Sharma Ji Reviews

My favorite espresso happens to come from a little place in Rishikesh, right next to the holy river Ganges in India. The locals knew it as Sharma Ji's Chai & Coffee Stall, a tiny spot run by an old gentleman who roasted his own beans every morning right in the little shop. The aroma of the coffee beans roasting in combination with the mellow scent of incense from the temple nearby created such a special sensory experience. He mentioned to me that he was using a single-origin bean called Monsooned Malabar, which is a unique coffee that is exclusively grown in India. It is unique because of the process that is used to prepare the beans. The espresso he pulled for me had this amazing, thick, dark caramel colored crema on top and it stayed that way throughout the entire drink. The flavor of the espresso was so deep and smooth, with absolutely no harsh bitterness. It had these lovely earthy notes, almost resembling chocolate, with a hint of spice at the end. It was so rich and full-bodied.

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