Vietnamese Coffee Culture: A Journey in Every Cup

When visiting Vietnam, one of the most immersive cultural experiences you can have is simply sitting at a roadside café, sipping on a strong iced coffee, and watching the hustle and bustle of daily life go by. Coffee in Vietnam is not just a drink—it’s a ritual, a rhythm, a deeply ingrained part of everyday life.

Vietnamese coffee street scene

A Brief History of Coffee in Vietnam

Coffee was introduced to Vietnam by the French in the late 19th century. Over time, it flourished in the highland regions, especially in Buon Ma Thuot and the Central Highlands. Today, Vietnam is the world’s largest exporter of Robusta beans, known for their strong flavor and high caffeine content. The country’s relationship with coffee has evolved into something uniquely Vietnamese, blending European methods with local tastes and traditions.

Types of Vietnamese Coffee You Must Try

• Cà phê sữa đá: The most iconic drink, made with dark roasted coffee and sweetened condensed milk, served over ice.
• Cà phê đen đá: Bold black coffee over ice, no sugar or milk.
• Egg coffee (Cà phê trứng): Originating from Hanoi, this rich, creamy concoction uses whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk.
• Salt coffee (Cà phê muối): A Huế specialty that balances bitterness with a hint of savory salt.
• Coconut coffee (Cà phê dừa): A delightful southern-style treat blending coffee with coconut milk.
• Bạc xỉu: A milk-forward version of Vietnamese coffee popular in the South.

Each type reveals a different aspect of Vietnam’s diverse regions and creative flair.

Different types of Vietnamese coffee

The Phin Filter: Vietnam’s Signature Brewing Method

Forget espresso machines. In Vietnam, the traditional phin filter is the tool of choice. This slow-drip method involves placing ground coffee into a small metal filter atop your glass. Hot water is added, and the coffee slowly drips down. It’s a meditative process that results in a bold, concentrated brew. Watching the phin drip is an experience in itself, often prompting conversation, reflection, or even quiet people-watching.

From Street Stools to Stylish Cafés

Vietnamese coffee culture spans a wide spectrum:

• Sidewalk cafés: Plastic stools, simple settings, strong coffee. A true local experience.
• Retro French-era coffee houses: Evoking a colonial charm with vintage interiors.
• Modern specialty cafés: Trendy spots offering cold brews, pour-overs, and single-origin beans.

If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, we recommend trying:

• Cà phê Đỗ Phủ: A historical café that doubles as a museum.
• Cà phê Bệt Nhà Thờ: For a youth-driven, open-air experience.
• The Workshop: Saigon’s go-to for specialty brews.
• Trung Nguyên Legend: The flagship of Vietnam’s leading coffee brand.

vietnam-coffee-experiences-workshop-classes-saigon-lacaph-5

Coffee as a Social Ritual

In Vietnam, coffee is more than just a caffeine fix. It’s a reason to gather. Friends meet for cà phê, professionals hold meetings in cafés, and elders enjoy long morning conversations over slow sips. It’s common to see people enjoying coffee any time of the day. The pace is unhurried, the atmosphere welcoming.

Even solo coffee moments are treasured—watching the world go by while the phin drips is a uniquely Vietnamese pause.

Source: Sagon

Coffee Experiences for Travelers

Beyond drinking coffee, you can dive deeper into the culture:

• Join a coffee brewing workshop.
• Visit coffee farms in Da Lat or Buon Ma Thuot.
• Take a walking tour that includes historical coffee spots.

If you’re exploring Ho Chi Minh City, check out our curated Walking Tour that blends culture, history, and of course, local coffee gems.

Tourist enjoying coffee in Saigon

Final Sips

Vietnamese coffee culture is vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in community. Whether you’re sipping cà phê sữa đá on a busy street corner or enjoying egg coffee in a quiet nook in Hanoi, each cup tells a story.

When in Vietnam, do as the locals do: sit back, slow down, and sip.