Written by Sjarmaine Ngoetra

koffieTcacao magazine is always on the lookout for the hottest coffee, tea and cocoa spots.

This week's focus is: De Eenhoorn, Oudestraat 101-103, Kampen (Netherlands).

"In 1993 I set foot into this industry and immediately thought: I want to work in this crazy business!" owner Thomas Klaphake says with a smile on his face.

You only understand the words 'crazy business' after a tour in de Eenhoorn. The outside does not give the impression that, in this monumental building dating from the 19^th century (1883), coffee is roasted, tea is packed and cigars are produced in the traditional way.

Coffee, tea and cigars

Entering De Eenhoorn you find yourself in the coffee and tea bar and their shop. Here you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and/or buy freshly roasted coffee, quality tea and cigars.

Additionally you can have a lovely lunch or enjoy some heart-warming desserts such as pie or chocolate. In the back rooms one floor up, the production process of coffee, tea and cigars is on full speed.

Exceptional teas

De Eenhoorn was founded by Thomas Klaphake in 2001 and is the sister-company of cigar factory De Olifant (founded in 1832). Both companies are located in the same building in the centre of Kampen.

Together they organise tours and give tea, coffee and cigar tastings in the specially designated areas. In these areas you will find exclusive tea brands such as Liu An Gua Pian green tea and Su Hong black tea. These are primarily meant for top catering companies but are also for sale in the shop itself.

De Eenhoorn processes Arabica coffee from South America and Africa and packages teas from China and Taiwan. "But we are always on the lookout for other interesting areas," Thomas says "The quest to find something special is a never-ending story."

Machine: Mistral Kees van der Westen
Grinder: Mahlkönig
Coffee: Eenhoorn coffee from various countries in South America and Africa (mainly Kenya)
Tea: Eenhoorn teas from China and Taiwan
Chocolate: Alexandre Bellion chocolate
Pie / cake: Bakery Holtkamp
Bread: Carl Siegert
Milk: Erf1
Speciality: Grand Cru teas like Beauté Académique, Su Hong, Yin Zhen.