If you’re heading to Vietnam, there’s one thing you absolutely must try the Vietnamese coffee! This iconic beverage isn’t just a drink, it’s a cultural experience, a daily ritual, and a flavorful journey in every sip. Whether you’re strolling the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City or enjoying the calm scenery in the highlands of Da Lat, a cup of Vietnamese coffee is never far away.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into what makes Vietnamese coffee unique, where to find it, what to expect when you order, how much it costs, and how to bring the flavor home with ground coffee or beans from Vietnam. So grab a cup and read on!
What Is Vietnamese Coffee?
Vietnamese coffee (or cà phê Việt Nam) is known for its strong flavor, slow-drip brewing process, and often, its pairing with sweetened condensed milk. What makes it stand out globally is the unique blend of robusta beans and how the coffee is brewed using a traditional metal drip filter, known as a phin.
Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, and the largest producer of robusta beans. Unlike arabica, which is commonly used in Western-style coffee, robusta beans have a stronger, more bitter taste with higher caffeine content, giving Vietnamese coffee its bold character.
The Iconic Types of Vietnamese Coffee
Before you order, here are the most popular types of Vietnamese coffee you need to know:
1. Cà Phê Sữa Đá – Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk
This is perhaps the most famous Vietnamese coffee. It’s made by slowly dripping hot water over ground coffee into a cup filled with sweetened condensed milk, then poured over ice. It’s rich, sweet, and refreshing—perfect for hot weather.
2. Cà Phê Đen Đá – Iced Black Coffee
No milk, no sugar. Just pure, strong black coffee served over ice. It’s a favorite among purists who want to enjoy the full-bodied flavor of robusta beans.
3. Cà Phê Trứng – Egg Coffee
Originating in Hanoi, egg coffee is made by whipping egg yolks with condensed milk into a creamy froth, then poured over strong hot coffee. It tastes like a dessert, a creamy, custard-like treat with a deep coffee kick.
4. Cà Phê Muối – Salt Coffee
This is a hidden gem you’ll mostly find in Hue, central Vietnam. A pinch of salt is mixed with the coffee and condensed milk, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the flavor. It’s surprisingly addictive!
Where Can You Get Vietnamese Coffee in Vietnam?
The best part about Vietnamese coffee is that you can find it everywhere. Whether you’re in a big city or a small village, a good cup is never far. Here are some top places to try:
1. Sidewalk Cafés and Street Vendors
In cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, coffee is often served from small carts or hole-in-the-wall shops with tiny stools and tables on the sidewalk. This is where you’ll find authentic and affordable coffee for as little as 15,000 to 30,000 VND (about $0.60 to $1.20 USD).
2. Trendy Cafés and Coffee Chains
Vietnam is home to a booming café culture. Local chains like Highlands Coffee, Trung Nguyên Legend, and Cong Caphe offer modern settings with traditional coffee recipes. Prices here range from 40,000 to 80,000 VND ($1.60 to $3.20 USD), and often include Wi-Fi and comfy seating.
3. Specialty Coffee Shops
If you’re into coffee with a twist, Vietnam has a growing specialty coffee scene. Cafés like The Workshop in Ho Chi Minh City or Blackbird Coffee in Hanoi serve single-origin beans and pour-over brews with a modern flair.
4. Hotels and Hostels
Most hotels and hostels in Vietnam include a cup of coffee with breakfast. Don’t expect fancy brewing here, but it’s often a solid way to start your day.
What to Expect When Ordering Vietnamese Coffee
Ordering coffee in Vietnam is part of the fun. Here’s what to expect:
1. The Brewing Process Is Slow
Coffee is often brewed using a phin filter. This process can take 5–7 minutes, so be patient, it’s worth the wait!
2. It’s Strong and Bold
The use of robusta beans gives Vietnamese coffee a more bitter, chocolatey, and earthy flavor compared to smoother arabica blends.
3. It’s Often Served Sweet
Condensed milk is a staple in many Vietnamese coffee drinks, but you can always request yours “không đường” (no sugar) or “ít sữa” (less milk) if you prefer it less sweet.
How Much Does Vietnamese Coffee Cost?
Vietnam is an affordable destination, and coffee is no exception. Here’s a rough idea of prices:
| Type of Coffee | Price in VND | Price in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Street-side iced coffee | 15,000 – 30,000 | $0.60 – $1.20 |
| Coffee shop (local chain) | 40,000 – 70,000 | $1.60 – $2.80 |
| Specialty café | 60,000 – 120,000 | $2.40 – $5.00 |
| Egg coffee (Hanoi) | 40,000 – 60,000 | $1.60 – $2.40 |
Even at the higher end, it’s still a great deal for quality coffee.
Bringing Vietnamese Coffee Home: Beans and Grounds
Want to enjoy Vietnamese coffee even after your trip? Buying coffee beans or grounds in Vietnam is a must for coffee lovers. Here’s what to look for:
1. Where to Buy Coffee Beans or Grounds in Vietnam
- Supermarkets: Stores like Co.opmart, Big C, and VinMart carry local brands at affordable prices.
- Local Markets: Markets like Ben Thanh (Ho Chi Minh City) or Dong Xuan (Hanoi) offer a wide range of beans and grounds. Don’t be afraid to haggle a little!
- Specialty Stores: Visit Trung Nguyên Legend stores or smaller shops like The Coffee House, K’Ho Coffee (Da Lat), or La Viet Coffee for premium selections.
- Online Stores (Vietnamese sites): If you fall in love with a brand, many shops ship globally.
2. Best Vietnamese Coffee Brands
- Trung Nguyên Legend – The most iconic Vietnamese coffee brand. Great for beginners and comes in various blends.
- G7 Instant Coffee – If you want a quick fix with Vietnamese flavor, G7 is a solid instant coffee.
- Sơn La or Buôn Ma Thuột Beans – These are from the highlands and known for high quality.
- La Viet Coffee – Specialty roasters with beans from Dalat.
- K’Ho Coffee – Ethically sourced beans from a local Indigenous community in the Central Highlands.
3. What Type of Coffee to Buy
- Whole Beans – Best if you have a grinder at home and want fresh flavor.
- Ground Coffee – Convenient and easy to use with a phin filter or French press.
- Instant Coffee – Great for travel or gifts. G7 is widely available and surprisingly good.
How to Brew Vietnamese Coffee at Home
Want to recreate the magic at home? Here’s how to make cà phê sữa đá with a phin filter:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee (e.g., Trung Nguyên)
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 120 ml hot water (just below boiling)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Add condensed milk to the bottom of a glass.
- Place the phin filter on top of the glass.
- Add ground coffee into the phin.
- Place the metal press on top and pour in a bit of hot water to bloom the coffee for 30 seconds.
- Fill the filter with the rest of the hot water and let it drip (5–7 minutes).
- Stir and pour over ice. Enjoy!
Vietnamese Coffee Is More Than Just a Drink
Whether you’re a die-hard coffee lover or a curious traveler, Vietnamese coffee offers an experience you won’t forget. It’s affordable, widely available, and comes with a cultural richness that adds depth to your journey.
From sipping cà phê sữa đá on a street corner to bringing home a bag of highland beans, you’ll find that Vietnamese coffee captures the heart and soul of Vietnam in every drop.
So on your next trip, don’t just drink the coffee, immerse yourself in it. Taste the history, the people, and the passion behind one of the world’s most distinctive coffee cultures.
photo by Huỳnh Đạt
