It’s groovy, it’s chic, and it’s everything about coffee. The annual Amsterdam Coffee Festival at the Westergasfabriek in March is a good way for when planning to visit Amsterdam, or just because you love a good cup of joe.
Photo courtesy of @amsterdamcoffeefestival on Instagram
The festival promises to bring over 100 artisan roasters, gourmet food stalls, equipment makers and more. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to end the day buzzing and here’s why.
1. Hang out with the cool people
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Some of the best baristas and coffee roasters have gathered in this one place in order to show off their best skills in making the very best cup of coffee for you – it’s great, isn’t it? In a couple of minutes you will be fully fluent in the native tongue of the barista and you can ask them anything about coffee. Everyone there is more than happy to answer any questions that you might have, but if that’s not your thing, they’re a great crowd to just sit back and chill with.
2. Experience exceptional coffee
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The festival sees some of the world’s best roasters and you can get your morning cup of coffee almost for free at certain stands. If you feel more of a daredevil, ask them nicely and you can try out some of their equipment. Everyone there is very passionate about coffee, and we can’t blame them after learning some of the surprising health benefits of coffee. Live music will enhance your whole experience when savoring your coffee cup.
3. Building connections
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Whether or not you’re from Amsterdam, the festival is a great way to talk to people and build connections from all over the world, even if you’re simply interested in starting your own coffee business. They would happily welcome you into their own community and help you by sharing ideas and tips on how to better yourself. Coffee changed the world since it’s very beginnings and it is still a prospering industry – if you want to think of a career change.
4. Eat delicious food
Photo courtesy of @amsterdamcoffeefestival on Instagram
Because with every great festival comes great food, but not just any food, food that has been specifically paired well with coffee. If you would like some suggestions about that, here are some kicked-up treats to eat with your morning coffee. Courtesy of the Scandinavian Embassy, an award-winning restaurant in Amsterdam, hosted a three-course dinner where each meal was served with a different brew. Finally a festival that knows exactly what you want alongside your perfect roast.
5. It’s an art form
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The Coffee Art Project is a high profile art competition linked to the theme of coffee. Artists of all levels can enter one piece of artwork that connects to ‘coffee’ and/or ‘coffee shop’ experience.
There is no restriction on media used; sculpture, painting, installation, photography, and mixed media art works are all eligible and welcome, providing that they have a justifiable link to coffee. Proceeds go to Project Waterfall, which is committed to bringing clean water to communities which grow our coffee through the Allegra Foundation and other registered charities.
6. Brew it yourself
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Whether you don’t have the courage to pull one of the baristas aside and ask them about coffee brewing, don’t worry. There are plenty of workshops and demonstrations on how to properly brew and make coffee such as the Latte Art Masterclasses or The Influence of Grinding and Tamping. Whatever you’ll do, you’ll come out with a whole new understanding of coffee marking.
7. Provides great entertainment
Photo courtesy of @amsterdamcoffeefestival on Instagram
Last but not least, the people at the festival know how to have fun and relax. Coffee is both a passion and something that they live off, but they never forget to enjoy the little things in life such as your morning cup of coffee. There is no language barrier as everyone speaks English and other languages on top of that, so you will be guaranteed that you’ll have plenty of fun while there.