It’s no secret that Seattleites love their coffee, and can even be a bit snobby about it.
The Emerald City was even named the best city for coffee drinkers in America for 2020, to absolutely no one’s surprise.
But even amid the economic hardships of COVID-19 that have led to over 90 restaurants permanently closing, coffee shops around the city are still finding ways to thrive thanks to the city’s robust coffee culture.
And new, global-inspired openings are taking advantage of Seattle’s place as a international hub to offer new roasts and styles, each bringing their own unique flavor to the average cup of joe.
Whether you’re grabbing your usual java fix to get the day going or are seeking out more exotic roasts, here’s where to grab your next coffee in Seattle.
Hello Em Viet Coffee & RoasteryTucked away inside the Friends of Little Saigon Creative space in the International District, the owners of Pho Bac opened this roastery last month to much fanfare and plenty of Instagram-worthy photos of decadent drinks.
Featuring beans imported from Vietnamese growers, the new spot features traditional drinks including ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) and ca phe trung (Vietnamese egg coffee).
“The coffee beans in Vietnam haven’t been very promoted, so it’s something that is lacking in the U.S.,” said co-owner Nghia Bui.
The shop is also serving up bites like pressed banh mi and mochi to pair with their brews.
Rey Amargo Chocolate Shop
Alright, it’s technically not a coffee shop, but it is a new spot where you can get a rich mocha or marocchino featuring some of the finest cocoa in Seattle.
The Mexican chocolatier — which dates back to 1939 — recently opened their first U.S. outpost on E Pike Street much to the delight of the neighborhood chocolate lovers and sweet tooths.
Along with hot chocolate, milkshakes and an assortment of bars and truffles, the cafe features many java-infused drinks.
Kitanda Espresso & Acai
The Brazilian coffeehouse has several locations in Seattle and is opening another storefront in the bustling Capitol Hill neighborhood near the light rail station.
Their best-selling drink remains the Brazilian Latte which features smooth, well-rounded Brazilian coffee balanced by a sweet touch of condensed milk. Pair it with their famous Brazilian cheese bread (paõ de queijo) and you’ve got a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack.
Boon Boona Coffee
With a popular storefront in Renton, this East African coffee shop will open up its first outpost in the Emerald City near Seattle University in the former Cherry Street Coffee House this spring.
Instead of your usual Americano, try their robust Africano — brewed with beans ethically sourced from countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya. The roastery also has a focus on supporting woman growers in Africa.
The space also holds a traditional East African coffee ceremony every weekend, where raw beans are pan roasted and brewed in a clay pot called a jebena.
Source: seattlepi.com
The Ethiopian Herald February 4/2021
