Vietnamese Coffee: Not just a drink but a culture
Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its intense flavour and exceptional taste, introduced by French before it ecome globally famous. The “Vietnamese iced coffee” (cà phê sữa đá in Saigon – cà phê nâu đá in Hanoi ) are among the top variation of Coffees you find while visiting Vietnam.
Coffee is not just a drink but an important part of the Vietnamese daily life & culture. In the diverse global coffee landscape, Vietnam is particularly distinguished by its signature coffee varieties, such as Robusta and Arabica. Additionally, there are numerous other unique types of Vietnamese coffee that contribute to the country’s distinct coffee identity. From the bold flavours of Vietnamese Robusta to the smooth taste of Vietnamese Arabica, the country offers a wide range of coffee experiences that continue to capture the attention of coffee enthusiasts around the world.
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Know 8 types of traditional Vietnamese Coffee
One fact: Vietnamese been added different variation to the original coffee and convert it into something unique and flavorful. Egg-Coffee, yogurt or fruity coffee, with, or without ice, or even plain drink (cà phê đen) and today, Vietnam climbed up as the second largest coffee exporter in the world and the largest exporter of Robusta.
Vietnamese coffee refers to both the unique brewing method and the distinctive style of traditional Vietnamese roasting. Robusta beans are often roasted dark and seasoned with a touch of salt, butter, and whiskey to enhance the flavour. Additions like soybeans and corn help create a thicker, sweeter taste, making Vietnamese coffee, truly a unique drink.
1: Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk
One of the most popular types of coffee drinks is “cà phê sữa đá or Vietnamese iced coffee. Brewed using a traditional drip filter, the strong Robusta coffee is combined with sweetened condensed milk before being poured over ice. This classic drink offers a perfect balance of rich bitterness and creamy sweetness, making it refreshing yet bold. The iced coffee is the perfect choice at anytime, showcasing the unique flavors that define Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture.
To get you straight to the point, this Iced-Coffee is called with 2 different name in Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, it’s called Cà phê sữa đá while in Hanoi and north, it’s called Cà phê nâu đá in Hanoi. Translated into, milk coffee and brown coffee.
Cost of a cup of Iced Coffee: ~25-45k VND (1-2 USD)
2: The Flavorful "Egg Coffee" - Cà phê trứng
Don’t think of Egg mixed with coffee. Egg coffee (cà phê trứng), originated in Hanoi in the 1940s when milk was scarce and egg yolks were used as a substitute. This rich and creamy drink is made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk into a frothy foam, then combining it with dark Robusta coffee.
Often described as a local version of tiramisu, Vietnamese egg coffee offers a unique blend of textures and flavours. Although Café Giang in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is where egg coffee was first created, today many cafes offer their own take on this classic Hanoi invented drink, with some even improving on the original recipe.
Cost of egg-coffee: 40-80k VND (2-3.5 USD)
3: Bạc xỉu: The mild milk coffee
If you want your morning coffee mild and milky, then, milk Coffee (Cà phê Bạc Xỉu) is surely on the menu. This is a popular Southern Vietnamese milk coffee known for its sweeter & creamier flavour. It’s made by mixing more milk than coffee, creating a milder, less intense coffee taste. The term “bạc xỉu” comes from Cantonese, used by the Chinese community in Saigon’s Chợ Lớn district. The milk coffee Bạc Xỉu is a surely the choice for those seeking a less bitter, more mild coffee taste.
The milk coffee price: 30-50k VND (1.5-2.5 USD)
4: Iced Black Coffee: Cà Phê Đen Đá
Cà Phê Đen Đá is how local name this Vietnamese iced black coffee, a strong, refreshing coffee served over ice without milk or sugar. Made from robusta beans, it’s a bold, bitter flavoured coffee that appeals to purists to those who prefer their coffee in its most authentic taste and aroma. A cup of iced black coffee introduces the simple life-style of Vietnamese. This simple yet potent cup of coffee is perfect for those who enjoy a robust, no-frills coffee experience.
Cost of a cup of Vietnamese iced black coffee: 2-30k VND (1 USD)
5: Coconut Coffee: Cà Phê Cốt Dừa
Vietnamese coconut coffee is a newly invented take on traditional coffee, blending robusta coffee with creamy coconut milk and ice. This indulgent drink known as the Cà Phê Cốt Dừa is both refreshing and aromatic, and has become especially popular among younger generations in Vietnam. Typically made with a touch of condensed milk, coconut milk, and ice, some variations also incorporate brown coffee mixed with fresh milk and coconut milk. The Coconut coffee is a unique fusion of rich coffee and tropical coconut, creating a aromtic, creamy coffee that is now enjoyed by many in Vietnam.
Cost of a cup of Coconut coffee: 50-70 VND (2-3 USD)
6: Hot Coffee Condensed Milk: Cà phê sữa nóng
Cà Phê Sữa Nóng is a hot coffee with condensed milk, this is a comforting variation of the popular iced coffee with condensed milk. This rich, velvety drink combines strong Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk and is served hot. Perfect for cooler weather, it offers a warm yet tasty experience with a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. The Vietnamese hot coffee with condensed milk is another classic choice for those who enjoy a creamy, smooth coffee specially during the cold winter days.
Cost of a cup of hot mil coffee: 35-55k VND (1.5-2 USD)
7: Yogurt coffee: Cà Phê Sữa Chua
Vietnamese yogurt coffee, or cà phê sữa chua, is a refreshing drink that combines the creamy richness of yogurt with the boldness of coffee. This unique blend delivers a delightful taste, with yogurt for better digestion while coffee provides an energy boost and helps slow the aging process. Yogurt was brought to Vietnam during the French colonial era, this drink is often served with toppings like fresh fruit, fermented rice, or sweetened condensed milk.
Price of a cup of Yogurt coffee: 50-60k VND (~2 USD)
8: The Weasel coffee: Cà phê chồn
Weasel coffee (Cà phê chồn) is one of the most unique and luxurious coffees in the world. This distinctive coffee is made from beans that have been consumed and digested by civet cats (also known as weasels). The beans pass through the animal’s digestive system, where enzymes help to reduce protein levels, resulting in a smoother, less bitter taste. After being collected from the feces, the beans are cleaned, roasted, and transformed into a rich, earthy coffee that delivers a smooth, complex flavour. Due to its labor-intensive production process, weasel coffee is considered a rare and expensive delicacy, highly prized by coffee connoisseurs in Vietnam and beyond.
This type of coffee also known as the Civet coffee, Mink Coffee or Kopi luwak in different part of the world.
How much is the Weasel coffee in Vietnam?
Although not very common to see a cafe offer the expensive weasel coffee in Vietnam, however, the price of this type of coffee is not very different from any other place. A cup of weasel coffee costs from USD30 to USD (700-1200k VND), and to purchase a 100 grams of powdered weasel coffee, it is approximately around USD150-200.
How To Make Vietnamese Coffee At Home
- 3 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee
- 1-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, to taste
- 6-8 ounces nearly boiling water, to adjust coffee strength
1: Add boiled water into the Phin filter
Rinse the entire coffee filter with boiling water. This will clean the filter and preheat it, preventing heat loss during brewing.
2: Measure 3 tablespoons of ground coffee
Pour 20-25 grams of ground coffee into the filter and use the lid to press it firmly. Do not shake the filter or compress the coffee, as this can cause the grounds to block the coffee filter & eventually result in the coffee taking a long time to drip or the filter gets completely clogged. Carefully place the metal filter on top of the coffee powders.
3: Cover the filter & add 1/4 water
Cover the coffee filter and let is stay for awhile, then, add a gentle amount of boiled water on top of the ground coffee and allow to soak for about over 1 minute.
Place the Phin filter over a glass. Brewing in a glass rather than a mug allows you to observe the brewing process.
A local tip: Boil the water, then allow it to cool for about half-a-minute, before pouring it over the coffee.
4: Add 3/4 water on top of the coffees
Your coffee is now ready to brew. Slowly, pour the hot water into the Phin filter, allowing it to drip through for 8 to 10 minutes. If the water flows too quickly, try pushing the top filter. If it flows too slowly, the grind may be too fine, or the filter may be too tightly screwed in, adjust it accordingly.
5: Add condensed milk, or drink it plain
This step is optional and it’s all based on your preference. Keep the coffee dark with ice (Cafe Đen Đá), or add your preferred amount of condensed milk (cà phê nâu đá).
Enjoy your flavoured, authentic, aromatic Vietnamese coffee
Top 13 favorite Vietnamese coffee brands
The range of Vietnamese coffee brands has expanded rapidly over the years, offering everything from traditional samples to exciting new brands that captivate coffee lovers around the world. These brands reflect Vietnam’s rich coffee culture, delivering an aromatic experience that appeals to enthusiasts. Here we introduce top 11 favourite Vietnamese coffee brands.
1: Trung Nguyen Legend
Probably the most famous coffee brand inVietnam. Founded by Dang Le Nguyen Vu in 1996, Trung Nguyen Legend has played a key role in promoting Vietnamese coffee both locally and internationally. Known for its high-quality, locally sourced beans and traditional roasting methods, the brand offers a variety of premium coffee products, including blends and single-origin coffees. The Trung Nguyen coffee is particularly famous for its distinctive aromas of the Vietnamese coffee.
2: Vina-Cafe
Known for its mild coffee, Vina cafe is a renowned Vietnamese coffee brand, known for its high-quality products and significant contribution to the country’s coffee industry. Focused on using locally sourced beans and traditional roasting methods, the brand captures the authentic flavours of Vietnamese coffee. Vina-cafe offers a range of products, including instant coffee, ground coffee, and 3-in-1 mixes, with its instant coffee being particularly popular.
3: Viet Coffee
Viet Coffee is a classic Vietnamese brand known for its premium specialty coffees. Offering a range of expertly crafted blends made from carefully sourced beans, it provides a superior coffee experience. In addition to its speciality coffees, the brand Viet Coffee offers convenient instant options and various brewing tools, including steepers, pour-overs, and pressure vacuums, catering to all types of coffee enthusiasts.
4: Chestbrew
ChestBrew brings the authentic taste of Vietnam to coffee lovers in the United States. Specialising in whole bean coffee, the brand offers a high-quality experience that honours Vietnam’s rich coffee heritage. Founded by Minh Tran and Teresa Ma, the brand ChestBrew combines their personal connection to Vietnam with a deep understanding of the American market to deliver premium Vietnamese coffee beans.
5: Highlands Coffee
Founded in 1998 by David Thai, Highlands Coffee, is a popular Vietnamese coffeehouse chain with both domestic and international reach. The brand focuses on providing high-quality coffee in a welcoming setting, blending modern and traditional elements. Its menu includes Vietnamese coffee, espresso drinks, iced coffee, and seasonal offerings, even though not offered with competitive prices, but keep the value for customers, specially locals.
6: Phuc Long Coffee
Phuc Long Coffee & Tea House, established in 1968 in Bao Loc, in central highlands, began as a small tea and coffee shop and has since grown into a popular brand. Known for its high-quality Vietnamese tea and coffee, it focuses on traditional brewing methods and locally sourced ingredients. Its menu features both classic and innovative beverages, served in coffee shops with a comfortable, modern-traditional atmosphere.
7: King Coffee
The brand King Coffee, founded by Le Hoang Diep Thao, is another Vietnamese coffee brand known for its focus on quality and innovation. With a philosophy centred on providing a unique coffee experience, the brand has expanded internationally. King Coffee brand offers a wide range of products, including instant coffee, roasted beans, milk tea, and gift sets, sharing Vietnamese coffee culture with a global audience.
8: Cong Ca phe
Cong Caphe is a popular Vietnamese coffee-house chain founded in 2007. Renowned for preserving Vietnam’s cultural heritage, its shops feature vintage decor that reflects the country’s history through photos and shades of the Vietnam war decorated around it’s shop. The menu includes traditional Vietnamese coffee, coconut iced coffee, and a selection of Vietnamese snacks and desserts, offering a unique and nostalgic coffee experience.
9: Vietnam Coffee Republic
The brand Vietnam Coffee Republic was founded by Phong Lam, is a standout brand in the growing Vietnamese coffee. Committed to connecting consumers with Vietnam’s rich coffee heritage, the brand offers exceptional coffee that reflects the essence of Vietnamese identity. In addition to ground coffee, it provides ready-to-drink options and coffee classes, promoting appreciation of Vietnamese coffee culture and its unique terroir.
10: Long thanh Coffee
11: La Viet Coffee
Founded in 2013 in Dalat, the brand La Viet Coffee is dedicated to elevating Vietnamese coffee to international standards. Committed to quality from seed to cup, the brand aims to position Vietnamese beans among the best globally. Beyond exceptional coffee, *La Viet* also supports the coffee industry with consulting services, including menu development, equipment selection, and bar operation solutions.
12: The Married Beans
This Dalat based coffee brand, the Married Beans, has been introduced with more than just a coffee brand; it embodies a passion for quality and sustainability. Committed to ethical production, the brand offers a diverse range of coffees, from specialty blends to classic filtered options. With a focus on craftsmanship and sustainability, The Married Beans delivers an exceptional coffee experience for discerning enthusiasts.
13: Cafe Mai
The Mai Cafe offers a variety of authentic coffees from renowned coffee regions like Buon Me Thuot and Dak Lak. The owner, Mr. Duy Anh, emphasises the importance of selecting high-quality beans and using unique roasting and grinding techniques. Each coffee variety is grown in its ideal location, such as Robusta in Buon Me Thuot and Arabica in Nghe An.
Where to Buy Authentic Vietnamese Coffee (Robusta, Arabica)?
The finest Vietnamese coffee comes from the central highlands, particularly Lam Dong and Dak Lak. While you may not have time to visit these regions, their coffee beans are available in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang. Be sure to negotiate prices at tourist markets, as they are often higher than in regular shops. Following are the suggested places to buy Vietnamese coffee as a souvenir;
Trung Nugeyn cafe
The highland coffee shops
Highlands Coffee shops are probably among the cafe places you come across ant anywhere in Hanoi and other larger cities in Vietnam. Visitors can enjoy a variety of coffee drinks and also purchase authentic Vietnamese coffee beans, or grounds with very reasonable price, to take home as a souvenir.
The Mai cafe in Hanoi
Here you can find your favorite coffee beans to choose from and get it grounded your way at the time of purchasing. The prices are a bit higher than your average cafe place, but the quality speaks.
A brief history of Vietnamese Coffee
Coffee was introduced to Vietnam by French missionaries in 1857, who brought a few coffee trees from Bourbon Island. These trees were initially planted in the north, around the Bay of Tonkin, with little incident. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that coffee began to gain popularity in Vietnam, and small farms started cultivating coffee trees. At that time, few could have predicted that Vietnam would later dominate the global coffee market.
Today, Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world. By the late 1990s, it had already secured its place as the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, after Brazil, focusing mainly on robusta beans. This focus helped Vietnam establish strong export ties, making coffee a key contributor to the country’s economy.
Get To Know the Origins of Vietnamese Coffee
Where do coffee plants grow in Vietnam?
Well, to begin with, Vietnamese coffee trees are cultivated across an estimated 630,000 hectares of plantations throughout the country. The main coffee-growing regions are concentrated in the Cau Dat, Nui Min, and Tram Hanh areas (all in Lam Dong province, Dalat), with the most notable being Buôn Ma Thuột in Dak Lak province.
FAQ: Vietnamese Coffee - A Complete Guide
Vietnamese Vs. American Coffee
Why is Vietnamese coffee so delicious?
Vietnamese coffee is a distinctive and sweet drink that can be prepared at home using a traditional Vietnamese filter (phin) or adapted with other brewing methods. Its unique flavour arises from the use of Robusta beans and sweetened condensed milk, which give it a rich, creamy texture and bold taste. Whether brewed in the traditional way or with an alternative method, this coffee is renowned for its full-bodied, indulgent qualities.
How many calories are in 7 beans of Vietnamese coffee?
Why do Vietnamese use condensed milk in coffee?
Simply to offset the coffee’s dark and smoky flavor. Additionally, back in dark days f war, because of limit on the availability of fresh milk, the French and Vietnamese started to use sweetened condensed milk as an alternative.
Is Vietnamese coffee stronger than espresso?
Can you drink Vietnamese coffee every day?
Yes. It’s completely fine to drink a cup of Vietnamese coffee on daily basis, it is also depends on the amount of the grounds used to prepare the coffee. So, the answer is yes, it’s totally fine to drink a cop of Vietnamese Coffee everyday.
What makes Vietnamese coffee different?
Vietnamese coffee stands out for its bold, nutty flavor, which comes from the Robusta beans used. Traditional roasting with butter and brewing with a Phin filter create its distinctive taste and strength.
