Vietnam Coffee Discovery: Best Drinks, History & Culture

Bitter and sweet, fragrance of coffee fills the streets of Vietnam. Vietnamese coffee (cà phê Việt Nam) is one of the must-try drinks of your Vietnam tour, for you to understand the authentic local life, coffee culture, and history of this country. Check this article to learn more about Vietnamese coffee, what drinks you must try, and the fun facts about coffee in Vietnam.

Culture and History of Vietnam Coffee

From the middle of the 19th century, the French introduced coffee to Vietnam. The special aroma soon caught most Vietnamese and coffee became a popular drink. French colonists also brought coffee-making techniques and traditions to this land, influencing the development of Vietnamese coffee.

Discover the vibrant city through understanding the daily life and habits of local people. Drinking coffee has become an indispensable daily routine for Vietnamese people. Offering coffee to guests is a common gesture of hospitality in Vietnamese culture. Despite tasting delicious cuisines in Vietnam, drinking coffee in Vietnam can be a good way to know local life.

Start a wonderful day with coffee in the early morning and chat with family, friends, or colleagues at a local cafe. When it comes to coffee in Vietnam, compared to other drinks, it is more like a lifestyle in Vietnam.

Coffee Culture in Vietnam

Fun Facts About Vietnam Coffee

Second Largest Coffee Producer

Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world, and the largest one is Brazil. Known for its high-quality Robusta beans, Vietnam has experienced significant growth in coffee production in recent decades.

Robusta Coffee Bean vs Arabica Coffee

You may find that coffee in Vietnam has a unique flavor that is extremely bitter. That is because it is made of Robusta coffee, which is also the primary coffee bean planted in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil. It is famous for its strong and bitter flavor, often described as "nutty" or "chocolatey".

Most coffee drinks we usually see in most major coffee brands are made of arabica coffee beans. Arabica coffee beans are grown at higher altitudes, often in regions with cooler temperatures like Colombia and Kenya. The flavor is balanced, with notes of acidity, sweetness, and floral or fruity aromas.

Robusta Coffee Bean

Indispensable Condensed Milk

The addition of condensed milk to Vietnamese coffee is a popular practice, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and bitter flavors. This adaptation likely stems from the Vietnamese preference for sweet drinks. Moreover, the sweetness can neutralize the bitterness of the Robusta coffee bean.

Phin Filter Brewed Coffee

Phin filter is the most essential tool for Vietnamese coffee. It is uniquely brewed using a phin filter, a small metal dripper that allows for a slow and controlled brewing process. This method is a result of local adaptation and innovation. This simple vessel is the soul of Vietnamese coffee to make a unique flavor. The phin filtered coffee is the base of most types of coffee drinks. Ice is added to create a delicious, iced coffee drink.

Phin Filter

Top Vietnamese Coffee Beverage You Must Try

You can try the most authentic flavor of Vietnamese coffee while visiting this vibrant Asia country. There are many unique coffee beverages in most major cities of Vietnam. Don't forget to plan a coffee discovery by walking around the streets and paths of Vietnam.

Vietnam Egg coffee (ca phe trung or cà phê trứng)

As a unique and decadent beverage, Vietnamese egg coffee is a mixture of coffee and yolk. It is more like a mousse. It perfectly mixes the rich flavors of coffee with the creamy sweetness of yolks and condensed milk.

With a strong coffee base, the frothy, sweet egg yolk mixture is set on the top to finish this magical combination. Taste the complicated but perfect fusion flavors and the distinctive texture, you will feel happiness and sweetness for a whole day!

Vietnamese Iced Coffee With Condensed Milk (ca phe sua da or cà phê sữa đá)

This refreshing drink is one of the most popular Vietnamese drinks. It features a strong, bold coffee flavor balanced by the sweetness and creaminess of condensed milk. The base of this beverage is the phin filter brewed coffee with ice. The combination of the rich coffee, sweet condensed milk, and cold temperature creates a unique and satisfying taste experience.

Salt Coffee (ca phe muoi or cà phê muối)

Originating from the city of Hue, salt coffee has gained popularity throughout Vietnam and is now enjoyed by coffee lovers worldwide.

It is a unique twist on the classic Vietnamese iced coffee. This refreshing beverage combines the strong, bold flavor of Vietnamese coffee with a surprising touch of saltiness. The salt is typically added to the creamy layer on top, creating a delightful balance of sweet, bitter, and salty flavors.

Salt Coffee

Coconut Coffee (ca phe dua or cà phê dừa)

Take a sip of the smooth drink mixed with coffee and coconut fragrance, imagine you are sitting down on a high coconut palm. Enjoy the sound of ice cubes jingling in the glass, and let the coffee fragrance sweep your tongue. This drink has gained popularity both within Vietnam and internationally for its unique taste and refreshing qualities. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a tropical twist on their coffee experience.

There are many famous Vietnam coffee brands that also sell instant coffee. Instead of coconut coffee, you can also find some other special flavors such as durian coffee, banana coffee, and more. If you want to share this flavor with your family or friends, it can be a good choice as a souvenir.

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Cannot wait to savor the unique coffee flavor of Vietnam? Contact us or send to [email protected] to get inspiration for your own private Vietnam tour. Explore the delicious cuisines, best drinks, and fun activities in this vibrant country of Southeast Asia. It will never be too late to plan your next vacation.