GOOD MORNING VIETNAM: Your FREE guide to Vietnamese Coffee Culture!
The History of Vietnemese Coffee
Although the concept of coffee was originally introduced by French colonists in the 19th century, the vietnemese quickly adapted their own blends and preparation techniques which has continued to adapt and become the sort after coffee they serve today!
Following years of struggle caused but The Vietnam War, the reformation of Vietnam in the 1980s sparked the rapid growth of the coffee industry! Today, Vietnam accounts for 30% of the world’s total coffee production and produces 40% of the worlds Robusta beans.
Robusta
Robusta is the main bean grown and used to make coffee in Vietnam. Robusta beans come from the canephora plant, which originated in the Kongo, Central Africa. However, due to its lower altitudes and favourable climate conditions, the central highland regions of Vietnam offers the perfect conditions for Robusta growth, with Dak Lak province being the largest producer. Due to its higher caffeine content, Robusta is much more resilient to pests and climate changes, making it a much more sustainable to grow and allowing farmers to generate larger yields.
When compared to Arabiaca, robusta coffee is often described to have a bold and bitter taste. Personally, I would describe the taste as strong and earthy and I feel that many of the Robusta blends I have tasted have alot more depth and flavour when compared to Arabica, often with spiced, floral or cholatley undertones. Another important thing to note is that Robusta beans contain twice as much caffeine as your average cups of Arabica! Those sensitive to caffeine you have been warned!
Traditional Drip Coffee
Vietnemese: Cà phê phin
The most common method of brewing Vietnemese coffee is using a traditional Phin filter. This allows hot water to drip through the grounds, leaving you with a short, strong coffee. If you are new to Robusta, I personally would suggest adding a condensed milk (trust me..) to balance the boldness of the Robusta beans.
And there you have it, your perfect drip coffee!
If visiting the central highlands I would strongly suggest visiting a coffee plantation . I visited the Me Lihn Coffee Garden, were I was able to enjoy a traditional Vietnemese Weasel Coffee.
The Asian civet, referred to by the Vietnemese as “Chon” which directly translates to “Weasel” feed off of the Robusta coffee plant. Once passed, the beans are then collected, throughly cleaned and roasted to create the Weasel coffee.
Cat-poo-chino!!☕️🦝💩
Although it might sound a little gross, don’t let that put you off! Firstly, the beans are throughly cleaned, processed and roasted before reaching your cup! In addition, the civets only eat the best beans from the plant which is believed to enhance the quality of the coffee made. Furthermore, as the beans pass through the civets digestive tract they are chemically altered by enzymes, which is believed to enhance the coffee’s taste.
Vietnemese Iced Coffee
Vietnemese: Cà phê sữa đá
This is essentially Phin coffee, brewed over a base of condensed milk and then poured over ice. Now I know what some of you are thinking….CONDENSED MILK. But trust me on this one, it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I personally don’t have the sweetest tooth but the condensed milk balances with the bold blend perfectly. In most cafes you can alter the amount of condensed milk according to taste. Personally I would start with 20% condensed milk and if you find the coffee too strong, increase to 30-40% condensed milk. Some places will even serve upto 60%!
I enjoyed many iced coffees at our beautiful Homestay in Hoi An. Read my guide all about how to plan your perfect trip to Hoi An to find out more!🏮🇻🇳✨
Egg Coffee
Vietnemese: Cà phê trứng
The iconic egg coffee originated in Hanoi, Northern Vietnam. Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender from Hanoi founded the concept during the first Indochina war in response to milk shortages.
The airy foam is made by combining egg yolk with honey, vanilla, condensed milk and rice wine. This is then poured over your black coffee with condensed milk, before being boiled for five minutes to create the iconic egg coffee. Once boiled combine the layers and enjoy your delicious, creamy coffee! Many often compare it to a drinkable tiramisu!😍
Although I enjoyed many egg coffees across Vietnam, there is nothing beats the egg coffee in the North!
Salt Coffee
Vietnemese: Cà phê muối
Originating from the old capital of Hue, Salt coffee combines age old coffee traditions with the 21st century creativity! The combination of bitter robusta, cream and the magic ingredient, a pinch of salt, creates a coffee with a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This is one for my fellow salted caramel lovers!
I was lucky to taste many amazing variations across the country but by far my favourite was a salt coffee made in my hostel in Mui Ne, a coastal town in Southern Vietnam.
Coconut Coffee
Vietnemese: Cà Phê Dừa
A tropical twist on tradition, the coconut coffee combines the rich robusta with coconut to create the perfect concoction for coconut lovers! Although it’s origin is unclear, this coffee can be seen served over ice across the country, but is particularly popular in the south.
I also enjoyed local coconut coffee blends served hot whilst trekking in Sapa and on the Ha Giang loop in the North. If your a lover of the coconut coffee, this is the perfect pick me up in the chilly mountainous regions!
Vietnemese Coffee Making Class in Hoi An
Why not fully immerse yourself in the vietnemese coffee culture and take a Vietnemese coffee making class?
Learn the secret recipes and preparation techniques of 5 of Vietnams most famous coffees. An amazing afternoon packed with information, fun and most importantly COFFEE!!
I couldn’t recommend this class anymore highly! I did this on my recent trip to Vietnam and it was definelty one of my highlights. The team are so much fun and I haven’t laughed so much in a long time! Aside from learning the craft of coffee, the class is a great way to connect with fellow travellers and have fun together!
See the link below for the class we booked :)
A final note from me
No matter what tickles your taste buds, sweet or salty, smooth or bitter, in Vietnam there is a perfect cup for everyone! I hope this guide gives you a useful insight to Vietnam’s coffee culture and encourages you to try and taste all of the amazing coffee Vietnam has to offer!
Any questions?
For any further travel advice please take a look at my travel guides and services page for more advise on various locations! ☺️👋🏻🌴🌺🌏
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