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Hung Nguyen

Male

Ho Chi Minh

Vietnam

Profile Information:

What is your position in the coffee industry?: barista, manager, consultant
Where are you located? ( City and Country ): Ho Chi Minh
How many years have you been in the industry?: 3
If you are a barista or shop, are you interested in a barista exchange with another coffee shop/barista?: yes
Tell us more about your coffee shop or barista skills.: My barista skills is bad. I must practice more.
What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?: Milan, Italy. I love Italian construction. It is funny that I am not a designer. I am an engineer.
About Me:: I have a big dream to build my own coffee house
About My Company:: My company works in beverage industry. we are a professional company in laboratory turnkey projects.
What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?: roasting & coffee house.
Website:: http://www.coffeegeek.com

Comment Wall:

Nat Paolone

Hey Hung its very nice to hear from you! Sure I would love to have a coffee with you. Try an esrpesso at ZanZbar (41 Dong Du). If its not the best espresso you have had in Saigon with the most crema, then you send it back and ask for a better one. I am their trainer, so tell them that Nat said you can send it back, and make sure the extraction is 25-30 seconds. Also check out Kita Coffee House (39 Nguyen Hue).

I am in Laos and Cambodia this week for barista training.

Talk soon!

Nat

Apr 23, 2009
Nat Paolone

Hi, name is Nat not Pat. Cimballi Hybrid Grinder? Not sure. Charles Wembley have Cimballi machines though. The issue in Vietname is that almost all purchasers of espresso equipment buy the lowest quality for the lowest price. This is one reason why espresso quality is very slow to grow in Vietnam.

Apr 26, 2009
Nat Paolone

Hi, have you tried ECM? The home machine, Giotto Rocket is great. I think the Vibiemme is also very good. Are you not a fan of the Mazzer line-up? Now they have doserless models of the Robur, Royal, and Mini. I also like BNZ grinders.

Regarding quality coffee, check out the many fantastic coffee roasters in Australia. One in particular, a roaster I worked for, is:
www.tobysestate.com.au

also: www.coffeeparts.com.au for many grinders and machines.

Talk soon

Nat

Apr 26, 2009
Nat Paolone

Hi, if you are only making a few cups/day, then definately only get a doserless grinder. One with no dosing chamber so the coffee can never go stale. I suggust:

Mazzer Mini Doserless (approx. $800.00)

Isomac Professional Doserless (approx. $350.00)

You can find these on: www.coffeeparts.com.au

www.espressoparts.com

Nat

Apr 27, 2009
Nat Paolone

Hi, also check import duty. It is 40% for espresso machines in Vietnam. More money for the government so they can get richer.

Do you really want spend so much money on an espresso machine? I think a Vibbiemme is not necessary. A double boiler is not necessary. Some blends taste better in a single boiler, and some better in a double boiler. Also, why spend so much money on a massive grinder for a home? I mean, a Kony or Robur for a home... thats just crazy. But if you have money to burn its ok I guess.

When i lived and worked in Australia I made over 1000 cups of coffee a day, on a 3-group ECM single boiler, a BNZ conical that works great. No problems ever and always a great espresso.

Have you considered the La Marzocco GS 3 for the home? It is approx. $6,000.00

Apr 27, 2009
Nat Paolone

Ok Hung, is the max doserless? Where can I see a photo of it?

If you want to drink quality espresso to appreciate the quality of the machine you will buy then I suggest you will have to order quality beans from Australia/NewZealand. If you use Gloria Jeans and Coffee Bean, it will not do your machines justice.

I am glad you are an espresso Geek. I suggest to take a trip one day to Australia and I can recommend some fantastic cafes.

Apr 27, 2009
Jesse -D->

I watched American Gangster, thanks for the posts! The movie truly has some great business advice.

Apr 28, 2009
Greenway Barista

hello form houston! i traveled to saigon about 3 years ago to visit my best friend, who manages a string of clothing factories out there. he recently moved to northern vietnam, but i still want ot return to saigon again! what a beautiful city.

Apr 28, 2009
Nat Paolone

Mate I am the only professional international barista trainer in Vietnam. I can give you some training at your home one day.

I will tx you this week, we can meet for a coffee.

Nat

Apr 28, 2009
Nat Paolone

Hi and thanks for your message. Well i try my best to instill correct barista techniques at those 2 places especially because they both use good machines. 90% of the time unfortunately the Vietnamese staff do not cafe. But those 2 places are better than most. Go to ZanZbar after 11am. Ask to speak to Vinh. he is the head bartender/barista and is passionate. Tell him that you know me, and that sometimes the espresso is sour. Please if it is ever sour, send it back and tell them why. I am in Pnhom Penh barista training this week. When I get back we will go to ZanZbar and Kita together. Often the staff at Kita are not dilligent. The key to espresso is always adjusting the grind. They often do not do this.

Thanks.

May 6, 2009
Nat Paolone

Hey good to hear from you!

Well, try Corner 33 cafe, Java cafe, Cafe Fresco.

As you know it all depends on the barista working at the time you go.

If you go to Corner 33 Cafe, or Java Cafe, and the espresso is not good, please send it back and ask for another one.

Have you been back to Kita Coffee House on 39 Nguyen Hue, or ZanZbar? Once again if the espresso is not ideal, send it back and tell me about it.

Thanks,

Nat

Jun 28, 2009
Nat Paolone

Hi and thanks for the comments.

When ever you get a bad coffee at Kita or ZanZbar, please call me or tx me right away. I want every coffee to be good.

If you pick up a Dine Out guide for free in Phnom Penh you will find these cafes.

thanks!

Nat

Jun 29, 2009