What makes Vietnamese coffee different & unique in the world?
Coffee has always had a significant role in shaping the perception of Vietnamese food and beverage culture. Considering that Vietnamese coffee has a rich, flavorful, and quintessential taste.
Not only is it about the taste, but what makes people around the world love Vietnamese coffee is the culture and way of drinking. But what precisely distinguishes Vietnamese coffee and endears it to so many?
Types of coffee beans in Vietnam
Vietnam's coffee journey traces back to the late 19th century when France introduced Arabica coffee. Firstly, Arabica coffee was grown in the Central Highlands in 1857. Then in 1908, two types of coffee, Robusta and Exelsa were introduced to Vietnam. Robusta thrives in Vietnam's hot, humid climate, making it the predominant variety.
Vietnam's coffee is distinguished by its unique blend of bitter and sweet flavors, propels the country to become the second-most productive coffee-producing nation in the world.
Most Robusta beans are cultivated in Vietnam
Roasting and brewing techniques
Another factor to answer “what makes Vietnamese coffee different” is the roasting and brewing technique.
When it comes to roasting, Vietnamese coffee beans are given a dark roast. The strong, aromatic flavors and fragrances that are distinctive to Vietnamese coffee are enhanced by this roasting procedure. Furthermore, the beans are also roasted with a small amount of butter or oil, which gives them a rich and nutty flavor.
After the beans are perfectly roasted, they are brewed using various traditional methods. A widely used brewing method in Vietnam is the “phin filter”. The phin filter is a small metal chamber with perforated holes that sits atop a cup. After adding ground coffee to the phin, hot water is poured over it.
As the water slowly drips through the coffee grounds and into the cup below, it absorbs the flavors from the coffee grounds. Vietnamese coffee has a full-bodied flavor that develops over time thanks to this slow and controlled brewing process, producing a powerful and intense brew.
The Vietnamese drip brew tools is called a phin filter
More sustainable than regular coffee
As shared above, Robusta coffee is grown more commonly than other coffee varieties and accounts for 90% of the coffee area in Vietnam. The first factor that clarifies this is the Robusta trees' greater strength and disease resistance. They thrive in a broader variety of environmental conditions, such as low-altitude regions with unfavorable climates. Because of its resilience, farming becomes more sustainable by requiring fewer chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
In some cases, Robusta cultivation may help prevent deforestation by offering a viable alternative crop in regions where land conversion for agriculture poses a threat to natural ecosystems. Supporting Robusta cultivation can help with conversion initiatives to protect biodiversity and lessen environmental degradation.
The soil in Vietnam is suitable for growing Robusta
Stronger and bolder taste
One of the best parts of the article answers the question, "What makes Vietnamese coffee different?" since the beverage has a distinct density and bitterness combined with a rich, fatty flavor. Moreover, Robusta has twice as much caffeine as Arabica, which not only intensifies the bitter flavor but also improves flavor, and eliminates any aftertaste of sourness.
Combined with Condensed milk
The condensed milk is another feature that makes Vietnamese coffee so distinctive. This traditional ingredient enhances the flavor and texture of the coffee by creating a rich and creamy beverage. The velvety sweetness of the sweetened condensed milk balances the Robusta beans’ intense flavor. This unique combination has become a signature element of Vietnamese coffee culture, setting it apart from other coffees around the world.
Condensed milk coffee is an intensely strong and sweet taste
Vietnamese coffee culture: Simple and rustic
Vietnam's coffee culture has traditionally been seen as uncomplicated and rural. Every coffee drop swiftly passes through the phin filter when making coffee in the traditional, sluggish way. People frequently converse and exchange stories as they wait.
Specifically, coffee is widely available throughout Vietnam, from crowded sidewalk stands to luxurious places. Nonetheless, the feature that draws in a lot of visitors is the intimate, welcoming ambiance created by the sidewalk coffee furnished with plastic tables and chairs.
Vietnam has unique and impressive coffee style
Discover the most authentic Vietnamese coffee at 88 Coffee
Are you trying to get a rich, pure Vietnamese coffee flavor? With knowledge of the ardor of wealthy coffee enthusiasts, 88 Coffee is the ideal brand to serve a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee. Perfect Robusta coffee beans, carefully chosen from Lam Dong and Dak Lak.
The "butter roasting" method is used concurrently to bring out the rich flavor of the coffee beans. Beyond the exceptional coffee, 88 Coffee offers more than just a beverage; it provides a glimpse into Vietnam's vibrant coffee culture.
Experience the flavor of authentic Vietnamese coffee at 88 Coffee
A visit to 88 Coffee is sure to stimulate your senses and leave you craving more of Vietnam's liquid gold, regardless of your level of experience with the beverage.