Vietnam is famous for bold flavours and unique brewing methods. and Vietnamese coffee has captured the hearts of coffee lovers around the world. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the cafes of Ho Chi Minh City, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is a familiar and comforting presence.
This guide, “All Things You Need to Know about Vietnamese Coffee“, will take you through the fascinating world of Vietnamese coffee, exploring its origins, varieties, preparation methods, and the best places to enjoy it. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this comprehensive guide will fully provide everything you need to enjoy Vietnamese coffee.
Overview of Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam, a country in Southeast Asia, is not only the second-largest producer of coffee in the world, but it also has a vibrant coffee culture that permeates every aspect of daily life. Many coffee lovers find unique drinks and innovations, such as egg coffee, coconut coffee,…
Foreign visitors to Vietnam are increasingly consuming Vietnamese coffee while they are there. In addition to beer and baguettes, coffee’s origins may be found in colonial France, where it was initially created.
But it didn’t take long for the Vietnamese to turn it into a daily ritual, and they soon started experimenting with the beverage, mixing it with fruit, yoghurt, or even eggs. Vietnam is currently the second-biggest exporter of coffee overall and the largest exporter of Robusta coffee worldwide.
Coffee is more than just a drink in Vietnam; it’s an integral part of daily life and social culture. Cafés are ubiquitous, ranging from small street-side stalls to sophisticated coffee shops. These places often serve as gathering spots for friends, business meetings, or simply a place to relax and enjoy a good cup of coffee.
The Vietnamese take pride in their coffee-making techniques, and the ‘phin’ symbolises this tradition. The slow drip process is seen as a way to savor the moment and enjoy the rich flavors of the coffee fully.
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Types of Vietnamese Coffee
It would help if you took advantage of the chance to try at least one cup of Vietnam’s four most popular coffee varietals there.
Iced Black Coffee (Cà Phê Đen Đá)
Cà Phê Đen Đá is not just a beverage but a part of daily life in Vietnam. It’s commonly enjoyed during breakfast or at midday. Street vendors, take away and cafés across Vietnam serve this drink, often in small plastic cups, making it accessible to everyone. The simplicity and strength of Cà Phê Đen Đá make it a favorite among coffee purists and those who appreciate the unadulterated taste of Vietnamese coffee.
Iced Milk Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
Vietnamese iced milk coffee, or cà phê sữa as it is commonly called, is a traditional beverage in Vietnam. It is made by mixing condensed milk with filtered coffee and pouring it into a glass cup.
How iced milk coffee balances the opposing bitter and sweet tastes is perhaps the main factor in its appeal.
Condensed milk’s strong sweetness is a counterbalance to Robusta coffee’s bitter aftertaste, but it does not blend well with Arabica coffee’s pleasant flavour.
The drink is called ca phe nau (brown coffee) in the north and ca phe sua (milk coffee) in the south. You can order it hot, but most people get it cold with ice.
Coffee with eggs
Translating to “Vietnamese egg coffee,” “cà phê trứng” is a popular beverage in Hanoi, Vietnam. The secret to the egg coffee’s appeal lies in its unique texture, obtained by combining egg yolks and sugar until the combination resembles thick cream.
Once everything is well mixed, the mixture is added to a classic Vietnamese filter coffee. Many people describe the final flavour as tasting like liquid tiramisu.
Although the egg coffee was first served at Café Giảng in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, other locations now sell it using their own recipe, which occasionally even surpasses the original like cafe at Hanoi train street.
Coffee with coconut
Known as “cà phê dừa” or coconut coffee, it combines the well-known taste of coffee with the subtle aroma of coconut milk.
The main coconut-producing region in Vietnam is the south. You should not leave this country without enjoying at least one cup of coconut-flavored coffee, as goods with a similar taste are widely used in Vietnam food and beverage industry.
Coffee with yoghurt
Vietnam’s cafes are starting to serve yoghurt coffee in more significant quantities. You may choose between heated and iced coffee. Next, a cup of yoghurt is combined with one teaspoon of yoghurt or one teaspoon of coffee.
Alternatively, you can stir one spoonful of yoghurt into a cup of coffee. It depends on what each person finds appealing.
Sweetening is usually accomplished with condensed milk, a naturally occurring substance. Coffee is an excellent complement to yoghurt, a popular dessert in Vietnam that has been swirled with condensed milk.
Yoghurt stands out among the bittersweet flavours of condensed milk and coffee because of its harmoniously balanced acidity.
Coffee smoothie
In the past few years, coffee has even been added to drinks. In well-known juice shops, fresh fruit is mixed with a little Vietnamese coffee to make smooth drinks. Sometimes, yoghurt or cashews are added to make the drinks more enjoyable.
Try sinh to ca phe chuoi bo (coffee mixed with avocado and banana) in Hanoi or sinh to ca phe sapoche in Ho Chi Minh. It’s coffee mixed with sapodilla, a tropical fruit that tastes like custard. The two are tasty ways to get your vitamins and coffee fix simultaneously.
Famous coffee brands in Vietnam
Vietnam is home to several renowned coffee brands that have made a significant mark both locally and internationally. Here are some of the most famous Vietnamese coffee brands:
Trung Nguyên Legend
Trung Nguyên Legend is arguably the most well-known coffee brand in Vietnam. Founded in 1996, it has grown to become a symbol of Vietnamese coffee culture.
Trung Nguyên offers a wide range of products, from traditional ground coffee to instant coffee and specialty blends. Their coffee shops are popular across the country, providing a premium coffee experience with a focus on Vietnamese traditions.
Highlands Coffee
Established in 1999, Highlands Coffee is a popular coffee chain in Vietnam that combines a modern café experience with traditional Vietnamese coffee flavors.
Their extensive menu includes classic Vietnamese coffee like Cà Phê Sữa Đá, as well as a variety of other beverages and snacks. Highlands Coffee has numerous outlets throughout Vietnam, making it a convenient choice for locals and tourists alike.
Vinacafe
Vinacafe is one of the oldest coffee brands in Vietnam, with its origins dating back to 1969. It is known for its high-quality instant coffee, which has become a staple in many Vietnamese households. Vinacafe offers a range of coffee products, including instant coffee mixes and traditional ground coffee, catering to various tastes and preferences.
Phúc Long Coffee & Tea
Phúc Long Coffee & Tea has been a favorite in Vietnam since 1968. Originally famous for its high-quality tea, the brand has expanded to offer a range of coffee products as well. Their coffee shops are known for their stylish interiors and high-quality beverages, including various traditional Vietnamese coffees and modern coffee drinks.
G7 Coffee
G7 Coffee, a brand under Trung Nguyên, is famous for its instant coffee. Launched in 2003, G7 quickly gained popularity for its rich flavor and convenience. It is one of the leading instant coffee brands in Vietnam and has a significant international presence, known for delivering the robust taste of Vietnamese coffee in an instant format.
Legend Coffee
Legend Coffee, another brand under the Trung Nguyên umbrella, focuses on providing high-quality, premium coffee. It offers a variety of specialty coffee products, including single-origin beans and unique blends. Legend Coffee aims to cater to coffee connoisseurs who appreciate the finer aspects of coffee brewing and tasting.
Café Sài Gòn Phin Daklak
Café Sài Gòn Phin Daklak is known for its traditional Vietnamese coffee, particularly the phin-style drip coffee. The brand sources its beans from the Daklak province, famous for its high-quality coffee production. Their products are celebrated for authentic flavors and commitment to traditional brewing methods.
How to Make Vietnamese Coffee
- To clean the coffee filter, run hot water through it.
- Add three teaspoons of sweetened condensed milk to the cup to finish making the coffee. To fit your tastes, you can change the amount of milk that is used.
- In the coffee machine, put 25 grammes of ground coffee.
- If you give coffee a little shake, it will become flat. Place it so that it sits on top of the coffee cup. Tighten the screws on the press so that the coffee is packed in as tightly as possible.
- Be careful as slowly pour 30 millilitres of hot water over the coffee.
- The coffee powder takes about two to three minutes to soak all the water and spread out evenly. Then you press down on the lid, add fifty millilitres of hot water, and wait for the coffee to finish brewing.
- The coffee will now start to fall through the bottom of the glass. How fast the coffee is dripped will depend on how fine the coffee is. The normal rate is about one drop every second.
- The coffee will be ready in five to ten minutes. Spread the coffee and condensed milk out evenly by mixing them.
- Pour the milk coffee into a glass that has already been filled with ice, and then enjoy your tasty iced milk coffee.
A guide to the best places to get Vietnamese coffee
Hanoi is still the centre of Vietnamese cafe culture. Traditional pavement cafes are still very popular. They are full of people of all ages, who stay for hours over a single glass, from morning until night. Contemporary coffee shops have become more popular.
Cafe Giảng is a must-visit for its legendary egg coffee, while Hanoi Social Club provides a cozy, bohemian vibe perfect for a relaxing coffee break. Beside, Loading T Café offers a unique experience with its cinnamon-infused coffee in a charming French colonial building.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Cộng Cà Phê with its vintage decor and famous coconut coffee, and The Workshop Coffee known for its high-quality brews and chic industrial setting, are top choices. For a more stylish experience, L’Usine offers a blend of excellent coffee and a trendy café atmosphere.
In Danang, 43 Factory Coffee Roaster stands out with its focus on high-quality beans and expert brewing techniques, while The Espresso Station offers a minimalist setting and a variety of coffee styles.
Hoi An’s Faifo Coffee is famous for its rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the ancient town, and Hoi An Roastery delivers high-quality coffee from locally sourced beans.
In Nha Trang, you can enjoy cafe at Rainforest with a lush, green interior perfect for a relaxing coffee experience, and An Café combines a cozy setting with a menu featuring both Vietnamese and Western-style coffees.
For an enhanced experience, consider planning your trip with Vietnam Trails Travels, ensuring you enjoy the best coffee and cultural sights Vietnam offers.
Vietnamese coffee offers a unique and delightful experience, with its strong flavors and diverse preparations. Whether you’re enjoying a sweet cà phê sữa đá, a robust cà phê đen đá, or the rich and creamy cà phê trứng, each cup tells a story of Vietnam’s rich coffee culture.
To explore the best Vietnamese coffee spots, consider planning a trip with Vietnam Trails Travels – a local travel agency at Ho Chi Minh. We offer tailored travel experiences that let you enjoy the best of Vietnam’s coffee and Top Vietnam Tourist Attractions.
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