Why Mr Aka is My Go-To Spot for Coffee in Vietnam

We stumbled upon Mr Aka by chance while grabbing dinner at a local restaurant one evening. Given Vietnam's reputation for amazing coffee, I was already planning to buy some coffee as gifts and for myself. When I'm shopping for whole-bean coffee, I always look for top-notch quality. Before this, we visited a coffee factory on an excursion, where we got to try various coffee blends and compare them. It was a great experience, and I made my choice based on a specific coffee blend. Having options like Luwak, Liberica, Robusta, Arabica, Cu Li, or Moka (Mocha) is always a plus.

We've been to Mr Aka's shop several times, not just to buy gifts but also to enjoy a cup of their incredible coffee. The shop has an incredible selection of products, including 100% cocoa, tea, or coffee, as well as Fukien pepper (black, red, green, or white), and dried coconut milk. The tea selection is also super impressive, with many flavored teas like mango or pineapple, lotus, or matcha. Most of the tea is green, but you can also find artichoke tea, which has a unique taste.

I love that they use natural ingredients in their products. They don't use artificial flavorings or palm oil for roasting, which is a big win. Many places in Vietnam also use palm oil for roasting coffee, so it's refreshing to see a shop that takes a different approach.

The owner of the shop, Mr Aka, sources his coffee beans in their raw form, not pre-roasted. He roasts the beans in-house using professional equipment, which gives the coffee a rich and balanced flavor. You can even watch the roasting process if you want, and they also offer coffee tastings. If I'm not mistaken, the roasting process happens every two days. You can also order a cup of Luwak coffee, egg coffee, coconut coffee, latte, or salted coffee. The prices are super reasonable, especially when compared to shops that tourist guides take you to.

What really sets Mr Aka apart is the friendly service. The owner and the salesgirl speak Russian fluently, which is a huge plus for us. They're easy to talk to, and you can tell they love their job. They're happy to answer any questions you may have and offer recommendations based on your preferences.

The shop isn't huge, but it's bright and cozy, with a clean and atmospheric setup. The smell of coffee is amazing, and it's become my go-to spot for a great cup of coffee and some friendly conversation.

Mr Aka is a must-visit for anyone who loves coffee. The quality of the coffee is exceptional, and the service is top-notch. If you're looking for a unique coffee experience in Vietnam, look no further than Mr Aka.