Photographer: Huy Phan
Retoucher: Huy Phan
Roam the Roast is Blue in Green’s flagship project for 2024 and will continue to be a core initiative in 2025. This project aims to celebrate the uniqueness of Vietnamese coffee and the people behind it. From the hands of dedicated farmers to the application of scientific advancements in processing, the expertise of roasters, and the skillful craftsmanship of baristas, each coffee bean is not only elevated to showcase its finest flavor characteristics but also tells compelling stories about Vietnamese culture and people—stories that coffee lovers may not have had the chance to experience before.
Lâm Đồng province, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, is the country's most renowned region for high-quality Arabica coffee and . With its cool climate, high altitude, and rich volcanic soil, Lâm Đồng is considered the heart of Vietnam’s specialty coffee, making it a key player in the global coffee industry.
Coffee culture in Lâm Đồng runs deep, blending tradition with innovation. Its rich coffee history is intertwined with its ethnic communities and the evolution of high-quality coffee production. Here, coffee is not only a drink but a central part of daily life, culture, and commerce.
Lâm Đồng’s Arabica coffee is cultivated across several key regions, each with distinct characteristics.
Cầu Đất (Đà Lạt), the most famous Arabica-growing area in Vietnam with the altitude from 1,400masl to 1,650masl. Coffee from Cầu Đất often produces high-acidity, floral, and fruity Arabica, ideal for specialty coffee and this is home of several specialty farms like Radar Farm, Hùng's Farm and independent micro-lots experimenting with fermentation techniques.
Lang Biang, located near Lang Biang Mountain, is home to the K'Ho ethnic minority farmers, who have been cultivating coffee for generations. Situated at an altitude of 1,500 to 1,700 meters above sea level, the region provides ideal conditions for growing high-quality Arabica coffee. Known for its commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, Lang Biang focuses on preserving both the environment and traditional agricultural methods. The region specializes in Typica and Bourbon Arabica, celebrated for their vibrant acidity, floral aromatics, and complex flavor profiles.
Đơn Dương and Lạc Dương are high-altitude regions known for producing experimental micro-lots that push the boundaries of Vietnam’s specialty coffee. Farmers in these areas are actively exploring anaerobic fermentation processing, allowing them to develop distinct and innovative coffee profiles. With their commitment to quality and experimentation, Đơn Dương and Lạc Dương are emerging as key regions in Vietnam’s evolving specialty coffee landscape.
Coffee is deeply embedded in the daily life and traditions of Lâm Đồng’s people. It serves as both a social glue and a cultural symbol. Traditional coffee-drinking practices often revolve around communal moments, with families, friends, and neighbors gathering to share a cup of locally grown coffee. In the K'Ho culture, for example, coffee is an important part of hospitality and is often served to guests as a sign of respect and welcome.
Moreover, coffee farming has fostered a sense of community, with farmers collaborating through cooperatives and local networks to share resources, knowledge, and support. These collaborations have helped farmers improve coffee quality and processing methods, with many now experimenting with specialty techniques to meet global coffee standards.
Through Roam the Roast, Blue in Green hopes to create a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese coffee by highlighting its journey from farm to cup. This project is not just about showcasing exceptional flavors but also about connecting people to the stories, traditions, and innovations that shape Vietnam’s coffee industry. By bringing together farmers, roasters, and baristas, Roam the Roast aims to bridge the gap between producers and consumers, allowing coffee lovers to explore and understand the craftsmanship, dedication, and heritage behind every cup.
