Co-founders Erik and Kevin are here to change your entire coffee experience through Kasama Cà Phê. Being a first generation Filipino-American and Vietnamese-American, Erik and Kevin were inspired to preserve and introduce their culture into a world where their cultures are mostly washed away. They do so through the beauty and experience of coffee.
Châm Mà Chắc
In Vietnam, there’s a proverb, Châm Mà Chắc, which translates to “slow but steady.” Kasama Cà Phê embodies this proverb in two ways. One of which is how the coffee is made and the process it goes through. The other is the cafe experience that the founders, Erik and Kevin, are trying to bring back. With a coffee shop roughly in every block around the city and the utilization of mobile apps, the amount of time it takes to grab a cup of coffee is virtually non-existent. Coffee, once seen as a beverage to enjoy and rewind, is now a quick cup of energy and nothing more. Kasama Cà Phê, relaunches the experience we’ve once known, bridging the relationship between a cup of coffee and the individuals who enjoy it together.
The Coffee
The essential aspect that makes up the uniqueness of a cup of coffee are the coffee beans and the brewing process. One of the unique aspects of Kasama Cà Phê is that it uses quality Vietnam-grown coffee in higher elevation which makes your cup taste more like the classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Kasama Cà Phê brews coffee using the traditional Vietnamese phin filter, which is a metal filter that allows coffee to drip through slowly, leaving a darker, richer taste. This process itself is part of the culture Erik and Kevin are trying to bring back—this is where Châm Mà Chắc plays a role. Making coffee, from growing the beans to the brewing process, is an art in and of itself; though the process may be slow, the end result is always pleasant.
The Fusion
“Kasama represents companionship or togetherness in Filipino culture, and Cà Phê means coffee in Vietnamese.” The bringing of this together is meant to call back the experience of enjoying coffee with your friends. Not only does the name represent a coming together of individuals and two Southeast Asian cultures, some of the menu items does so too. The Ube Affogato takes a twist on your classic affogato flavors and combines them into a product embodying what Kasama Cà Phê stands for. A delicious Filipino purple yam ice cream topped with hot coffee and shredded coconut flakes is something worth sharing and bonding over about.
Being a first-generation Asian American myself, I’ve always struggled with the meaning of identity and how to preserve my own culture in this diverse society. The creation of Kasama Cà Phê inspires, motivates, and reminds me that small steps, authenticity, and preservation can lead to wonderful results. Erik and Kevin haven’t just introduced another coffee shop, but rather a coffee shop filled with heart and culture. Although their journey has just started, I can’t wait for the next events they will host and the progress that they will make. Follow Kasama Cà Phê’s website for more information for the next pop-up locations. You’ll definitely not regret it.