Vietnam is a coffee lover’s paradise, and its coffee culture is deeply rooted in the country’s history, shaping the way locals enjoy their daily cup of joe. From bustling street cafés to intimate local spots, Vietnam offers a unique coffee experience that blends tradition, flavor, and atmosphere. Whether you’re a dedicated coffee connoisseur or just someone who loves a good cup of coffee, a journey through Vietnam’s coffee culture is a must for anyone visiting.
Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, producing primarily Robusta beans, which are known for their stronger, more bitter flavor compared to the milder Arabica beans commonly found in other countries. The Vietnamese have perfected their coffee preparations over centuries, and a trip through Vietnam is incomplete without sampling some of its iconic coffee drinks, from the famous cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk) to more regional specialties.
1. Hanoi: The Traditional Heart of Coffee Culture
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city that boasts a rich coffee culture steeped in history. The tradition of drinking coffee here goes beyond just the drink itself; it’s about the environment, the ambiance, and the conversation that happens over a steaming cup.
- Cà phê sữa đá (Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk): In Hanoi, you’ll find many cafés that serve cà phê sữa đá, a refreshing, sweet, and strong iced coffee drink made with Robusta beans and a generous amount of sweetened condensed milk. It’s the drink of choice for many locals, and sipping it while watching the world go by in the bustling Old Quarter is an experience in itself.
- Giang Café: For an authentic taste of Hanoi’s coffee culture, Giang Café is a must-visit. Established in the 1940s, this café is famous for cà phê trứng (egg coffee), a unique and indulgent drink made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robusta coffee. The result is a smooth, creamy coffee that feels like a dessert in a cup.
- Hanoi’s Coffee Street: There’s a whole street in the Old Quarter dedicated to coffee lovers—Café Giảng Street. This area is lined with historic cafés offering traditional and modern takes on Vietnamese coffee. Here, you can also enjoy cà phê bún (coffee with yogurt), a popular treat in Hanoi that blends the smoothness of yogurt with the rich flavor of coffee.
2. Ho Chi Minh City: Coffee in the Fast-Paced South
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the bustling, dynamic heart of southern Vietnam. Here, coffee culture has a modern edge, with trendy cafés and a vibrant coffee scene that blends traditional Vietnamese coffee with international influences.
- Cà phê sữa nóng (Hot Coffee with Condensed Milk): While cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee) is the favorite in the north, cà phê sữa nóng (hot coffee with condensed milk) is more commonly served in the southern part of Vietnam. The hot version of this drink is just as indulgent, with the sweetened condensed milk adding a layer of creaminess to the strong, bold coffee flavor.
- The Workshop: A standout café in Ho Chi Minh City is The Workshop, which takes coffee seriously. Known for its artisanal approach to brewing and a focus on high-quality beans, this modern café offers a range of specialty coffees, including pour-overs, cold brews, and even nitro coffee. If you’re a coffee aficionado looking for a unique experience, this is the place to go.
- Traditional Street Coffee: Don’t miss out on the street coffee culture in Ho Chi Minh City. Many locals enjoy their coffee sitting on tiny stools on the sidewalks, chatting with friends or simply observing the world around them. You’ll find cafés offering a variety of coffee drinks, including cà phê đen đá (black iced coffee) and cà phê sữa dừa (iced coconut milk coffee).
3. Hoi An: A Blend of Old and New
The charming town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only known for its picturesque streets and ancient architecture but also for its laid-back coffee culture. Here, you can savor a cup of coffee while soaking in the historical atmosphere and unique fusion of cultures.
- Cà phê sữa dừa (Iced Coconut Coffee): One of the special coffee drinks you’ll find in Hoi An is cà phê sữa dừa, or coconut milk coffee. This tropical twist on the traditional Vietnamese coffee is made with rich coconut milk and strong Robusta coffee, creating a creamy, sweet, and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for the warm climate.
- Reaching Out Tea House: A must-visit café in Hoi An is the Reaching Out Tea House, which offers an exceptional coffee experience in a tranquil, serene setting. This café employs hearing and speech-impaired staff, and customers can enjoy a quiet, peaceful environment while savoring their coffee. Their cà phê sữa đá is particularly popular, and their charming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing coffee break.
- Hoi An’s Café Scene: Hoi An’s coffee scene is unique in that it combines traditional Vietnamese coffee with international influences. You’ll find cafés serving everything from traditional drip coffee to more Western-style cappuccinos and lattes. Be sure to visit Faifo Coffee, a rooftop café with sweeping views of the old town and a delicious selection of locally sourced coffee.
4. Da Lat: Coffee in Vietnam’s Coffee Capital
Da Lat, located in the central highlands, is Vietnam’s coffee-growing region and is often called the country’s coffee capital. Surrounded by coffee plantations and cooler temperatures, Da Lat is the perfect place to experience both the origins and the culture of Vietnamese coffee.
- Coffee Plantations: For a more immersive coffee experience, visit one of Da Lat’s many coffee plantations. Here, you can learn about the coffee-growing process, from harvesting the beans to roasting them. Many plantations offer tours and tastings, allowing you to savor the rich flavors of fresh, locally grown coffee.
- The Dalat Train Station Café: A visit to Dalat Train Station offers a unique café experience in an old French colonial building. Here, you can sip a coffee while admiring the beautiful architecture and enjoying the cool mountain air. The station has a small café serving various local coffee drinks, including cà phê đen (black coffee) and cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk).
- The Little Paris Café: This quaint café is a hidden gem in Da Lat, offering a blend of French and Vietnamese coffee culture. Sip on rich Vietnamese coffee while enjoying the café’s charming decor and delicious pastries. The café also serves unique coffee drinks like cà phê sữa dừa with a twist.
5. The Vietnamese Coffee Experience: Beyond the Drink
In addition to enjoying a cup of coffee, visiting local cafés in Vietnam is a cultural experience in itself. The way coffee is served and enjoyed is an integral part of Vietnamese daily life. Many coffee shops have their own distinct personalities, whether they’re bustling with locals or offering a calm oasis in the middle of a busy street. Here, coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s an opportunity to socialize, relax, and connect with others.
Vietnamese coffee is often brewed using a drip filter, called a phin, which allows the coffee to brew slowly, resulting in a strong and concentrated drink. The process itself is part of the experience, as the coffee drips drop by drop into the glass below, creating a moment of anticipation as you wait for your cup.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s coffee culture is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself, offering a blend of rich history, strong flavors, and unique traditions. Whether you’re sipping a cup of cà phê sữa đá on the bustling streets of Hanoi, trying the creamy cà phê sữa dừa in Hoi An, or exploring the coffee plantations in Da Lat, there’s no shortage of unforgettable coffee experiences to be had in this beautiful country. For coffee lovers, a visit to Vietnam is a true journey into the heart of one of the world’s most exciting and flavorful coffee cultures.
