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Laos Coffee: A Hidden Gem from the Bolaven Plateau

Laos coffee beans, produced in Laos, were rarely seen in the green bean trading system before the emergence of the Taiwanese coffee company "Oklao." However, Laos's coffee cultivation culture dates back to before World War II. In 1927, 90% of the production from Laos's Bolaven Volcano was exported to French companies and sold in Europe. Laos itself is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, and the Bolaven Volcano Plateau possesses precious volcanic soil and geographical conditions. The French Center for International Cooperation in Agronomic Research (CIRAD) stated in 2002 that Laos coffee beans are among the best in the world. Although Laos coffee beans are still rarely seen in major international competitions or evaluations, the quality of Laos coffee is evident.

Luang Prabang: Where East Meets West

Standing on the streets of Luang Prabang, one can't help but recall the movie "The Lover" with Tony Leung and Jane March, one Eastern and one Western, one mature and one innocent, yet under the whims of fate, falling into an irresistible obsession. In the late 19th century, the French came to Laos in the Indochina Peninsula with the mindset of expanding their hegemony. With merely about half a century of rule, 600 years of culture were shaken.

French Coffee, Laos Made

In the late 19th century, the Indochina Peninsula was known as "French Indochina." As the name suggests, this geographical term refers to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos under French rule. In 1941, during World War II, Japan's massive invasion of Southeast Asia ended France's 50-year colonial regime.

Today, the peaceful streets of Laos no longer show the disturbances caused by the competition between Eurasian powers. The Europeans and Japanese who once entered the Indochina Peninsula with cannons and rifles now carry backpacks and hang cameras, specifically coming to Luang Prabang in Laos to search for the past, that touch of lazy and romantic French flavor.

Luang Prabang, seemingly stuck in the last century, is the fourth-largest city in Laos with a population of over 100,000, yet there isn't a single traffic light throughout the entire city, nor are there taxis. Only modified motorcycle open-air tuk-tuks slowly advance through the streets. Foreigners who are not in a hurry can stroll leisurely.

Almost all major attractions are on the main roads, or else one must learn from the locals, riding bicycles in groups of two or three along the streets. When tired, choose a nearby café, order a cup of Laos coffee, and gaze at the streets in a daze. Life in Luang Prabang is about slowing down, relaxing, and sitting to watch time slowly pass before your eyes.

The Essence of French Charm

Coffee is definitely an indispensable element in creating French charm, especially since the largest export market for Laos coffee beans is France. The specialty coffee sipped on the left bank of the Seine in Paris might very well come from the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos.

In fact, in the early 20th century, the first people to plant coffee trees in Laos's volcanic soil were the French. Under the nurturing of mild climate, evenly distributed rainfall, and abundant sunshine, over 6,000 tons of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans are produced annually.

Laos has little industry, with clothing and daily necessities relying on imports. The main lifeline of agriculture is barely enough for domestic subsistence. Only coffee beans are different - 90% of the harvest is exported, with 14% going to France and 10% to Vietnam. Surprisingly, the quality of Laos coffee beans is quite good, ranking among the world's top 12 coffee beans and belonging to high-priced economic commodities.

Laos Coffee Local Experience

When purchasing locally in Laos, there are two brands: Dao and Si Nouk. A bag of coffee powder costs about 2 US dollars. As for what makes Lao-style coffee different from other coffees, most people might say it has a balanced taste and aromatic flavor. However, the staff at the shop simply put it as "the brewed coffee is very dark."

FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small storefront but diverse bean varieties, where you can find both famous and obscure beans. Online shop services are also available. https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473