What Is Vietnamese Coffee? A Blend of History and Tradition

You may not know, but Vietnam is the second biggest exporter of coffee in the world. In the land of the dragon, you will find many types of beans-like arabica coffee and robusta coffee-of which it is the biggest producer in the world. But most probably, the taste of Vietnamese coffee is different from your everyday coffee, since different types of beans and ways of brewing differ from country to country.

Yet, Vietnamese coffee has not consistently been prevalent; indeed, there was a period during which the nation lacked any coffee plantations. Are you familiar with its historical context?

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 05-11-2024

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What Is Vietnamese Coffee Like?

Vietnamese coffee is strong, bold in flavor, and nutty, primarily due to the use of Robusta beans, which have a higher caffeine content. Traditionally, it is brewed using a filter device called a phin, which allows for slow extraction to produce a concentrated and aromatic drink. It is commonly enjoyed with condensed milk, creating a balanced combination of the coffee's bitterness and the sweetness of the milk.

A Brief History of Vietnamese Coffee

It was the French who first introduced coffee to the country during their colonial period in 1857. Coffee is among the culinary products that remained a part of the population’s habits after the departure of the settlers, alongside items like bread, pâté, and crème caramel, locally known as "kem caramen," similar to crème brûlée. The favorable climate of the Southern Highlands allowed coffee cultivation to thrive in Vietnam. Today, the "country of the dragon" is the world's second-largest exporter of coffee, after Brazil.

Vietnamese Coffee Today

Vietnamese coffee production boomed after political and economic reforms in the 1990s, particularly within specialty coffee markets over the last 15 years. The coffee sector makes up 3% of national GDP and provides a livelihood for close to 2.6 million people, including some 600,000 farmers plus many ethnic minority groups. There is also the Rainforest Alliance-a U.S.-based NGO that aims at maintaining biodiversity and sustainability-which works in Vietnam with four ethnic groups: Dao, Hoa, De, and M'nong. 

Thus, when communities get a premium for their Rainforest Alliance certified beans, the profit is invested in social programs such as education, energy, and pollution reduction.

Vietnamese Coffee Beans

Vietnam primarily grows robusta, which is well-known for its caffeine-heavy and bitter profile. Although the U.S. specialty coffee market primarily consumes Arabica, robusta production and exports from Vietnam continue to grow rapidly in the U.S. market. When you travel to Vietnam, you will find many cafes throughout the country serving robusta coffee, offering the 'authentic Vietnamese coffee taste.'

Additionally, the Vietnamese traditionally use dark roast for their coffee, often adding flavorings during the roasting process, such as mocha, chicory, vanilla, butter, and even whiskey. These unique flavors leave a lasting impression on those who experience Vietnamese coffee.

Vietnamese Coffee Culture

In Vietnamese, we never say "catch you later"; instead, we say, "Hôm nào rảnh cà phê nha", which means "Let's have coffee sometime!" The coffee culture of Vietnam is something you will easily experience during your trip to this country, particularly when visiting its big cities. In Vietnam, coffee is usually enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon when people are looking for a moment to relax after stressful working hours. It’s the perfect time to meet friends, chat, and share life stories. For them, enjoying coffee is an art that plays an important role in the communication culture of the Vietnamese people.

Different Types of Coffee

Since the first days in Vietnam, you will be able to taste different types of best coffee in Vietnam so atypical that it's amazing.

• Iced Condensed Latte: Among the widely popular drinks is the so-called "Ca Phe Sua Da," made with black coffee mixed with a dose of sweetened condensed milk and served over ice cubes. The result is an unforgettable iced latte, with gentle notes of chocolate that explode in your mouth. There’s a variant called "Ca Phe Sua Nong," a similar recipe with condensed milk, but served hot. Those who prefer black coffee should order "Ca Phe Den Nong"—a truly authentic Vietnamese black coffee, served hot without sugar or any added ingredients.

• Egg Coffee: If you're staying in Hanoi, don’t miss out on egg coffee, an institution in the capital and undoubtedly one of the best coffee experiences in Vietnam. In Vietnamese, egg coffee is called "Ca Phe Trung," and it was created by Nguyen Van Giang, a barista at the Sofitel Metropole hotel in the 1930s, during a time of war and milk shortages. It's made from egg yolk whisked with sugar to create a substitute for cappuccino. Surprising? Yes, but once you taste it, you’ll never get enough.

• Coffee with Yogurt: If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to try "Ca Phe Sua Chua," which is coffee with yogurt. The mixture may seem unusual at first, but the sweet acidity combined with the creaminess blends wonderfully with the rich aroma of coffee.

• Coconut Coffee: You may have tasted fresh coconut juice, but have you ever thought about using coconut milk in your coffee? You can easily find coconut coffee throughout Vietnam, and you can even customize it, ordering it hot, cold, or with cream. Give it a try, it's yours to enjoy!

>>> Good To Know: You will have the opportunity, for a fee, to sample one of Vietnam's finest coffees, if not one of the best in the world, called cà phê chồn. In fact, this is one of the most expensive coffee varieties globally, costing about 795 US dollars per kilogram! It has the unique characteristic of being gathered from the excrement of a civet, a mammal with minimal digestion. The small animal favors the ripe cherries of the coffee plant.

While the civet digests the pulp, the pit passes through the digestive system unchanged, but with modifications that greatly enhance its aroma through the action of enzymes and stomach gases. The kernel is then naturally excreted and undergoes stages of washing, drying, and roasting. The result is a caramelized flavor profile that attracts coffee lovers worldwide.

How Is It Traditionally Prepared and Tasted?

After being harvested, Vietnamese coffee beans are typically roasted until they become black. They are roasted at very low heat for a long period of time. This roasting style, combined with unique brewing methods, brings out the delicate, subtle, and full-bodied flavor that is strongly associated with Vietnamese coffee.

The traditional method of making a cup of Vietnamese coffee, widely accepted, involves using an aluminum drip filter device called a "phin cà phê". This device consists of a metal cup with tiny punctures at the bottom.

• Operation mechanism: A small metal pot is placed over your cup, with holes that allow hot water to pass through finely ground coffee. One must wait patiently as the liquid slowly drips into a rich coffee concentrate. A slower flow rate results in a stronger flavor in the final coffee. If you ask for a glass of Vietnamese coffee, it is highly likely you will receive it this way. This method offers an authentic experience of enjoying some of the best coffee in Vietnam. Don't be surprised if you don’t find your usual espresso here—filter coffee takes center stage.

The phin filter, or stainless steel filter, uses a traditional method that offers a unique tasting experience found nowhere else. Slowly brewed in hot water, the grind produces a complex taste with a rich flavor. The manual nature of the process allows for easy adjustment of the water flow speed, which in turn lets you control the beverage’s strength according to your preference. It’s no wonder that handmade Vietnamese coffee is spreading around the world, as its unparalleled taste can satisfy even the most discerning coffee connoisseurs.

Where to Taste the Best Coffee in Vietnam?

Vietnam has many charming cafes that will delight your taste buds. Here is a selection of the best coffees in Vietnam to make your mouth water in advance:

Hanoi

Café Giang

• Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem District
• 106B Yen Phu, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh District

If you want to taste the capital's specialty, i.e. its famous egg coffee, don't hesitate to visit Café Giang, a flagship establishment with an unshakeable reputation!

Dinh Coffee

• Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem

This emblematic café in Hanoi is run by Mrs. Bich, a worthy heiress to her father Giang's know-how. She has set up her own café in the old quarter, not far from Hoan Kiem Lake, which can be seen from the terrace. You can find him on the 1st floor of an old colonial-era house, on Dinh Tien Hoang Street

Cong Caphe

• Address: 116 Cầu Gỗ, Hàng Đào, Hoan Kiem

This is a small coffeeshop chain that can be found all over the country. Their specialty is coconut coffee. The Cong Caphe of Hanoi has a very good location, in the Hoan Kiem district near the central square. In addition, the establishment even has a mini balcony from which you can sip your coffee while quietly observing the whirlwind of the city!

▶️You'd Need to Know: Top 8 Unmissable Things to Do in Hanoi in 2025

Sapa – The Café in the Clouds

• Address: 60, Fansipan, Sa Pa, Lao Cai City

No, you are not dreaming; in Sapa, you can literally take your coffee with your head in the clouds! Café in the Clouds enjoys stunning views of the majestic mountains lined with rice terraces - a must-see not to be missed!

Hue – Salted Coffee

• Address: available everywhere in Hue

If you want to taste the specialty of the central region, stop by any café that is sure to serve you an explosive brew, a mixture of coffee, condensed milk and sea salt, which will give a salted caramel taste to the final drink.

>>> Read More: Hue, Vietnam: 8 Essential Questions Answered Before You Visit

Hoi An – Mia Coffee

• Address: 20 Phan Boi Chau, Hoi An

This charming establishment, run by a great lover of Vietnamese coffee, produces his beans himself. Very popular with expatriates, this quiet place also sells bulk coffee to please oneself or treat others upon heading back home.

▶️You'd Need to Know: Hoi An, Vietnam: The Complete 2024 Guide to Sights, Weather & More!

Dalat – La Viet Coffee

• Address: 200 Nguyen Cong Tru, Da Lat City

Here you will find a modern industrial-style establishment that does not lack character. But what makes La Viet Coffee famous is the fact that the beans used are hand-picked according to international agricultural standards, by a local team specially trained by Mr. Quang, who manages the establishment.

Ho Chi Minh City – An Xanh 1958

• Address: Truong Dinh, Ben Thanh

Trứng 3T is a coffee shop that should not be missed by coffee lovers and curious ones looking for new tastes. Here, one could fully enjoy creamy and delicious trứng coffee but also feel the warmth of a coffee shop as if in another area of space decorated in vintage style.

▶️You'd need to know: What to see in Ho Chi Minh City? Complete Guide

How Much Does Coffee Cost in Vietnam?

The price of coffee in Vietnam varies a lot from street coffee to coffee in a coffee shop.

• Street Café: This is one of the core cultures in Vietnam, and the prices vary from 10,000 to 30,000 dong, about $0.4 to $1.2. This will definitely be the route to take if someone is in a hurry and would like to have the cheapest experience.
• In the coffee shops: Coffee in the coffee shops usually goes for about between 30,000-70,000 dong-about $1.2 to $3-and in the fancier places, it can fetch about 100,000 dong-$4 or more. In here, the experience involves not just the taste but also an ambient atmosphere and good service.

▶️Don't forget: Vietnam’s Money: Pocket Information About Currency Exchange

Coffee Production in the Central Highlands

Vietnamese coffee was initially focused on plantations in the north of the country. However, over time, coffee planting expanded toward the center, more specifically to the Central Highlands, in the areas of Dalat and Buon Me Thuot, also known as the "coffee capital." This region is perfect for growing coffee, cacao (which explains the mocha notes in the coffee), and pepper. Here, you can taste some of the best coffee in Vietnam, perched at an altitude of 536 meters. With a suitable climate and nutrient-rich soils, Buon Me Thuot has earned the title of the capital of Vietnamese coffee. Nationally, coffee from this region is renowned for its faint chocolate fragrance.

Trips to Buon Me Thuot City often include visits to various plantations, as well as their processing factories. Be sure to take a walk around the city and discover some charming cafes where the entire coffee preparation process is carried out in front of you, offering an unforgettable gourmet experience! If you are a fan of ground coffee, then head to Pleiku. Coffee production began there in 1988, and Vietnam is considered one of the largest consumers of ground coffee. Nearly 100,000 tons are produced in Pleiku each year.

Conclusion

Vietnamese coffee is a unique and world-famous drink, with a distinctive taste and special brewing style. It's hard to find another place that offers coffee like the one in Vietnam! If you are also a Vietnamese coffee lover, we invite you to plan an authentic experience during your next trip to Vietnam, where each cup of coffee tells a story and reflects the country's unique culture.

Image source: Cong Caphe, Cafe Giang, Tripadvisor

💡In order to get the most out of your visit to Vietnam, we recommend the following useful articles:

• Discover the Top Vietnamese Dishes to Try in Each Region!
• The 10 Vietnamese desserts you should try without delay
• Vietnamese Pho: Iconic Dish, Recipe, and Where to Taste It!