Food isn’t the only thing Vietnam is famous for. It’s also renowned for its coffee. Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, and almost 95% of that is Robusta beans. Bold, high-caffeine, earthy, and unapologetically strong. Think coffee with a kick.
While Vietnamese coffee can have you feeling like you could run a marathon, it can also be something to relax and enjoy. Having a coffee with friends is a huge part of the culture here. It’s one of the reasons there are so many independent coffee shops across the country.
The Vietnamese have mastered coffee and even gotten creative with it. You’ve probably heard of the famous Egg Coffee, but did you know there are so many other amazing coffee drinks here? If you’re a coffee lover, Vietnam is your place. Here’s a look at some of our favourites that you must try! Don’t blame us if you get hooked 😉
Cà Phê Cốt Dừa (Coconut Coffee) 🥥
Tropical and Icey.
Think Frappe but better. This is a sweet, frosty mix of coconut cream, condensed milk, and strong robusta coffee. Served blended like a smoothie, it’s refreshing and genuinely delish. Sometimes they add coconut flakes on top for extra crunch. It is a fan favourite because it is one of the best coffee drinks on Earth.
Cà Phê Muối (Salt Coffee) 🧂
Salty. Creamy. A sensation.
Created in the ancient city of Huế, this coffee is a salty-sweet surprise. A layer of salted whipped cream sits on top of robusta coffee, hot or iced. The salt enhances the taste and makes this drink really unique. It’s perfect for an after-meal caffeine hit.
Bạc Xỉu (Saigon-Style Milk Coffee) 🥛☕
Smooth. Sweet. All-round deliciousness.
Originating in Saigon, this is one for the sweeter coffee lovers. It’s made with a higher ratio of milk to coffee, typically using fresh milk, condensed milk, or sometimes both. This results in a creamy, sweet taste that delights your taste buds. Yum yum yum!
Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk) 🧊
The OG. The icon. The lifeblood of the streets.
A slow drip of dark roasted Robusta from a metal phin filter, poured over a layer of rich, sticky condensed milk in a glass full of ice. It’s strong enough to slap you out of your sleepiness but smooth enough to crave every day.
Cà Phê Đen (Black Coffee) ⚫
No milk. No sugar. Not for the weak.
This is coffee with no frills. Just pure, dark-roasted robusta brewed from a phin, poured over ice or served hot. If you like strong, bitter coffee, you’ll like this. It’s sharp and will kick you straight into action.
Cà phê Bơ (Avocado Coffee) 🥑
Unusual. Thick. Surprisingly tasty.
Yes, it sounds weird. But it’s actually really nice. It’s a creamy blend of ripe avocado, condensed milk and Vietnamese coffee, often served over ice. Don’t knock it till you try it!
Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee) 🥚
Creamy. Custardy. Pure Hanoi magic.
Ok, we know we said you’ve probably heard of this. But it’s so iconic that we had to include it anyway. This historic drink blends egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk, whipped into a thick foam and spooned on top of bitter coffee. You either love it or you hate it. Either way, you need to try it.
Newer Coffee Creations💡
Because Vietnam never stops innovating.
These are experimental drinks you’ll find at modern cafés pushing Vietnamese flavours in bold directions. You heard it here first.
- Cà phê Cam (Orange Coffee): Espresso + orange juice – sounds weird, tastes amazing.
- Affogato Vietnam-style: Coffee poured over regular or coconut ice cream. Perfect on a hot day.
- Cold Brew Tonic: Coffee with sparkling tonic. Fizzy, crisp, super refreshing.
- Cà Phê Kem Cheese (Cheese Foam Coffee): Salted cream cheese foam on top of coffee. A velvety treat.
- Cà Phê Dâu (Strawberry Coffee): Espresso with strawberry jam or syrup. Fruity, punchy, and fun.
Coffee is more than just a drink here. It’s a language spoken in clinking glasses, strong aromas and long conversations. It’s bold. It’s sweet. It’s salty. It’s creamy. It’s caffeinated creativity at its best. Vietnam loves coffee, and we love Vietnam’s coffee. So go out and get cafe hopping! ☕
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