Algerian Coffee Stores — Vietnamese Dragon Balls
Does the coffee live up to the great name?
I am, to paraphrase Rage Against the Machine, getting offensive like Tet. Sorry Seattle, you lost the war. Yes, that one. Ok, heavy handed intro aside, I don’t have harsh words for this coffee. I expected a laser beam to the taste buds (there you go, the joke you were waiting for kamehamehahaha).
15.1g in. Just about 30 out (switched cups to catch any dregs so missed an exact number). So it seems I’m back on a 2:1 ratio, and the coffee isn’t suffering for it.
Now, Vietnamese coffee has a reputation and with a name like ‘Dragon Balls’ you may well have some expectations about what you’re getting.
Vietnamese coffee is generally Robusta rather than Arabica, so you’re already prepared for an earthy, bitter slog, but it’s fine cause I’ll be heavily caffeinated.
Thing is, this is silky. Thick, but silky. It’s full bodied, and yes we’re not in fruit country any more Toto. This is a full on classic coffee experience. The sensuous richness without the empty promise of the adman. Stop waiting for the handsome stranger next door to pop in asking for sugar. In fact, block his number and enjoy the coffee on your own.
While I took this as a double espresso, I found very little bitterness, but if you’d rather, I could see this working very well as a filter coffee with milk if that’s your thing. Or without. Sugar if you must, but it’s hardly a necessity here.
Or you could go traditional and use condensed milk for a marginally more authentic experience. Just leave the preconceived notions at the door, and get ready to smile.
