As coffee drinking culture evolves throughout the United States, Philadelphia has begun to emerge as one of the best cities for America’s favorite beverage. Independent coffee shops have operated here since the 18th century, but they are really coming into their own in the 21st, and there’s now more flavor, character, and variety than ever at each location.
Third wave coffee is certainly alive, well, and thriving in the City of Brotherly Love, and coffee aficionados are absolutely spoiled for choice in terms of where to go for their daily cup of joe. One specific variant rises head and shoulders above them all, though, and we can tell you exactly where to find it.
What is the best coffee in Philadelphia?
Coffee beans can be sourced from all around the world. True caffeine heads have their own preferences and enjoy certain beans over others, as every region and area produces its own unique taste and flavor profile.
If you’ve ever glanced at the selections at Starbucks or some other big chain before, then you’re already familiar with certain terms, such as “Arabica”, “Robusta”, “Liberica”, and “Excelsa”. These are common coffee bean types, each with their own distinctive characteristics. Delving deeper, you’ll soon find that an Arabica produced in Tanzania, for example, can share the DNA of one produced in Java–they’ll taste similar, but not identical.
In our opinion, Indonesian coffee holds its own and can even surpass some of its more well-known cousins. We’d even go so far as to say that it’s the best coffee in Philadelphia that you can find right now.
What makes Indonesian coffee so special?
Indonesia is the largest archipelagic state in the world, consisting of 17,000 islands between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Fertile, lush, and incredibly biodiverse, the Southeast Asian country is one of the most prolific sources and exporters of staple agricultural products, such as rice, coconuts, bananas, palm, and of course, coffee.
In fact, Indonesia is recognized as the birthplace of some of the most excellent coffee variants that the world has ever seen. The country is conveniently located in what is known as the Coffee Bean Belt of the Equator, which enjoys year-round stable temperatures, experiences moderate rainfall, and possesses rich volcanic soil–all optimum conditions for coffee-growing. Indonesians take advantage of these circumstances and continue to develop ways of elevating their coffee to the next level, utilizing traditional techniques such as shade-growing, sun-drying, and wet-hulling, among others, to produce truly extraordinary coffee.
In particular, coffee beans harvested from the regions of Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and Bali are prized for their strong, luxurious, full-bodied taste. These coffees also possess a vibrant acidity that also happens to be surprisingly easy on the palate, as well as a smooth finish that lingers pleasantly in the mouth. Indonesian coffees are also known for being earthy, spicy, and intense–qualities that most coffee lovers deeply enjoy.
Which Indonesian coffee is the best?
While all variants of Indonesian coffee are amazing in their own unique ways, we especially love coffee that comes out of Bali, the Hidden Jewel of Indonesia.
You’ve probably heard of Bali as a premier tourist destination. Located east of Java and west of Lombok, it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. In Bali, the waters are strikingly blue and crystal clear, and the beaches will take your breath away.
The region primarily grows its coffee in the Kintamani Highlands, between the Batukaru and Agung volcanoes. Both volcanoes are active, providing a steady supply of ash that keeps the soil there fertile and nutrient rich.
Bali coffee (sometimes called Balinese coffee–it’s the same thing!) is grown in accordance with a local tradition called “Subak Abian”. Subak refers to the natural water management system that farmers use in Bali. It’s said to go as far back as the 9th century, and is a tangible representation of “Tri Hita Karana”, a Hindu principle that is based on the belief that there are three sources of happiness: harmony with God, harmony with other human beings, and harmony with nature.
This emphasis on balance and spirituality enables farmers who use the subak to bring quality produce to the market without having to resort to synthetic fertilizers, harmful pesticides, and any other chemicals that may disrupt the harmony between man and nature. This has catapulted Bali to the forefront in terms of organic and fair-trade farming practices in Indonesia. Similarly, it has opened the eyes of the world to Bali coffee that is fresh and sweet, reminiscent of citrus fruits and chocolate.
It’s a taste that simply has to be experienced, so if you’re wondering where to buy Indonesian coffee in Philadelphia, we’ve got you covered. bali espresso™️ offers expertly roasted beans direct from the tropical paradise that is Bali and is readily available right here in Philly.
Where can I find bali espresso™?
bali espresso™ is the brainchild of our founder, Hanna Kogan. Born and raised in Bali, Indonesia, she is a consummate expert on the food and beverage industry, being a restaurateur in Philadelphia with over 5 years of experience under her belt.
Hanna has always known that the best coffee comes from the island where she grew up, and she was surprised to learn that most people aren’t aware of it. She thus started bali espresso™ with the intention of sharing the tastes of her homeland with the world.
To further that goal, she has since made it her mission to make Bali coffee more accessible to the masses. You can find bali espresso™ at all Waterfront Gourmet locations throughout the city of Philadelphia. We also offer bali espresso™ as a beverage option with all of Waterfront Gourmet’s catering menus.
What is Waterfront Gourmet?
Waterfront Gourmet is Hanna’s passion, a dream that she was able to manifest into reality by early 2014. We think of ourselves as a cozy neighborhood café where you can have top-notch deli food that isn’t just awesome–it’s also organic, farm-fresh, locally-sourced, and sustainable. Much like our coffee! Our menu adapts according to what’s seasonally available, which means there’s always something new to discover each time you visit us.
With locations in Penn’s Landing, Roberts Center, and Dilworth Plaza, you’re never too far from a Waterfront Gourmet in Philly. Experience our food and bali espresso™ coffee today by visiting the one nearest you.