Buzz
More than 20 years ago, before modern equipment, Mr. Long ingeniously crafted a method to brew bubble coffee for customers at Vinh market.
Unique Bubble Coffee Shop Thriving for Over 2 Decades in Nghệ An
Located deep within Vinh market (TP Vinh, Nghệ An province), the entrance is a maze of iron and stainless steel stalls. Mr. Long's coffee shop has existed for over 20 years. Born in 1961, the owner mentioned that when he opened the shop, it was simply for the love of coffee. 'After returning from military service in 1992, I decided to open a coffee shop,' said Mr. Long.
In 2018, the bubble coffee trend quickly captured attention on social media. While many food channels released videos demonstrating how to make this drink, Mr. Long had already mastered the art of brewing it long ago.
According to Mr. Long, not only now but 20 years ago, coffee was a favorite for many in the morning. His small counter primarily served market traders in Vinh (TP Vinh, Nghệ An province). Thanks to its uniqueness, impressive flavor, and word of mouth, many tourists have sought to savor it in recent years.
Determined not to disclose the brewing technique, Mr. Long keeps all the tools neatly stowed in a desk drawer, also serving as the spot for customers to enjoy. With nimble hands, he adds the ingredients, and immediately, the sound from the egg beater breaks the serene air of the market at 6 a.m.
Just 2 minutes later, he raises a bowl containing the dense, golden mixture that, when poured upside down, doesn't spill out. 'The bubbles need to be tightly blended, sticking together without falling out—that's the right way,' he says.
The owner only creates the foam when ordered, not in advance. Explaining this, Mr. Long shares, 'To preserve the aroma and thickness of the foam layer.'
Slow and meticulous, he pours just the right amount of pure coffee into a tall, slender glass in front of him. This arrangement helps him measure an even amount of coffee for each cup.
Beforehand, he adds sugar or milk as per the customer's request. Next is a bit of finely crushed ice. The foam layer is added last on top.
In addition to the characteristic intense bitterness, bubble coffee also carries a rich flavor from the foam layer and a distinctive aroma. Depending on preference, you can request a brown or black coffee (with or without milk). The price for each cup of coffee is only 10,000 VND.
When savoring, you can either delicately enjoy the foam layer first or mix it evenly with the coffee layer below.
Standing alongside Mr. Long for many years is Mrs. Ly (born in 1966), his wife. Hence, the shop is named Long Ly. The middle-aged woman takes care of serving customers in the market and packaging coffee for those buying to take away.
Some people need two cups at once to feel 'ready' to start a new day. Mr. Binh (over 50 years old), a regular customer for over a decade, shares that initially, he wasn't impressed with this brewing method. 'Drinking it repeatedly, you get used to it, and once you're used to it, you become addicted. Every day, I ride my bike to the market to have bubble coffee before getting back to work,' Mr. Binh says.
Source: Phong Vinh/Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourMay 21, 2019
