Cars, Food and the Ladies of Hong Kong & Macau: Monk Bodhi Dharma Cafe

Monday, October 10, 2011

Monk Bodhi Dharma Cafe - (Melbourne)

I’ve always thought that only snobs will go around rating café or caffé’s, and for that matter food too. After all coffee beans are seasonal and the taste changes daily, so do the coffee blending and a whole heap of other variables. Today’s mediocre performance doesn’t mean anything much after a few months, when they all evolve again! And on top of that, personal taste means no one can ever rate a coffee fairly, even if it was made to its full potential by the barista to its coffee growers & roaster’s intention. Monk Bodhi Dharma is an independent roaster and an interesting addition to the Melbourne coffee scene - especially when one is starting to think that Seven Seeds and St Ali are engaged in some sort of secret underground war to take over the universe !

I heart this place.
It’s a bit hidden and only accessible by foot…

Now this really is a tiny scale Café and Roaster -

Monk Bodhi Dharma ‘Zen Blend’ Espresso -
Technically a doppio ristretto, and said to have a creamy mouthfeel with notes of cherry, citrus acidity, caramel and cocoa. This is pretty good and has just a hint of bitterness but carries a long lasting finish which is pleasant. ~ 8/10

Cappuccino ‘Zen Blend’ -
With the milk, this was fantastic. Despite being more of a 3rd Waver café, this cup and the espresso had this old and rustic Egyptian & South American feel to it, you could really taste the origin of the beans. ~ 9/10

Honduras Finca Bu Cup of Excellence #10 (Santa Bárbara) -
Wanted to try more single origin espressi coffees lately instead of Siphoning/Aeropress, the only reason being that I could make the latter at home myself – but I am missing a Synesso or 2 at home. Said to carry pine nuts, cinnamon and lime zest. This was definitely slightly spicy but the acidity was more straightforward rather than exotic. A good enjoyable cup! ~ 8/10