Town Square, Paro Paro Town, 12001, Bhutan https://mountaincafe.bt Bhutan is not exactly known for its coffee, and on this trip so far I’ve only come across instant or jars of drip filter like in some American diner. However, the South of the country has the right conditions to grow a little of their own beans but not in great quantities so it rarely makes its way to European markets. As such, driven by a lack of espresso and a desire to take some beans home to try, I make it my mission to find a speciality coffee shop. There are plenty of cafes about, and there were a few potential options in Thimphu, but Paro being more set up for tourists (what with all international flights having to come in and go out from here) means that my best chance of success is here. I ask around a few of the local vendors, when shopping for gifts, and am directed to Mountain Cafe. A plush two-storey building with a wood-panelled interior, it is a stark contrast to most of the humble structures across the country (temples and fortresses aside). I am instantly excited to see a roasting room opposite the front door, a shiny black and gold roaster encased in a glass room so all can see how the local beans are prepared. Mountain Cafe actually has its own growing business called Bhutan Mountain Coffee, where 600 farmers, in a community growing group, are given free seedlings and technical guidance and they then buy the raw, green beans back to roast. I can buy a bag here from the counter and do so whilst also ordering an Americano. It’s a shame that, in a largely vegetarian country, veganism hasn’t quite taken hold, and so alternative milks aren’t really a thing as I’d kill (figuratively, of course, given that the very reason I’m vegan is my dislike of hurting animals) for an oat latte right about now. Taking my drink to the upstairs bar area, some sip cocktails whilst I stick with my caffeine, I sit and savour a proper espresso-based drink for the first time since leaving the UK. The distinct body and oily richness that comes from this brewing process is a godsend after over a week of watery packet nonsense. It’s a strong, Earthy coffee that’s definitely a dark roast but the arabica beans shine through. It doesn’t coat the tongue with any sweetness but every now and then a surge of chocolatey tones ride the wave of a sip and splash down unexpectedly. There aren’t many places to grab a decent coffee in Bhutan but I reckon Mountain Cafe is definitely one.
0 Comments
|
AuthorThe Mean Bean Machine (Vincent Wood) ArchivesCategories |
Get Caffeinated, Get Coffee...