COFFEE
Sweet surprises from the strange new kids on the block There is something lovely about rocking up to HanSo Café day after day in Madrid: the people behind the bar. Words by OLGA KOTNOWSKA Pictures by ADRIÁN CANO FRANCO
A good cup of coffee is something to behold. For
Chinese community working outside of the bazaar
devoted fans, seeking out a great cup of joe encourages
shops and tiendas de alimentacíon (food kiosks) that
the sacrifice of certain things—savings, time or daily
line the streets.
plans. It’s worth traveling the extra distance, even when
For Chinese entrepreneurs to own a café in the heart
there are other options closer to home.
of the city, the HanSo team is ushering in a change of
I suppose this goes for many pleasures in life. When you
mindset. The HanSo crew is subtly adding a new story to
know there is something good out there, the notion of
Madrid’s diverse social landscape. The team is changing
settling for less seems almost ridiculous.
the image of the Chinese population in the city. HanSo is an example of the impetus that Madrid needs
The people behind the bar
to catalyze a change of attitude and perception towards
HanSo is the newest addition to Madrid’s budding specialty coffee scene, and my current favorite spot
Madrileños who are stuck in the old way of thinking.
that’s worth the extra travel time. The joy of HanSo
Strange can be solid
extends beyond the drinks. The loveliest part about
Of course, owning a café is far from normal. Many
rocking up to HanSo day after day is the people behind
people talk about it. Only a few, in the end, achieve it.
the bar.
In Madrid, the business landscape is only just recovering
Nico works together with his wife Eva and younger
from years of struggle. Additionally, the food and
brother Enrique to make one hell of a barista team.
beverage market favors traditional Spanish flavors.
In just under three months, the HanSo staff members
HanSo introduces new combinations and ingredients,
have become friends. I stop in for a hot beverage nearly
having firmly established itself as the strange new kid
every day, and end up chatting with the smiling faces
on the block.
behind the bar every time. They leave me smiling.
HanSo delights Madrileños with excellent coffee and an elaborate menu. The shop serves matcha lattes, red velvet
Changing stereotypes
hot chocolates, various tea infusions and other sweet
Despite being a large, contemporary, influential
creations that Eva makes. Delicious bites include matcha
European city, Madrid is still working on battling
cakes, cheesecakes, Portuguese tarts and many more.
prejudice against people from foreign communities.
Something seems to be working for the HanSo team,
Even today, it’s unusual to see individuals from the
because the café is gaining popularity every day.
MADRID
101
