What is Vietnamese coffee? Exploring the best drink

Vietnamese coffee is flavorful, strong, and intense; it provides a powerful kick of caffeine quickly. A daily cup of coffee became customary amongst the locals. Vietnamese coffee has become its own unique style, with variations using eggs, cold-foam, and salt.

But what exactly is Vietnamese coffee? And what’s the uniqueness of coffee from Vietnam that’s made people all around the world impressed?

The history and culture of Vietnamese coffee

History

In the 19th century, coffee was first introduced to the country by French colonists as an export corp. However, it was not until the 20th century that the coffee industry really started to take off.

Vietnamese coffee is traditionally roasted dark, resulting in a strong, intense, and rich flavor from the use of butter oil in roasting. As coffee became popular across Vietnamese regions, the process of roasting evolved in various ways.

Culture

In the old days, the coffee culture was characterized by a distinct and leisurely approach to the art of drinking coffee. There are a number of traditional coffees, like milk coffee, black coffee, and white coffee. The act of savoring coffee in the past went beyond a mere beverage; it was a cherished social ritual.

Individuals would gather in intimate settings, often in traditional coffee houses, to engage in unhurried conversations, discuss matters of importance, or simply find solace in the comforting warmth of a well-brewed cup.

The slow pace of coffee consumption reflected the cultural emphasis on shared experiences and community bonds. 

During this era, variations of coffee such as coconut coffee, yogurt coffee, salt coffee, and a lot more - Began to emerge, adding creative dimensions to the traditional coffee culture. These recipes, which combined regional ingredients with aromatic depth of coffee, demonstrated the Vietnamese people’s innovation. 

6 types of Vietnamese coffee

To discover more details about “What is Vietnamese coffee?” Let's dive into the most popular coffee styles that are well-known around the world.

Cà phê đen (Black coffee)

Vietnamese black iced coffee is exactly what it sounds like - A heavily concentrated drip of pure coffee combined with a substantial serving of ice cubes at the bottom of a cup.

The ice cubes melt as you combine the two, making the liquid more palatable. However, keep in mind that Vietnamese coffee is super strong and fairly bitter because of the thick viscosity from phin filter brewing.

classic black coffee has a powerful flavor

Classic black coffee has a powerful flavor

Cà phê sữa (Milk coffee)

Vietnam is well-known for its coffee culture, and Vietnamese people consider drinking coffee first thing in the morning to be a daily ritual.

Cà phê sữa (milk coffee) or Nâu đá (brown coffee) ranked second in a list of the world’s 10 best coffees by combining sweetened condensed milk and black coffee. Although it is typically served cold with ice, you can request it hot as well.

Milk coffee well-known in Vietnam culture

Milk coffee is well-known in Vietnam culture

View more: Savor culinary delight with butter roasted coffee beans

Cà phê trứng (Egg coffee)

It is a Hanoi invention; egg coffee first made the scene in the 1940s, when milk was scarce and egg yolks provided a convenient replacement.

Café Giang in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where it was invented, still serves egg coffee, but other places now offer their recipe by whipping egg yolk with condensed milk into an airy froth that meets dark coffee in this rich concoction.

Hence, many coffee drinkers prefer the sweeter variation called Bạc xỉu (marble coffee), which is basically a coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk and cream and poured into a cup full of ice cubes.

Egg coffee is often served in a small cup

Egg coffee is often served in a small cup

Cà phê dừa (Coconut coffee)

Vietnam’s creative and exquisite take on coconut coffee blends the rich tastes of Vietnamese coffee with the creamy smoothness of coconut. This unusual mixture is usually made with Robusta coffee, which is brewed with an extra kick from Robusta beans. Then it is served with coconut cream or milk.

The distinctive flavor profile of coconut coffee and the way it incorporates tropical ingredients into traditional Vietnamese coffee culture have made it increasingly popular. It is the perfect example of how Vietnamese people love to be creative when combining regional ingredients to improve the coffee experience.

whats in Vietnamese coffee? Vietnamese coconut coffee offers a tasty twist on the traditional brew, giving a touch of tropical flair to the lively coffee culture of Vietnam. It can be savored as a lovely afternoon treat or as a morning pick-me-up.

coconut coffee has a distinct flavor

Coconut coffee has a distinct flavor

Cà phê sữa chua (Yogurt coffee)

Are you a coffee lover, and looking for a recipe that is not only tasty but also good for your health? Yogurt coffee definitely is the perfect choice, particularly during hot weather, offering a refreshing and indulgent twist on Vietnamese coffee.

Moreover, yogurt contains probiotic, beneficial bacteria that support a healthy digestive system. These microorganisms contribute to gut health by promoting a balanced microbiome.

a perfect combination of sweetness and tartness

A perfect combination of sweetness and tartness

Cà phê muối (Salt coffee)

It was reported that a Hue couple introduced Vietnamese salt coffee for the first time in 2010. In the last ten years, both residents and visitors to Hue have come to love this traditional Vietnamese coffee.

What's in Vietnamese coffee? Salt, milk, and coffee are the ingredients. Salt is an ingredient that helps enhance the flavors and taste of the coffee beans without adding artificial flavors or additional sweeteners.

salt coffee has characteristic and intense flavor

Salt coffee has characteristic and intense flavor 

Experiencing Vietnamese coffee at 88 Coffee: A journey to remember

To get a taste of Vietnamese coffee right here - 88 Coffee currently offers the authentic and traditional flavor that define this nation’s coffee heritage.

Sourced with quality Robusta coffee beans that taste versatile with any method or way of brewing and drinking. We are dedicated to providing coffee that authentically captures Vietnam with no compromises.

authentic coffee at 88 coffee

Authentic Vietnamese coffee at 88 Coffee

We recognize how frustrating it can be to come across artificial flavors, fillers, and expensive prices when trying to make coffee a daily necessity. For this reason, we have meticulously chosen our product line to provide you with a remarkable and reasonably priced real Vietnamese coffee experience.

Enjoy the best cup of real Vietnamese coffee that can be found in the United States right now!