to build a rapport with them and are welcome to ask any questions you want.
We were feeling peckish and didn’t really want to drink coffee in the morning on an empty stomach. Hence, I ordered a Kouign Amann to go with my brew.
As with most specialty coffee places (or any place that really takes its coffee seriously), the staff will hand you a card that details the beans’ profile.
This is Kemgin’s profile:
- Aroma: Lemon Blossom, Jasmine Tea, Orange
- Hot: Jasmine, Honeydew, Lime
- Warm: White Peach, Lemon, Orange
- Cold: Apricot, Herbal Tea, Ginger
- Aftertaste: Elegant Honey, Jasmine, Orange
- Acidity: High & Vibrant Citric and Malic
- Body: Transparent & Delicate
- Balance: Excellent
This is great for those who don’t like their coffees too bitter! I personally really like those with fruity notes, and I found it fascinating how the taste evolves as the coffee cools.
Is XLIII Coffee worth visiting?
This specialty coffee shop was certainly a welcome respite from the sweltering heat outside (oops).
You can tell that they’ve put a lot of effort into designing the space so that your senses are sheltered from the hustle & bustle outside. This leaves you with capacity to better appreciate your coffee.
However, the specialty coffee here is not cheap by any count. In fact, I would say it is on par with, or even more expensive than that of coffees in Singapore.
If you’re planning to come to XLIII Coffee in search of a budget brew, you’ll be sorely disappointed. However, if you’re open to spending a little more on premium coffee beans, you’ll definitely love the experience here.
I’m not sure if I’ll be back in Ho Chi Minh City, but if I do I’ll certainly make a trip back to XLIII Coffee!
DIRECTIONS
Address: 178a Pasteur, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Related Posts:
- Hoa Túc Cooking Class: easy & fun activity in Ho Chi Minh City
- Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (tried & tested!)
- Ho Chi Minh Food Guide – Cafés, Restaurants, Bars etc.
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