Story time!
It is the 10th of Ferbruary 2023...
I make my way there and order my usual morning coffee, Cà phê sữa with ice, as the weather is already sweltering hot. Shortly after, I receive my coffee and take that eagerly awaited first sip. Despite my sleepiness, I'm instantly amazed by the taste, and an unconscious smile spreads across my face. By now, I'm well acquainted with the art of enjoying Vietnamese coffee, knowing it's best to savor it slowly. So I take my time, relishing every sip, while observing my surroundings.
I realize that I've stumbled upon a wonderfully relaxed café. At this moment, I'm the only customer (later discovering it to be an exception), and the barista who served me is seated across the room, absorbed in his computer.
At one point, he approaches me and asks where I'm from. “Switzerland” I reply, and our conversation begins. We quickly discover our shared love for good coffee, and I express to him that the coffee I'm currently sipping is the best I've had throughout my journey in Vietnam.
The private coffee class
The very next day, my feet led me, almost as if by magic, back to Olivier Coffee for my morning brew. Quang greeted me with a warm smile, already preparing my Cà phê sữa, as if he'd predicted my return.
I savored every sip of my coffee, the creamy sweetness punctuated by the robust flavor of the beans working a symphony on my tastebuds. As I drained the last drop, Quang approached me with an intriguing proposition. “Interested in learning the Vietnamese way of brewing coffee?” he asked.
My response was instant and enthusiastic, “Absolutely!” Before I knew it, I was embarking on a private coffee class, with Quang revealing the secrets behind the mesmerizing Vietnamese coffee. I discovered that it wasn't just about the method; it was the meticulous attention to detail and the right equipment that made all the difference.
A lightbulb moment struck me then. Why not bring this incredible coffee experience back to Switzerland? And just like that, with a surprising dose of good fortune, turning this dream into reality proved to be surprisingly straightforward.
Quang put together a package of all the necessary equipment and sent it off to my home address. A month later, I was standing in my kitchen in Zurich, a parcel containing a piece of Vietnam in my hands. The adventure of Olivier Coffee in Switzerland was just about to begin.
The begining of a friendship
Day after day fell into a comfortable routine, but one particular day took an unexpected turn. After finishing our morning brew, Quang guided me to a local hairdresser's shop where, to my surprise, we had our ears cleaned — a customary practice in Vietnam.
After this unique experience, we sat down for a meal together, sharing stories over hearty Vietnamese dishes. By the time we'd finished, the midday heat had reached its peak, leaving me with a pressing need for an afternoon siesta.
Awakening from my nap, I found a message from Quang on my phone. He asked if I was available around 4 p.m. and hinted at a surprise. Any pre-existing plans would have paled in comparison to the allure of Quang's mystery plan. I immediately agreed to meet him at the café.
Upon my arrival, he unveiled the surprise—we were going sunset fishing at the beach. A broad smile spread across my face as we hopped on a scooter, the promise of adventure carrying us towards the shore.
Under the setting sun, Quang taught me the art of casting a rod into the sea, how to tell if a fish had taken the bait. Our aim wasn't to haul in a catch, but to enjoy the tranquil moments shared between the waves and the sinking sun. As fate would have it, we did catch two small fish, which we happily handed over to a nearby fisherman in need.
Time seemed to dissolve, and before we knew it, the last glimmers of sunlight had been replaced by a blanket of stars. With a quiet sigh of contentment, we knew it was time to head back.
Fast-Forward to todays morning brew
Today, as the calendar marks the 27th of May, I find myself back home in Zurich, transcribing our tale. The morning began, as always, with my Vietnamese staple: Ca Phe Sua. The difference now, however, is that I'm the barista, guided by the recipe and wisdom imparted by Quang.
The once flickering idea of introducing his exceptional coffee to Switzerland has since flourished, giving birth to this very website you're browsing. As I write these words, a sense of anticipation fills me. While this chapter closes, the aroma of our shared story continues to brew, hinting that the narrative of Olivier Coffee is far from over...
Thank you for sharing in our journey by taking the time to read our story.