Vietnam is widely known as a coffee powerhouse, consistently ranking as the world’s second-largest coffee producer, right behind Brazil. Vietnamese culture is strongly rooted in coffee consumption. It’s a social ritual, a daily routine, and a pride for the whole country.

Let’s embark on a flavorful journey through Vietnam’s coffee paradise to savor one of the best rated coffee in the world. Scroll down to learn more about specific characteristics, brewing methods, or perhaps the coffee variations in Vietnam.

Cultural highlights of coffee in Vietnam

Dominant region of coffee production

The cities of Buon Ma Thuot, Da Lat, and Pleiku are the undisputed king of Vietnamese coffee production. In which, the thriving city of Buon Ma Thuot is frequently called the “Coffee Capital” of Vietnam. Encircled by expansive coffee farms, it is the site of the yearly Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival, a significant occasion honoring Vietnamese coffee culture.

2 main types of coffee

• Robusta: The strong, earthy, and slightly bitter robusta beans, prized for their high caffeine content and affordability.
• Arabica: While robusta dominates, arabica offers hints of milder, sweeter beans with a more delicate and sour flavor.

The “Phin” Filter – A simple yet elegant brewing method

The “phin” is a small metal filter that has a bottom perforated disc and a cylindrical body. Its purpose is to contain ground coffee and allow hot water to trickle through the grinds. The “phin” filter is renowned for generating robust, aromatic, and tasty coffee.

Coffee culture of Vietnamese

Vietnam’s coffee scene is attracting coffee enthusiasts from around the world, who come to experience the country’s coffee culture. There are various cafes and coffee shops serving as social hubs for locals and visitors alike across every street in Vietnam.

Specifically, vendor cafes are a quintessential part of the Vietnamese experience. Their signatures are low stools setting up at the front and everyone sits close to the sidewalk, sipping coffee and chatting together.

Now have a look at the diverse coffee drinks you should not miss out on:

Cafe sữa đá – Milk Coffee

Cà phê sữa đá is a delightful and iconic treat, especially in Vietnam’s hot and humid climate. The ice chills the coffee, while the condensed milk adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess.

Bạc xỉu – Vietnamese White Coffee

Bạc xỉu is a wonderful choice for those with a sweet tooth! It’s a delightful variation of Vietnamese coffee that offers a more balanced sweetness compared to the classic cà phê sữa đá.

Cafe đen – Black Coffee

Cà phê đen is coffee in its purest form, normally sugar is added. So please inform a waiter: no sugar (không đường) or less sugar (ít đường) if you prefer a less sweet taste. It allows you to experience the whole rich, nutty flavor of the coffee beans.

Cafe dừa – Coconut Coffee

A rising star in Vietnam coffee line-up, Cà phê dừa is sure to surprise and delight your taste bud! The addition of coconut milk or coconut cream to the coffee creates a beautifully balanced sweetness and a creamy texture to this drink.

Cafe trứng – Egg Coffee

This is a work of art, marking a lasting impression to anyone who has a try! The egg yolks are whisked with condensed milk and sugar until they become thick, then creamy foam will be poured over a hot shot of espresso. Egg coffee has spawned some delicious variations such as Egg cacao and Egg matcha, you should try them and share with us your thoughts!

Cafe muối – Salted Coffee

Cà phê muối is indeed a specialty drink that originated in Huế, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam. This drink is a combination of condensed milk, salty milk foam, and coffee to create a rich and aromatic mixture.

A coffee adventure in Vietnam is a delightful journey for your senses! It’s more than just a drink, it’s a cultural immersion, and a chance to savor unique flavors of locals. Travel to Vietnam right now to embark on a special local gem adventure!