Cafes

Coffee in Vietnam: A Rich and Vibrant Tradition

Did you know? Vietnam is more than just a tourist destination with stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine. It is also a land of coffee, where this beverage is deeply rooted in the culture and daily life of its people.
 

A Coffee History

Coffee was introduced to Vietnam by French colonists in the 19th century. Thanks to the favorable climate of the Central Highlands, especially in the Buôn Ma Thuột region, coffee cultivation rapidly developed. Today, Vietnam is the second-largest producer of Robusta coffee in the world, just behind Brazil.

Cafés: Places of Life and Culture

In Vietnam, cafés are not just places to grab a quick drink. They are places of life, exchange, and creativity. Vietnamese people have a habit of spending hours in cafés, discussing everything and nothing, working on their projects, or simply watching the world go by.

Iconic Cafés

Trung Nguyên Café

One iconic example is Trung Nguyên Café, a chain founded in 1996 in Buôn Ma Thuột. Trung Nguyên has become a symbol of Vietnamese coffee culture, offering a wide range of coffees, from the classic Vietnamese filter coffee (cà phê phin) to egg coffee (cà phê trứng).

Art and Concept Cafés

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it is not uncommon to find cafés that are also art galleries, bookstores, or coworking spaces. These conceptual cafés are places where artists, writers, and entrepreneurs meet, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere.

Café Giảng in Hanoi

Founded in 1946, Café Giảng is the birthplace of the famous egg coffee. This drink, born out of a milk shortage during the war, is prepared with beaten eggs, sugar, condensed milk, and of course... coffee. The result is a rich, creamy, and delightfully sweet cup.

The Note Coffee

Located near Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hanoi, The Note Coffee is known for its encouraging notes scattered throughout the café. Customers can write their own messages and stick them on the walls, tables, or even the cups, contributing to a warm and positive atmosphere.

Café Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City

A unique concept in Ho Chi Minh City is Café Apartment, an entire building transformed into a series of cafés, shops, and restaurants. Each floor offers a different ambiance, from vintage to modern, allowing visitors to discover a new universe on each level.
 

Unique Preparation Methods to Absolutely Try

Cà Phê Phin: A Vietnamese Caffeine Ritual

Cà phê phin, an emblem of Vietnamese coffee culture, is prepared with a metal filter called phin.
Instructions:
Preparation: Place the phin on top of a cup and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of ground coffee (usually Robusta) into the filter.
Tamping: Gently tamp the coffee using the filter press.
Initial Infusion: Pour a little hot water to moisten the coffee ("blooming"). Then fill the phin to the brim.
Slow Extraction: Allow the water to slowly drip through the coffee, infusing a strong and flavorful brew (this may take a few minutes).
Tasting:
Cà phê phin is often served with sweetened condensed milk at the bottom of the cup. You can enjoy it hot or transform it into a refreshing cà phê sữa đá by pouring it over ice.

Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)

Cà phê trứng is a specialty originating from Hanoi, particularly from the famous Café Giảng. It is prepared with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and, of course, coffee. Here's the process:
Egg Cream Preparation: Beat egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk until thick and creamy.
Coffee Preparation: Prepare a strong coffee, usually using a phin.
Assembly: Pour the hot coffee into a cup, then add the egg cream on top. The egg cream floats on the coffee, creating a rich and velvety drink.

Cà Phê Sữa Chua (Yogurt Coffee)

Cà phê sữa chua is another unique creation that combines coffee with yogurt. This surprising blend offers a pleasant balance between the acidity of the yogurt and the bitterness of coffee:
Coffee Preparation: Prepare a strong coffee, once again often using a phin.
Assembly: In a glass, combine plain yogurt with sweetened condensed milk. Add the coffee on top and mix well.
Serving: This coffee is usually enjoyed cold, with added ice for a refreshing drink.

Cà Phê Dừa (Coconut Coffee)

Cà phê dừa is a delicious iced beverage that combines coffee and coconut cream:
Coffee Preparation: Prepare a strong coffee.
Coconut Cream Preparation: Mix coconut cream with sweetened condensed milk and ice in a blender until smooth and creamy

Other Gourmet Variations

Cà Phê Muối (Salt Coffee): A specialty from Hué, where a pinch of salt is added to the coffee to soften its bitterness and enhance the flavors.
Cà Phê Bạc Xỉu: A light coffee with a generous amount of sweetened condensed milk, often served cold.

Conclusion

Coffee in Vietnam is more than just a beverage; it is a true cultural institution. From its colonial origins to the bustling modern coffee scene, and with unique culinary creations, Vietnamese coffee tells a rich and diverse story. Whether you are a coffee lover or simply curious, Vietnamese coffees offer a unique and memorable experience.