A Guide to Vietnamese Coffee: Best Cafés and Unique Brews
Vietnamese coffee is a delightful blend of bold flavors, aromatic brews, and unique preparation techniques. Known for its rich taste and variety, Vietnamese coffee culture offers something for everyone, from traditional robusta brews to modern café creations. Here is a guide to the best Vietnamese coffee experiences, including must-visit cafés and unique brews you cannot miss.
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Understanding Vietnamese Coffee Culture
Coffee holds an extraordinary place in Vietnamese culture. It is not just about the drink itself but the experience of savoring it slowly, often in a relaxed setting. Vietnamese coffee is traditionally made using robusta beans with a distinctively pungent and bitter taste. Many coffee preparations in Vietnam use a pin, a small metal drip filter, which results in a rich, concentrated brew.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá – Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk
One of the most iconic Vietnamese coffees, Cà Phê Sữa Đá, combines strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk, served over ice. The condensed milk balances the coffee’s bitterness, creating a very creamy, sweet, refreshing drink that is the perfect blend for hot days. At Café Giảng in Hanoi, you can experience this classic drink, prepared traditionally with robusta beans and a phin filter. It offers a rich and authentic flavor.
Egg Coffee – Cà Phê Trứng
Egg coffee is a Vietnamese specialty created in Hanoi. Made by whipping up egg yolks with sugar and sweetened condensed milk, it forms a creamy, custard-like layer over the coffee. This unique blend of coffee and egg creates a rich, dessert-like drink that is both smooth and sweet. For an authentic experience, visit Café Dinh in Hanoi, the birthplace of egg coffee, where you can enjoy this treat while overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.
Coconut Coffee – Cà Phê Dừa
Cà Phê Dừa combines coffee with coconut milk and ice, creating a tropical, creamy beverage with a perfect balance of sweetness and bold coffee flavors. Coconut coffee has become especially popular in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its modern twist on traditional Vietnamese coffee. Cong Caphe, a café chain across Vietnam, is known for its coconut coffee. The cozy, retro-inspired décor provides a perfect setting to enjoy this refreshing drink.
Salt Coffee – Cà Phê Muối
Originating from Hue, salt coffee adds a unique twist by incorporating a pinch of salt into the coffee. The salt enhances the coffee’s flavor, bringing out its sweetness and balancing the bitterness. This unique combination results in a smooth, mellow drink. Salt Coffee Roastery in Hue is the perfect place to try this specialty. The café offers a charming, relaxed setting that allows you to enjoy this one-of-a-kind brew.
Where to Find the Best Cafés in Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi’s coffee culture is steeped in tradition, with many cafés still using old methods and recipes. In addition to Café Giảng and Café Dinh, explore the historic Blackbird Coffee and Tranquil Books & Coffee, where you can enjoy classic and modern brews in a peaceful atmosphere.
Ho Chi Minh City
Known for its more experimental approach to coffee, Ho Chi Minh City is filled with trendy, stylish cafés. Try The Workshop Coffee for a specialty coffee experience, or visit Saigon Coffee Roastery for a carefully crafted cup. Both spots offer a blend of tradition and innovation that reflects the city’s vibrant energy.
Da Nang
43 Factory Coffee Roaster is a popular spot for coffee enthusiasts in this coastal city. Known for its minimalist design and specialty coffee selection, it offers a range of Vietnamese and international brews. Moc Coffee is another excellent choice, providing a cozy setting and unique local drinks.
More For You
Vietnamese coffee is more than just a drink—it is a cultural experience. Whether you are exploring bustling streets or relaxing by the beach, Vietnam’s coffee culture offers something for every taste. From classic iced coffee to innovative twists, these cafés and brews will surely enhance your journey.
Are you looking for more travel inspiration? Our blog offers guides on exploring unique food and drink traditions worldwide.
