In the middle of the hectic streets of Saigon and the rice-field greenery of Sapa lies a rich tradition soaked in history and flavor: Vietnamese coffee. A tribute to resilience and cultural pride, Vietnamese coffee has captivated the hearts of its people and coffee lovers all around the world. Every city in Vietnam smells like coffee.
This guide invites you to discover the essence of Vietnamese coffee, from its robust beans to the unique brewing methods that make it such a distinguished product in coffee shops worldwide.
What Makes Vietnamese Coffee Unique
Vietnamese coffee is distinguished by its use of Robusta beans, which are known for their strong flavor and higher caffeine content than the more commonly used Arabica beans. This choice of bean contributes to a bold and intense coffee with a slightly bitter and rich taste.
The traditional brewing process, using a Phin filter—a small metal drip filter—further enhances this intensity, allowing for a slow extraction that results in a full-bodied brew.
The most iconic Vietnamese coffee recipes include Càphêđen (black coffee), Càphêsữađá (iced coffee with condensed milk), Càphêtrứng (egg coffee), and Càphêsữachua (yogurt coffee). Each variant offers a unique taste experience, which you can find spread across the entire nation as a morning and afternoon ritual for locals.
The Vietnamese Coffee Experience
In Vietnam, coffee is a morning ritual, a social affair, and an integral part of daily life. Slowly savoring a cup of Vietnamese coffee, often over conversations, mirrors the Vietnamese approach to life: taking the time to appreciate the present.
Comparatively, Vietnamese instant coffee stands out from other instant coffee styles with its distinctive preparation and flavors. While Italian espresso boasts a quick and intense shot of coffee, and Turkish coffee is known for its unfiltered method, Vietnamese coffee’s charm lies in its slow drip process and the unique combination of flavors, especially the sweet contrast provided by condensed milk.
The slow drip of the Phin filter is a meditation on patience, a reminder to slow down.
A Day Starts with Coffee
For many Vietnamese, the day begins with a cup of coffee at one of the many coffee shops around the cities and rural areas. These establishments range from the traditional, where time seems to slow down, to the modern and trendy, catering to the younger generation’s tastes and preferences. However, the core of the experience remains the same: a moment of pause, of relaxation amid the chaos of daily life.
In the older quarters of Vietnamese cities, it’s common to see small plastic stools spilling out onto the sidewalks, with customers sipping their brews and watching the world go by.
Coffee in the Vietnamese Landscape
Vietnam’s coffee culture also reflects its agricultural prowess. The country is the world’s largest producer of Robusta beans, which thrive in the Vietnamese climate. With its ideal coffee-growing conditions, the Central Highlands region is the heart of this production. Visiting these areas offers a deeper appreciation for the journey from bean to cup.
While traditional Vietnamese coffee remains beloved, modern interpretations and fusion creations are gaining popularity, especially among the younger generation. Innovations such as coconut coffee, with coconut milk instead of traditional dairy, or craft coffee shops experimenting with different brewing techniques and bean varieties show the evolving nature of Vietnamese coffee culture.
Brewing Your Own Vietnamese Coffee
To bring the authentic taste of Vietnamese coffee into your home, you’ll need a Phin filter, quality Robusta beans, and condensed milk. Here’s a simple guide to making traditional Càphêsữađá:
Essential Tools and Ingredients
- Phin Filter: The soul of Vietnamese coffee brewing. This metal drip filter, available in various sizes, is designed to sit atop your cup, slowly dripping the coffee into it.
- Robusta Beans: Opt for high-quality, medium to coarse ground Robusta beans for authentic flavor. Robusta’s bold and somewhat bitter profile is the cornerstone of Vietnamese coffee’s character.
- Condensed Milk: Sweet, thick, and creamy, condensed milk balances Robusta’s intensity and adds a velvety texture.
The Brewing Ritual
- Warm the Phin and cup with hot water to maintain the temperature during brewing. Discard the water before starting your coffee.
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of ground coffee into the filter base. Tap the filter lightly to level the grounds, then place the press on top of the coffee. This step is crucial for an even and slow drip.
- Pour a small amount of hot water (about 20-30ml) over the grounds to let them bloom. Wait about 30 seconds for the coffee grounds to expand. This process releases gases and ensures a fuller extraction of flavors.
- Complete the Brew: Add more hot water to fill the filter. Cover with the lid and let the coffee drip through. The ideal brew time is about 4-5 minutes. If it drips too quickly, adjust by using a finer grind or pressing the grounds more firmly next time.
- While the coffee is dripping, add condensed milk to your taste at the bottom of the cup. Once the coffee has fully dripped through, stir well to blend the coffee and milk.
For Càphêsữađá (iced coffee), pour the coffee over a glass full of ice. Enjoy it black or with a twist by adding egg yolk or yogurt for different traditional variations.
Tips for the Perfect Cup
Use water just off the boil (around 95°C or 203°F) to extract the optimal flavor. Adjust the amount of coffee, the grind size, and the amount of condensed milk according to your personal preference. Experimenting is key to finding your perfect balance.
In the end, ensure your Phin filter is clean and dry between uses to maintain the purity of flavors.
Where to Find Vietnamese Coffee
Thanks to international markets and online stores, Vietnamese coffee can be enjoyed all around the world. Look for brands specializing in Robusta beans and offering Phin filters to ensure an authentic brewing experience. Popular brands include TrungNguyên and Café Du Monde, with the latter being a favorite for its chicory-infused blend that closely mimics the Vietnamese style.
A Beginner’s Guide to Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is a flavorful tribute to Vietnam’s rich culture and history. We encourage you to explore its diverse flavors and embrace the slow, mindful approach to savoring each sip. Test your barista skills by making traditional Vietnamese coffee at home, or find a coffee shop that can introduce you to the intricate flavors of Robusta beans.
Let this be the start of your journey through the world of Vietnamese coffee.
