Are You Ready To Be Able To Have Great Coffee Anywhere?

Are You Ready To Be Able To Have Great Coffee Anywhere?

Are You Ready To Be Able To Have Great Coffee Anywhere? Yeah, we’re talking about having Vietnamese coffee wherever you are and whenever you need it.

Are you ready to be able to have great coffee anywhere?

That’s why we’re over the “Moon Bear” to share our newest labor of coffee love you with you, the ChestBrew POP! (Also known as the Pour Over Coffee Pouch)

Travelling around Asia we’ve come across all kinds of interesting ways to enjoy coffee. However, one of the easiest and cleanest means to brew out the best flavors of your coffee beans is the pour-over method.

More commonly known as the Japanese pour over method the process, which looks fancy, is deceptively simple and most importantly makes a distinctively more subtle and complex cup of coffee as compared to what you would get from a drip machine.

In other words, it’s good stuff and you know we’re the kind of coffee loving folk who love to share the good.

Inspired by our experience, the ChestBrew team went to work to figure out a way to bring coffee loving, adventure seekers the quality of a pour over coffee with the added convenience of being able to have it anywhere.

The end result was what we proudly call our ChestBrew POP’s.

Each individual pouch has an ultra-portable ready – to – brew filter filled to the brim with our popular Moon Bear Roast that anchors securely to your favorite mug. The only other thing you need is some hot water and you’ve got the makings of one seriously solid cup of joe anytime, anywhere.

Check out this video to see just how simple ChestBrew POP’s are to enjoy.

You could call it coffee on demand.

It’s absolute perfection for all those hard working folks who rely on a ridiculously strong cup of coffee to help them tripe down and get stuff done.

Not to mention how great it for those of you who love the outdoors and enjoy hobbies like hiking, fishing and camping and want to do those things with a good fresh cup of coffee in hand. No more cold caffeine-less mornings for you.

Say you work in an office where the coffee is just “meh”, or travel and find yourself in hotel rooms debating whether to brew up that mystery coffee. Or maybe you’re a student who finds themself on campus all hours of the day looking for a caffeine fix but also looking (and needing) to pinch your pennies.

No matter who you are or where you’re going it’s easy to grab some POP’s and toss them into your bag, purse or pocket for whenever you need that jolt of good quality coffee.

Not only that, it’s ideal when you only want to brew up a cup or two.

If that doesn’t get you POP’ing remember that as another Project of Purpose, every box of ChestBrew POP’s helps to create great opportunities for hard working Vietnamese folks to have a brighter future.

Truth be told we’re completely addicted to those cute little pouches ourselves which is why we’re calling ChestBrew POP’s a winner and we bet you can’t stop at just one POP.

HERE’S A QUESTION…

Where’s the one place you drink your coffee most often?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…

Subscribe to ChestBrew for more awesome stories and to get a coupon for a discount on our ridiculously strong coffee.

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

buy Moon Bear

Premium Whole Bean Vietnamese Coffee

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Ground perfectly for 1-Step Brewing

Cà phê sữa đá, It’s What’s Should Be Up In Your Cup

Cà phê sữa đá, It’s What’s Should Be Up In Your Cup

Coffee is LIFE in Vietnamese culture which is why it’s no wonder that Cà phê sữa đá is the one drink that 90 million people can’t live without.

Vietnamese coffee is the drink 9 million people can't live without

 (Image Courtesy of FlickrRachele Carretti)

The entire city buzzes with happily caffeinated folks from dust until well after dawn. You need only to step into the streets to find young, old and everyone in between sitting at outdoor cafes set up for the day on their small colorful plastic chairs, sipping  on Cà phê sữa đá chatting and people watching along the bustling and dusty streets accompanied by the soundtrack of speeding and honking scooters whizzing by.

To travel there and see for your own eyes makes it easy to understand how their passion has helped to make them the second largest exporter of coffee, after Brazil.

That being said there are literally thousands of cafe’s in Saigon and without a doubt the most popular drink ordered is the traditional Cà phê sữa đá or Vietnamese Iced Coffee.

At its simplest, this deliciously caffeinated drink is made with coarsely ground Vietnamese coffee individually brewed with a small metal Vietnamese filter called a phin cà phê. The coffee then takes it time slowly releasing drops of hot coffee into a cup filled up with about 2-3 tablespoons (more if you like your coffee on the sweeter side) of creamy thick sweetened condensed milk.  Dark roasted, whole bean Vietnamese coffee works best. Whole beans should be coarsely ground and then immediately used to make your Vietnamese coffee. This provides the freshest cup. In general, it is difficult to find a Vietnamese whole bean coffee but there are a few brands available.

The drink that 90 million people can't live without

 (Image Courtesy of FlickrRachele Carretti)

Once the brewing is done, which you’ll know either by noticing the drips of coffee have stopped or by lifting the metal lid off the filter and seeing that all the water has passed through, all that’s left to do is stir and pour that yummy goodness over ice and enjoy!

For those coffee lovers out there who just happen to be totally intrigued and ready to try a cà phê sữa đá right now let us remind you that there’s no need to immediately open a new tab and book a ticket to Vietnam.

All you need to do is hit up your local Vietnamese restaurant as I’m pretty sure they’ll be serving them up.  For those who don’t have that option no worries because you know ChestBrew has your cà phê sữa đá craving back.

Watch our how-to video before you head on over to Amazon and grab yourself a bag or 2 of our Moon Bear Signature Roast, which makes an outstanding Vietnamese Iced Coffee.  While you’re there go here to order your very own cà phê phin (metal filter) and get set with condensed milk and ice in hand to savor the delicious taste of the most popular coffee in Vietnam.

After all, can you really doubt the opinion of nearly 90 million people?

HERE’S A QUESTION…

Have you ever tried Vietnamese iced coffee?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…

Subscribe to ChestBrew for more awesome stories and to get a coupon for a discount on our ridiculously strong coffee.

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

buy Moon Bear

Premium Whole Bean Vietnamese Coffee

buy cold brew

Ground perfectly for 1-Step Brewing

The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt.4, The Workshop)

The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt.4, The Workshop)

If there’s one thing you must make time for while traveling through Vietnam it’s visiting some of best cafes in Saigon, the Workshop.

At a place where the coffee culture is life, the city is experiencing serious and fast growth in the number of eclectic and unique cafes that are a world away from the traditional street cafes.

Everything from cafes that serve coffee, fashion and art side by side to quirky and quiet getaways that feel more like an Adventure in Wonderland.  Vietnamese iced coffee is the constant but where you sip it is a whole other question.

One answer to that could be The Workshop (Tripadvisor).

Located at 27 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam this hidden gem of a coffee house is impressive even by European or American standards.

Like most great cafes in Saigon the small entrance is hidden in plain sight and you know the saying “good things are worth waiting for?”  Well, with three full flights of stairs to get to The Workshop you’ll definitely be waiting and working your way to the best serious coffee lover experience ever. 

As you ascend up the stairs every step in the beautifully designed space is flooded with natural light. The higher you hike the more of a welcome you receive with a cooler kiss of air conditioning.

This blast of refreshing air could be reason enough to head up the stairs alone. A fact I know my fellow travelers will appreciate.

Of course, the real reason is the coffee and we haven’t forgot that.

Once you’ve made it inside The Workshop it’s pretty clear every step was worth it.

Quickly becoming known as Vietnam’s first specialty coffee bar, The Workshop takes Saigon’s respect for coffee to the next level by blending science, art and passion in pursuit of the ultimate brew.

The café is situated in a gorgeous and roomy airy loft-space.  It feels, in fact, a universe away from the streets and alleyways below.

The Workshop’s massively elegant French door windows open the café up making you feel like you’re in coffee heaven.  The high ceilings create a modern atmosphere and those panoramic views of the city streets are priceless.

Consider staying for a while and get comfortable at their robust wooden tables that make a great work space for the day.  The vintage stools are surprisingly comfy and the mere fact that it’s an open coffee bar concept makes you feel even more a part of something really special.

As for coffee, your wish is their high quality hand crafted command.

Every wish, that is, except for Vietnamese iced coffee as this place is “for serious coffee drinkers only”.

But if you’re particular on your type of brewing method or are curious to try something knew they have the equipment, locally sourced beans and talent to create.

From Chemex, pour-over, Aeropress, to espresso and more it’s a coffee lovers dream.

No matter what way you take it the coffee delivers on all its promises.  This is no doubt in large part to do with their highly trained staff of barista’s.  Not only do they look the part with their authentic “workshop” aprons but there skills are on point.

Making this one of the best cafes in Saigon is the bonus that they also serve a decent plate of food. It’s good to keep in mind that the menu is strictly Western style which means you can expect to pay Western prices.  This isn’t a big deal, especially after a few weeks of exotic travel, a hot plate of eggs, bacon and toast with your morning coffee can be the exact kind of treat you’re needing.

If you’re lucky enough to be there when the owners – a team which also includes two coffee farmers -host their annual barista competition be sure to check it out! It’s an amazing display of exciting talent emerging right in front of your eyes.

HERE’S A QUESTION…

What’s your favorite way to brew coffee?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…

Subscribe to ChestBrew for more awesome stories and to get a coupon for a discount on our ridiculously strong coffee.

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

buy Moon Bear

Premium Whole Bean Vietnamese Coffee

buy cold brew

Ground perfectly for 1-Step Brewing

The Best Cafes in Saigon You Need to Know About Now (Pt.3, Kujuz)

The Best Cafes in Saigon You Need to Know About Now (Pt.3, Kujuz)

If there’s one thing to know about Saigon it’s that the place and the people are coffee crazy. 

THE BEST CAFES IN SAIGON YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NOW (PT.3)

The culture thrives on its caffeine and fact is when it comes to producing their coffee game is strong. This leads to an abundance of the best cafes in Saigon that literally line the streets, alleyways and shops throughout the city.

The struggle to find coffee doesn’t exist In Vietnam. A good thing by all accounts if you happen to be a coffee lover.  But because there are so many cafes in Saigon some of the more unique places can easily be missed.

Keeping that in mind there is definitely a coffee spot for everyone no matter what you might be into.  You’ll find cafes with themes built around fashion, art and coffee and places that offer a more cool calm and collected coffee vibe.

For the curious traveler who loves to delve into the creatively unexpected may we suggest a place away from the beaten path of the busy city streets?

By all accounts, if the answer is yes then KuJuz Café in Central Saigon in an absolute must for you.

It’s not your typical Saigon café but it’s totally worth the trip.

Let’s get the logistics straight first, to grab some java and a dose of culture at KuJuz café head on over to 5 Trần Quý Khoách, Tân Định, 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.

I admit when our cab driver first dropped us off I was a little confused because the area seemed a world away from what I knew of Saigon. The typically beautifully chaotic, narrow and dusty streets had disappeared miles back and were replaced by smooth and quiet roads.  It was almost too quiet and desolate but when the promise of good coffee is nearby you never retreat. Never.

Once out of the taxi my eyes fell on a cafe conceived for creative minds. Situated in a small, self-contained area where warehouses have been converted into artsy shops, galleries and boutiques I almost felt like I was in back LA.  There was a definite “up and coming” vibe to this area.  It seemed like a place that in a few years would be swarming with tourists and locals alike. For now though it was hidden gem that had been found.

Nestled amongst the eclectic shops upon leading up the café the sight of a VW camper via the 1950’s immediately greets you. Next you can’t but notice the cacophony of colors that make up the shop along with an eye catching exterior.

With an intention to introduce the concept of recycling to young Vietnamese the colorful doors and window frames of the café are made from reuse wood and are painted in fun and vibrant colors.

Even before you’ve looked at the menu stepping into KuJuz feels like a moment where you actually get to take a peek through that magical looking glass.

THE BEST CAFES IN SAIGON YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NOW (PT.3)

(Image Courtesy of Flickr, Debbs.)

Inside the exterior is equal parts inviting and intriguing.  The interior is a peaceful space with décor that’s just as colorful as the outside.  It’s sparks a cozy and eclectic vibe that’s both refreshing and cool. There’s a definite relaxed feel to it to this café and one that after a few days amongst the busy city is inviting.

It must be noted that the sturdy community style wooden tables, regal solid chairs and decent Wi-Fi connection makes this Saigon Café a great place to catch up on some emails or get some work done.

There’s also seating outside and the patio has it’s a character all its own.  Something akin to your own private backyard lined with greenery and even a small water fountain it’s another great option to chill out, read a book or write a postcard to someone back home.

What about the coffee you ask?  We’re almost there but first there’s something you need to know.

One of the more interesting aspects of KuJuz is that at this café you make your own drink. It’s basically a self-serve café where, with the help of some friendly staff, you choose your favorite drink and mix it your own way.

This type of business concept literally translates into an endless number of coffee and tea options literally at your fingertips.

And the coffee does not disappoint.  Everything you have come to expect from a Vietnamese coffee is right there for you in your tall iced glass or your piping hot mug.

As if all that wasn’t enough to make this Saigon Café stand out another cool aspect is their pay system. For the most part drinks are VND50,000/glass (about $2.25 USD) but if you pay VND100,000 (that’s around $4.50 USD) you can explore and enjoy as many drink as your heart desires.

THE BEST CAFES IN SAIGON YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NOW (PT.3)

(Image Courtesy of Flickr, Debbs)

KuJuz even let’s its patrons leave and linger around the surrounding shops and pop back in whenever needed to get refreshed.  The whole place screams “Home away from home”.

KuJuz is a definite hidden gem in Saigon (for now) and one that definitely should be included on your travel itinerary.

HERE’S A QUESTION…

What hidden gems to do you to offer people traveling to Vietnam?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…

Subscribe to ChestBrew for more of the Best Cafes in Saigon and to get a coupon on our ridiculously strong coffee

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

buy Moon Bear

Premium Whole Bean Vietnamese Coffee

buy cold brew

Ground perfectly for 1-Step Brewing

The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt.2, ID cafe)

The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt.2, ID cafe)

When it comes to finding the best cafes in Saigon let all of your worries go. Coffee and cafe culture is an absolute staple of life in Vietnam.

The best cafes in Saigon Pt.2

Take a trip to any of the major cities such as Saigon and Hanoi and you’ll find street style cafes, Indie Cafes, a handful of Western chains and more. There’s absolutely something for everyone and with the thousands of coffee havens that are yours to explore we thought we’d highlight a few of what we think are the best cafes in Saigon to help you out.

If you love fashion and art as much as you love coffee be sure to check out our last post to know where to go for your joe.

We hope you’re well caffeinated and continuing on with our Best Saigon Cafes series next up is I.D. Café.

You can find this hidden gem of a cafe at 34D Thu Khoa Huan Street | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City District 1, Vietnam.

We must have hit this café up at least 4 or 5 times in a single trip while in Saigon. To be honest, it doesn’t look like much from the street, but once upstairs this cool little café with lounge chairs and coffee tables, free wifi, a/c, magazines and papers to read is an absolute hidden treasure.

From the first visit I was hooked to the cafe that’s tucked along the stretch of shop houses in District 1. The two-floor coffee shop has a décor that’s cozy, industrial and the perfect place to settle in.  The retro style armchairs are comfy and stylish and the walls lined with vinyl records and stencils along with the lighting and music create a cool and creative atmosphere.

Located just one block north of Ben Thanh Market, I.D. Cafe offers the perfect break from the beautiful chaos of the market.

The coffee is great here including of course an exceptional Cà phê sua đá (Iced Vietnamese Coffee) along with cold coffee blended treats, exotic fruit smoothies and for those looking for a different kind of refreshment they serve a nice assortment of local beers, ciders, wines and cocktails.

If you’re hungry they offer a full menu of both Vietnamese and Western foods that are reasonably priced and seriously tasty! Think burgers, fried rice and noodle soups not mention lots of desserts including passion fruit and chili ice cream.(Hungry yet?)

Without a doubt I.D.cafe is a must if you’re traveling in Saigon.

If all that doesn’t convince you I suppose you’ll just have to bookmark this page and check it out for yourself on your next trip to Vietnam.

HERE’S A QUESTION:

What’s your favorite style of café?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…

Subscribe to ChestBrew for more of the Best Cafes in Saigon and to get a coupon for a discount on our ridiculously strong coffee.

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

buy Moon Bear

Premium Whole Bean Vietnamese Coffee

buy cold brew

Ground perfectly for 1-Step Brewing