Vietnam’s Coffee Culture

Welcome to my article on Vietnam’s coffee culture. Having travelled to Vietnam regularly over the past year, I feel compelled to pay homage to the country’s incredible relationship with coffee. In Vietnam, coffee isn’t just a beverage – it’s a way of life. It reflects the nation’s strength, resourcefulness, and remarkable historical transformation. Coffee was first introduced to Vietnam in the 19th century by the French during the colonial period. Since then, the country has grown to become the world’s second-largest coffee producer. Robusta beans are the dominant variety, but Vietnam also cultivates arabica and unique specialty coffees – including the famous weasel (civet) coffee.

Popular Vietnamese coffee you should know

1. The Iconic Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Among the many Vietnamese coffee styles, this is one of the most popular – strong, dark coffee brewed using a phin filter, mixed with sweetened condensed milk, and poured over ice.. It’s a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness, especially on hot days.

2. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) – Notably a unique specialty from Hanoi, egg coffee combines coffee with a creamy, frothy mixture of whipped egg yolk and sugar.. It’s rich and dessert-like, often served hot in a small cup.

3. Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Dừa) – Building on tradition with a modern twist, this refreshing drink blends Vietnamese coffee with coconut cream and crushed ice, resulting in a sweet, tropical treat that’s especially popular in southern regions like Ho Chi Minh City.

4. Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối) – Originating from Huế, this intriguing blend adds a pinch of salt to black coffee and cream. The salt enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness while reducing bitterness.

5. White Coffee (Bac Xiu) –  A milder version of iced coffee, often made with a larger proportion of milk. 

6. Smoothie Coffee (Sinh to ca phe)–  A blended coffee drink often featuring fruit and other ingredients. 

Alambe- Finest Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnam's Coffee Culture
I had the chance to visit this artisan coffee producer located in the Thu Duc District. Alambe redefines what it means to savour a cup of coffee. Stepping out of my Grab ride, the rich aroma of roasting beans enveloped me, blending with the warmth of Ho Chi Minh City summer.
Vietnam's Coffee Culture
Inside the modern roasting house, I watched as beans were slow-roasted using modern customed built roaster. The care and passion behind every step was deeply inspiring.
Vietnam's Coffee Culture
With careful precision, the skill and experience of a roastmaster are crucial in transforming raw green beans into rich, flavorful coffee through expert control of the roasting process. Selection of high-quality beans, developing roasting profiles, and operating roasting equipment to achieve the desired flavour profiles. 
Vietnam's Coffee Culture
Using the ideal utensil, time and the best prepared grounded coffee all go towards a great cup of caffeine escape.
Vietnam's Coffee Culture
The company barista made my visit even more memorable with a cup of slow-brewed arabica from Da Lat. The richness of complex flavours combined with the subtle fragrance of orange flowers was simply a class on its own.
Vietnam's Coffee Culture
Mr.Quang Phan, Alambe’s coffee evangelist and investor, embodies the nuances of great coffee – it isn’t just about flavour – it’s about story, tradition, and the people who pour their heart into every bean.

Conclusion

Vietnam's Coffee Culture

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or simply a curious traveller, Vietnam’s coffee scene promises an unforgettable experience that lingers after the last sip. So, until your next adventure, stay curious and may your wanderlusts be as vibrant as your morning brew. Don’t forget to explore more of my journeys here. 

P.S- Jensen Chua Photography holds all the rights to the pictures used in the article. The opinion expressed is factual, objective, and that of the author. This is not a sponsored post.

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