Saffron Caffe

New Website Launch

2011-04-17T10:53:00.002+07:00

Please come check out our new website: http://www.saffroncoffee.com/

Press Release

2010-07-06T23:53:00.000+07:00

LUANG PRABANG, LAOS (LP) - While many people in the West have not even heard of the country of Laos, even fewer have heard of Lao coffee. But this is beginning to change in the charming city of Luang Prabang, the former Royal capital of Laos. Tourists are flocking here to see "the best preserved city" in Southeast Asia and to try one of the best brewed coffees in the region. While saffron-robed Buddhist monks make their rounds early in the morning along the streets of this ancient UNESCO World Heritage site, enchanted travelers are sipping on Saffron Coffee along the banks of the Mekong.

"Saffron Coffee was begun as an initiative to help former growers of opium who live high in the mountains of northern Laos," says David Dale, the founder and President of Saffron Coffee Company--the first coffee company in northern Laos. "Laos has always been known for 'The Golden Triangle' and the opium it produced. But when the government started to effectively put an end to opium production, upland farmers had little choice but to succumb to poverty."

Indeed, Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world with the average per capita income of around $800 according to the US Department of State website. Ravaged by the "Secret War" and a restrictive economic policy, Laos wallowed in extreme poverty after the Vietnam War up until the 1990s. Now that the Lao government has embraced a free enterprise system, the country has seen steady economic growth. New replacement crops like coffee are helping to make a difference.

"I'm excited about the difference Saffron Coffee is making with former growers of opium, and so are the tourists who are increasingly aware of social issues," explains Dale. "But I am just as excited about the quality of coffee these farmers are able to produce. We are intent on pursuing Fair Trade certification and operate according to Fair Trade principles; however Saffron Coffee has proven to be so good that it doesn’t need to depend on Fair Trade to help sell it.”

Coffees from around the world that are sold under the “Fair Trade” label guarantee a fair minimum price paid to the producers for their coffee. The concept is to move more of the profit margin in the direction of the producers who often receive only a small fraction of the profits made by others on the coffee they produce. Many coffees of inferior quality, however, have obtained Fair Trade certification and are then able to market their coffee at a much higher price than they could normally command. Consequently, to many coffee connoisseurs, Fair Trade coffee has almost become synonymous with inferior tasting coffee.

Customers at the Saffron Espresso Caffè in Luang Prabang, a coffee shop owned and managed by Dale’s Lao wife Malivanh, are pleasantly surprised when they try Saffron Coffee for the first time. “I’ve been to Laos several times and have never had a good cup of coffee. I was surprised, then, when I stumbled upon Saffron’s café and tried their coffee. It is delicious! I’ve finally found my morning home in Laos,” related one tourist from Australia.

Mike, a Bangkok resident who visits Luang Prabang regularly is also rather fond of Saffron Coffee. “My only problem is that they don’t carry enough bags of their roasted beans in their shop. Every time I come here I buy them out!”

A prominent author of several books on coffee and world renowned coffee cupper (evaluator) described Saffron Coffee as having a “deep sweet-toned aroma with notes of cedar and dark chocolate. Rich body. Light syrupy texture. Gentle acidity. Rich flavor with notes of dark chocolate and hints of molasses.”

The secret to Saffron’s coffee is in its unique habitat for cultivation and in the high standards of processing. Saffron Coffee’ website, www.SaffronCoffee.com, explains. “Cool air at the high elevations and rich forest soil combine with the distinctive care of each hilltribe to make these mountain estates one of the most exceptional coffee growing regions in the world.” Dale reports that the coffee Saffron Coffee promotes to and purchases from the farmers is all Arabica coffee, a species of coffee that is known for its rich flavor and superiority over Robusta—the species of coffee that is more commonly grown in southern Laos and Vietnam. Furthermore, Saffron Coffee is fully washed, shade-grown and organic coffee.

“Luang Prabang is quickly becoming the favorite destination of tourists visiting Southeast Asia. It is a serene and enchanted city set in the mountains of northern Laos that inspires visitors visually and spiritually. We like to believe that as we roast Saffron Coffee we capture all the essence and allure of this ancient city into the beans. When you smell the deep aroma of freshly roasted and freshly brewed Saffron Coffee, and when you taste the deep, rich flavor, you will be inspired with the serenity of this special place.”

Saffron Coffee can be purchased in 250 gram bags at the Saffron Espresso Caffè in Luang Prabang, or ordered online through their website (www.SaffronCoffee.com) in twelve ounce bags (340 g). Other quantities of coffee can be ordered directly from Saffron Coffee Company by e-mailing Info@SaffronCoffee.com.

Love at First Sip

2010-06-27T10:04:00.003+07:00

A world-renowned coffee cupper had this to say about Saffron Coffee:

Deep sweet-toned aroma with notes of cedar and dark chocolate. Rich body. Gentle acidity. Rich flavor with notes of dark chocolate and hints of molasses.

It is love at first sip. Saffron Coffee.

Very soon to be available online for sales in the USA.

www.SaffronCoffee.com

Want some Saffron Coffee?

2010-04-04T07:50:00.000+07:00

Would you like to taste the smooth and delicious flavor and smell the aroma of freshly brewed Saffron Coffee? Would you like to experience the enchantment of Luang Prabang without leaving your home?

We would like to send you some fresh roasted Saffron Coffee. If you can't make it to Luang Prabang, you should consider ordering a batch directly from us. We will roast it fresh and ship it to you immediately.

We can ship directly to you around the world, but the minimum order is 50 bags. The great thing is that we will cover shipping costs (with a few exceptions) and it usually takes less than 2 weeks no matter where you are. The price of the coffee? $12 for a 12 oz. bag.

So, if you want a pack of 50 or 100, just leave a comment with your e-mail address (I won't post it unless you want me to) and I'll e-mail you directly with more info.

Mmmm... I can smell that fresh pot brewing already with all the essesence of this exotic and enchanted land coming together in your delicious cup of coffee!

Experience the Enchantment

2010-04-04T07:31:00.003+07:00

You are invited to experience the enchantment of Luang Prabang and Saffron Coffee…

Saffron Coffee is…

The Original Luang Prabang Coffee
All of our coffee is planted, picked, washed and roasted right here in the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. All other Lao coffee comes from the south.

Cultivated by Hilltribes in Luang Prabang
Hmong, Mien, Gasak and Khmu hilltribes grow Saffron coffee.

Organic & Shade Grown
All of Saffron Coffee is naturally organic without the use of any chemical fertilizers and is all grown under a canopy of shade.

100% Highland Arabica
Saffron coffee is 100% Arabica coffee. We do not grow any Robusta. Saffron coffee comes only from the high mountain peaks and plateaus over 800 masl.

Wet Processed
Saffron Coffee only uses the highest wet-process methods of processing coffee to preserve all the natural flavors of the bean.

Roasted Fresh
Saffron Coffee is roasted fresh here in Luang Prabang. Saffron Coffee Roasters profile roast the coffee with the strictest standards and equipment to bring out the best flavor and aroma.

Packaged Properly
Saffron Coffee is packaged in foil bags with valves to protect the freshly roasted beans from heat, oxygen and moisture so that all the flavor and aroma in the beans is preserved.

Smooth and Delicious
Saffron Coffee is smooth and delicious having been carefully handled at all stages from planting to brewing. All of the essence of this Enchanted City is brought together in your freshly brewed cup.

Life is a Bowl of Coffee Cherries

2010-02-16T15:58:00.002+07:00

Many people don't realize it, but coffee "beans" are actually the seeds of coffee fruits. Coffee fruits, when ripe, are red like cherries. In fact, we call them coffee cherries! They have a small amount of very sweet fruit encasing the beloved "bean."

In the picture above, the bowl of coffee cherries is sitting on a bed of "parchment" coffee. Parchment coffee is the coffee beans (seeds) before they have been hulled. Here they are spread out in the sun to dry after washing all of the fruit material off of them. After they are hulled the beans are called "green" coffee, because of their green color. This is coffee before it is roasted. Only when it is roasted does it turn a deep brown color with amazing aroma!

We're grinding these roasted beans and pulling shots of espresso for you now at the Saffron Espresso Caffè on the banks of the Mekong in Luang Prabang, Laos!

Fresh Roasted Saffron Coffee

2010-02-05T14:26:00.003+07:00

The Sweet Aroma of Fresh Roasted Saffron Coffee is hard to resist! We have fresh coffee in now and we are roasting it fresh for you!

Coffee Season

2009-11-28T11:28:00.002+07:00

It's coffee season! We're processing and grading coffee by hand. We roast it all fresh and serve it for you to enjoy at the Saffron Espresson Caffè. Come smell the aroma of freshly ground and brewed coffee and try a cup!

Saffron Espresso Caffè

2009-09-22T06:01:00.002+07:00

Luang Prabang Malted Mocha

2009-09-21T22:51:00.005+07:00

Miss Khan, one of our baristas, welcomes you to the Saffron Espresso Caffè with a large Luang Prabang Malted Mocha. The LP Malted Mocha is a Saffron original consisting of frothed milk, chocolate malt and two shots of espresso brewed to perfection.

Saffron T-Shirt

2009-09-16T16:57:00.004+07:00

Saffron Coffee T-Shirts are a hot item! They are for sale at the Saffron Espresso Caffè in Luang Prabang, Laos and at Saffron Coffee's stand in the Night Market. The price is 40,000 Kip (about $4.71). Come relax with a Luang Prabang Latte on the banks of the Mekong and pick up your own t-shirt with a golden coffee tree and Saffron swirl.

Riding Elephants

2009-08-29T10:29:00.002+07:00

Riding elephants is a popular thing to do for tourists who visit Luang Prabang. This elephant is crossing the Khan River (which eventually flows into the Mekong making the penninsula of downtown Luang Prabang) near the Taat Sae Waterfall.

Saffron Rays

2009-08-02T19:14:00.001+07:00

The rainy season is here! The rivers are flowing and the rice paddies are planted. The air is clear and the skies are a patchwork of clouds, rain and sunshine. The picture above was taken from a coffee plot high in the mountains just outside of Luang Prabang.

Join us for a scenic view along the mighty Mekong and sip on a delicious Banana Shake Macchiato at the Saffron Espresso Caffè in downtown Luang Prabang.

Granola Bowl

2009-03-18T10:14:00.003+07:00

Saffron Espresso Caffè's Granola Bowl. Real Granola made from rolled oats, honey, sliced almonds, whole cashews, plump raisins and served with cold milk, yogurt or fresh fruit selections. This is one of our favorite breakfast dishes. Come have a bowl and give it a try!

Coffee Training

2009-03-08T06:07:00.004+07:00

Recently we hosted 16 local leaders from 12 villages in Luang Prabang that are planting coffee as a part of our cooperative. We held a special coffee training seminar that included giving these mountain villagers a chance to roast coffee and visit our shop. Here two of the leaders try a freshly made cappuccino for the first time. They were delighted!

The second picture is of the entire group, along with government representatives, in the upstairs portion of our Caffè. We would love for you to come and relax here and enjoy Saffron Coffee for yourself!

fah Thai - Travel Magazine of Bangkok Airways

2009-03-04T07:16:00.003+07:00

fah Thai is the inflight travel magazine of Bangkok Airways, which runs throughout southeast Asia and has regular flights from Bangkok to Luang Prabang. In their most recent issue they have featured our shop and project in their Ethical Guide to Travelling Indochina. You can check it out here.

Keep an eye on their site as the months go by. They asked for a great deal of information, which we provided, and only print a little here.

Saffron Butterfly

2009-02-05T12:56:00.005+07:00

I have started to love all things Saffron. If it is orange, I notice. Especially if it is saffron orange arranged with enticing shades of black, yellow or coffee brown. Recently I saw this butterfly here in Luang Prabang. I'm sure it has an official name, but I am calling this the Saffron Butterfly. It is a beautiful creature and fitting for this enchanting city.

Cool Days. Hot Coffee.

2009-01-14T21:35:00.005+07:00

If you ever get a chance to travel to Luang Prabang, I recommend January! While many think of Laos as a hot and humid tropical country, Luang Prabang is very cool this time of year! The temperature drops down into the 50's and you can see steam rising from every cup of coffee as the aromatic vapors meet the cold air. Jackets and scarves are in order. Enjoy your cappuccino with a warm slice of spiced pumpkin pie! All we need now is a fire place!

I ♥ Cappuccino!

2008-12-27T00:09:00.003+07:00

Saffron Soccer Team

2008-12-27T00:03:00.004+07:00

The Saffron Espresso Caffè actually sponsored a soccer team this year for a Christmas tournament in a country village that is home to one of our workers. Without ever even practicing we placed 6th. But, then again, there were only six teams! :-) But we had a LOT of fun and all the guys from our shop had a blast playing. (They also liked the T-shirts!) Maybe we will practice up for next year and make the final 3!

Coffee Sprouts and Coffee Flowers

2008-12-26T23:55:00.001+07:00

Christmas Coffee Cherries

2008-12-26T23:32:00.001+07:00

Fresh Fresh Coffee!

2008-11-17T17:16:00.010+07:00

It is coffee harvest season in Luang Prabang. We are now picking fresh coffee cherries and processing them into high quality Arabica coffee. Then we roast it fresh every week for you to enjoy at the Saffron Espresso Caffè. Sit back and enjoy the aroma!

Saffron at Night

2008-10-06T17:03:00.006+07:00

Cashew chicken stir fry. Yellow curry soup. Chicken steak alfredo. Lasagna dinner. Beef tips in oyster sauce. These are just some of the dishes you can enjoy at the Saffron Espresso Caffè at night time. Dine along the Mekong in the glow of terra cotta lanterns and sip on an Iced Caramel Macchiato as you watch the sun rays fade over the mountains. Top it off with a bowl of delicious fresh ice cream. After dinner, enjoy a stroll through Luang Prabang's night market. Saffron at night. Enchantment awaits.

Coffee Inspired Serenity

2008-09-26T00:04:00.001+07:00

Fresh roasted coffee. A good book. The smell of freshly baked Cinnamon Swirls. Mekong breeze. The sweet fragrance of the Champa flower. Pristine forests dripping with life. The quiet patter of saffron-robed novices passing by. Terra cotta lanterns. A friendly smile. A gentle people. Serenity.
Such is Luang Prabang these days. Do you need a break from the hustle and bustle of life? Luang Prabang is a good place to unwind, breathe the fresh air and quietly sip a cup of exceptional coffee on the banks of the Mekong.
The Saffron Espresso Caffè has made a number of changes: We have opened up the second floor of our shop with more seating, including sofas and air-conditioning, surrounded by modern Luang Prabang art. We have also begun offering Saffron t-shirts with our golden coffee tree logo. We have new menu items and the same smiling faces and eager service.

Spend an hour with us at Saffron, unwind, read a good book and lose yourself in coffee inspired serenity!

Saffron Summer

2008-07-05T05:01:00.000+07:00

The rainy season is here in Luang Prabang! Our coffee project has been really busy sending around 300,000 coffee trees to local farmers in the mountains surrounding Luang Prabang. In the near future we will be buying this coffee from them and roasting it fresh for you at our Caffè. For now, the rain is watering all of these new young trees high in the mountain fields.

The rains have swelled the Mekong and made everything green. It is very refreshing when it rains, but when it doesn't, Luang Prabang gets very hot! So we are now in the process of gearing up for the fall and this will include opening our upstairs as a dining section, complete with couches, air-conditioning and a fantastic view of the Mekong river below. The Saffron Espresso Caffè will also be making some new additions to our menu as well as offering new Saffron T-shirts for sale with our golden coffee tree logo. Please keep watch for these new developments!

See you soon in the Enchanted City!

Strawberry Banana

2008-04-24T22:30:00.000+07:00

Strawberries are in! We now have locally-grown fresh strawberries at the Saffron Caffè! Try our delicious Strawberry fruitshake, or my favorite, the Stawberry-Banana fruitshake! Add a shot of espresso to make a Stawberry-Banana Shake Macchiato--A delicious variation of our now popular Banana Shake Macchiato! Yummmmm!

Saffron Coffee Cup

2008-03-21T16:45:00.000+07:00

We are very happy to anounce that we now have Saffron Espresso Caffè coffee cups and saucers for sale in our shop.

This is a perfect Luang Prabang souvenir for you to present to your family and friends at home. We are selling them for 35,000 Kip (just under $4) for one set (cup and saucer). The cup is 245 ml (just over 8 oz.). Buy a set of four for a classy set of coffee cups at your home.

Welcome to The Saffron Espresso Caffè!

2008-03-20T23:09:00.000+07:00

Welcome to Saffron Caffè located in Luang Prabang, Laos! We have started this blog to let you know about new things that are happening at our caffè and new items being offered. Also, we will include news about the city of Luang Prabang from time to time.

If you need any help finding our shop, getting set up in a guesthouse, or finding things around the city, please let us know. We would love to help you!

Also, if you have a group coming to Luang Prabang--please let us know! We would love to host you for a group dinner at our shop. For groups more than 6 people, please make reservations in advance and we will prepare both delicious Luang Prabang food as well as our world-class Original Luang Prabang Coffee!