Arabica Coffee in Huế Revives After Nearly Two Decades
A Rocky Start
Back in 1996, Arabica coffee was first trial-planted in A Lưới District, Huế. The crop soon flourished, expanding to nearly 900 hectares and turning this remote mountainous area into a once-prominent coffee-growing zone in Central Vietnam. Mr. Tự, originally from Đắk Lắk, moved his family to Nhâm (now Quảng Nhâm, A Lưới – Huế) following a government call to develop large-scale specialized cultivation in the region.
By late 2010, Arabica coffee from Huế had yet to be recognized on the national stage. Its yield couldn't compete with Vietnam’s renowned coffee regions like Buôn Ma Thuột or Cầu Đất–Lâm Đồng. At the time, buyers only cared about quantity. A Lưới’s Arabica beans were smaller and less plump, placing them at a serious disadvantage.
Eventually, the A Lưới Coffee Farm Cooperative went bankrupt, leaving vast plantations to wither. Within a few years, most farmers abandoned the tropical crop, switching back to cassava and acacia. In the end, only eight households with a total of 12 hectares of Arabica Catimor remained. Still, Mr. Tự clung fiercely to his craft and his passion.
The Quảng Nhâm highlands lie at an elevation of 800 to 1,000 meters above sea level, with a cool, temperate climate ideal for coffee. Unlike other regions, coffee cultivation here requires little irrigation. However, the harvest period depends heavily on weather. A single rainfall can trigger a burst of flowers. If the rain arrives in June, the harvest may be delayed—but the beans are richer in flavor as a result.
Picture 1 : A Luoi - Hue Arabia
Huế’s Arabica Coffee Makes a Comeback
By 2019, as more Vietnamese began to appreciate coffee as a craft rather than a commodity, its uniqueness and terroir gained importance. More producers realized that while coffee farming in Central Vietnam was more challenging, it also offered an opportunity to create truly distinctive products. Some people prefer the bold, caramel bitterness in a classic espresso; others love a refreshing iced drip with bright fruit notes. This diversity makes each region’s coffee special.
A Luoi -Hue’s Arabica coffee has a gentle acidity, subtle sweetness, and a well-balanced profile—perfect for a cup of iced drip or Americano. In recent years, his beans have gained recognition among roasters and have steadily grown in reputation.
Mr. Tự proudly shares:
“There was this French couple who tried Arabica in Huế and came all the way up here just to meet me and take photos. They said they loved the flavor of A Lưới Arabica. Some Koreans visited to learn more, too. A coffee researcher from Hanoi also made the trip, asking questions and taking notes. After all these years, A Lưới coffee is finally getting the spotlight it deserves!”
One expert even claimed A Lưới’s Arabica was among their top three favorite varieties in Vietnam.
Building on this momentum, Mr. Tự began hiring local workers to improve quality. Instead of using industrial harvesting methods, he turned to hand-picking—meticulously selecting only the ripest cherries—to ensure uniform, high-grade batches. No longer selling by the kilogram, he’s now focused on premium production.
Enjoy our Complimentary Breakfast, perfectly paired with Our Coffe Blend.
Picture 2 : Mr Tu and his small seedling Garden
