10 Most Delicious Vietnamese Coffee Drinks to Try

Vietnam: a land where the air is fragrant with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the streets buzz with the energy of millions of coffee lovers. 

This Southeast Asian gem isn’t just famous for its stunning landscapes and rich history; it’s also renowned as the world’s second-largest coffee producer.

Yes, you heard that right!

Nestled comfortably right behind Brazil, Vietnam is a heavyweight in the coffee world, and trust me, they take their coffee seriously.

Now, if you’re picturing your regular cup of instant coffee, hold your horses, because Vietnamese coffee is an entirely different ball game.

It’s like comparing a bicycle to a spaceship – both get you places, but the journey is vastly different.

Vietnamese coffee culture is a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, a testament to the country’s resilience and creativity. Thanks to the French colonists, coffee made its grand debut in Vietnam in the 19th century, and since then, the Vietnamese have taken it, flipped it, and reversed it into something uniquely their own.

From the sinfully sweet condensed milk in a classic Cà Phê Sữa Đá to the creamy surprise of an egg yolk in a Cà Phê Trứng, let’s explore the 10 must-try types of coffee that Vietnam has to offer!

1. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

If you think you’ve tried iced coffee, wait till you meet the Michael Jordan of iced coffees – the Vietnamese Cà Phê Sữa Đá. It’s like your regular iced coffee went on a tropical vacation and came back with a tan and a zesty new outlook on life.

This quintessential Vietnamese drink is a harmonious blend of strong, dark roast coffee and sweet, creamy condensed milk, served over a bed of ice that’s as refreshing as a dip in Ha Long Bay.

Brewing this coffee is like watching a slow dance – the coffee drips leisurely through the phin filter, a traditional Vietnamese metal filter that’s as essential to this drink as the beans themselves. And speaking of beans, robusta is the star of this show.

Grown in the fertile soil of the Central Highlands, these beans are like the tough, no-nonsense cousin of the more widely known arabica. They pack a punch that can jolt you awake faster than a cold shower on a winter morning.

But the real MVP here is the sweet condensed milk. It’s like a sweet hug to the robusta’s punch, creating a balance that’s as perfect as a yin-yang symbol.

The result? A drink that’s not just a coffee but a dessert, a pick-me-up, and a cultural icon all rolled into one.

Just be warned, it might just spoil all other iced coffees for you – sorry, not sorry!

2. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

Now, hold on to your hats because we’re about to venture into the realm of the unexpected with Vietnam’s very own Egg Coffee, or Cà Phê Trứng.

Imagine telling someone you’re going to mix egg yolk with coffee – you’d probably get a look that’s a mix between confusion and concern.

But in Vietnam, this unusual concoction is not just accepted; it’s celebrated!

Egg Coffee is like the quirky cousin of the coffee family, the one who wears stripes with polka dots and somehow still looks fabulous. It was born out of necessity during a time when milk was as scarce as a hen’s teeth.

The innovative folks at Café Giang in Hanoi thought, “Why not use egg yolk?” And voilà, a star was born. It’s like a culinary version of a happy accident, like penicillin or sticky notes.

The process is simple yet fascinating. Robusta coffee is brewed, and then a creamy, frothy mixture of egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk is layered on top.

The final product is a cup that’s part dessert, part coffee, and entirely delightful. The first sip is a silky, creamy dream, followed by the robust kick of the coffee, balancing the sweetness like a tightrope walker.

It’s like drinking a tiramisu – with a Vietnamese twist!

3. Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Dừa)

Let’s shimmy on over to a tropical twist that’s shaking up the coffee scene – Coconut Coffee, or as the locals call it, Cà Phê Dừa.

This delightful concoction is like a beach vacation in a cup, minus the sand in your shoes. It’s what happens when coffee decides to go on a summer fling with a coconut, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

Picture this: robust, strong Vietnamese coffee that’s had a tough day at work, meets sweet, laid-back coconut, and they decide to have a party over ice. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to put on a straw hat and dance to some tropical tunes.

This coffee is popular in the sun-soaked streets of major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, where the heat can make you feel like you’re melting faster than an ice cream in a toddler’s hand.

The process is simple but the outcome is extraordinary. Take your robust Vietnamese coffee, add a dollop (or a splash, we don’t judge) of coconut milk or coconut cream, and let the magic happen.

The coconut doesn’t overpower the coffee. Instead, it whispers sweet nothings to it, enhancing its flavor, adding a creamy, dreamy texture that’s as soothing as a hammock swing under a palm tree.

Cà Phê Dừa is like a love letter to Vietnam’s tropical abundance, a nod to its innovative spirit, and a testament to how sometimes, the most unlikely combinations can lead to the most delightful surprises.

And hey, it’s probably the closest you can get to a tropical holiday without getting on a plane!

4. Yogurt Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Chua)

Just when you thought Vietnamese coffee couldn’t get any more adventurous, along comes Yogurt Coffee, or Cà Phê Sữa Chua, ready to flip your coffee expectations upside down – and in the best way possible.

This coffee treat is like the wild card of the deck, the unexpected plot twist in a movie that you never saw coming but absolutely love.

Let’s set the scene: you’ve got your bold, assertive Vietnamese coffee, and then – plot twist – you add a scoop of creamy, tangy yogurt. It’s like a culinary Romeo and Juliet, a love story between two seemingly contrasting characters that ends in a harmonious and delicious union, rather than tragedy (thankfully).

The yogurt adds a refreshing zing, a creamy texture that dances a beautiful ballet with the strong coffee notes, creating a symphony of flavors that’s as intriguing as it is delightful.

Yogurt Coffee is like the quirky artist of the coffee world – a little unconventional, a touch avant-garde, but utterly fascinating. It’s a testament to the Vietnamese knack for innovation and their fearless approach to flavors.

Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. Imagine telling your friends back home, “Oh, in Vietnam, I had coffee with yogurt in it!” You’ll be the most interesting person at the party (or at least the most interesting coffee drinker).

This beverage is both a caffeine fix and a journey through the diverse and vibrant landscape of Vietnamese coffee culture. It’s perfect for those sweltering Vietnamese afternoons when you need something to cool you down but still give you that much-needed caffeine kick.

5. Black Coffee (Cà Phê Đen)

Now, let’s talk about the strong, silent type in the world of Vietnamese coffee – the Black Coffee, or Cà Phê Đen.

This isn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill black coffee that you gulp down in a hurry on your way to work.

Oh no, Vietnamese Black Coffee is like the wise sage of coffees, steeped in tradition and simplicity, yet profound in its depth and flavor.

Brewed in the traditional phin filter, a nifty little metal contraption that patiently drips the coffee, Cà Phê Đen commands your respect and attention. It’s a ritual, a slow dance of coffee and hot water, resulting in a brew that’s as dark as a moonless night but as rich in flavor as a well-aged wine.

The robusta beans, with their higher caffeine content and strong flavor, are the heroes here. They’re like the coffee equivalent of that friend who’s a little rough around the edges but has a heart of gold.

Drinking Cà Phê Đen is like listening to a symphony – there’s a boldness, a richness, a complexity that unfolds with each sip. It’s strong, it’s unapologetic, and it’s got a kick that can wake up the sleepiest of souls.

And the best part? You get to control the narrative. Add a touch of sugar if you like your coffee to have a sweet whisper, or enjoy it as is, basking in its pure, unadulterated essence.

In the land where coffee is not just a drink but a way of life, Black Coffee stands tall and proud. It’s a testament to the Vietnamese love for coffee in its most authentic form. 

6. Weasel Coffee (Cà Phê Chồn)

Buckle up, coffee enthusiasts, because we’re venturing into the intriguing (and slightly bizarre) territory of Weasel Coffee, also known as Cà Phê Chồn. This is not your everyday coffee; it’s more like the James Bond of the coffee world – suave, sophisticated, and with a backstory that’s as intriguing as it is exotic.

Weasel Coffee is made from beans that have been, well, eaten and then, um, excreted by a civet (a weasel-like animal).

Sounds crazy, right?

But just like the best spy stories, there’s a method to the madness. The civets pick the best and ripest coffee cherries, and through their digestive magic, the beans come out less bitter, with a uniquely smooth and luxurious flavor profile. It’s like nature’s own way of giving the beans a VIP treatment.

Now, a word to the wise: real Weasel Coffee is rare and, as you can imagine, quite expensive.

There’s a lot of ‘faux’ weasel coffee out there, so if you’re going to try it, make sure it’s from a reputable source. Think of it as the difference between a genuine Rolex and a knockoff you buy on a street corner. You want the real deal.

Drinking Weasel Coffee is an experience, a luxury. It’s like sipping on a glass of fine wine, where you take your time to savor every note, every nuance.

The flavor is rich, smooth, almost chocolatey, with none of the bitterness you might expect from a regular cup of joe. It’s a coffee connoisseur’s dream and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.

7. Herbal Coffee (Cà Phê Bắc)

As we continue our caffeinated journey through Vietnam, let’s take a turn into the serene and soothing realm of Herbal Coffee, or Cà Phê Bắc. I

magine your regular coffee deciding to go on a spiritual retreat and coming back enlightened with the essence of herbs. This is not just a coffee; it’s a cup of tranquility, steeped in tradition and natural goodness.

Herbal Coffee is like the wise herbalist of the coffee world. It’s a blend of traditional Vietnamese coffee and various local herbs, which might include anything from lemongrass to ginger, each adding its own unique healing properties and flavors.

Think of it as a coffee that not only wakes up your mind but also soothes your soul.

Drinking Cà Phê Bắc is like taking a leisurely stroll through a Vietnamese herb garden, where every sip brings a new layer of flavor and a sense of well-being. The herbs complement the coffee, creating a symphony of flavors that are both grounding and invigorating.

This coffee type is a testament to the versatility of Vietnamese coffee culture, where innovation meets tradition, and every cup tells a story. It’s perfect for those moments when you want more than just a pick-me-up; you want a moment of calm in a busy day, a touch of nature in the midst of urban hustle.

It’s like a warm, comforting embrace in a cup, reminding you to pause and appreciate the simpler, more natural things in life.

8. Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối)

Just when you thought we’d covered all the bases in the vast world of Vietnamese coffee, along comes Salt Coffee, or Cà Phê Muối, ready to challenge your taste buds in the most delightful way.

Originating from the ancient city of Hue, Salt Coffee is like the alchemist of the coffee world. It’s a bit like salted caramel; you might raise an eyebrow at the idea, but once you taste it, you’re in a whirlwind romance.

The salt in this coffee doesn’t steal the show; it’s a humble supporting actor, subtly enhancing the natural flavors of the coffee, reducing its bitterness, and adding a dimension of flavor that’s as surprising as it is satisfying.

Imagine sitting by the poetic Perfume River in Hue, sipping on a cup of Salt Coffee. It’s a dance of flavors on your palate – first, the familiar boldness of the coffee, then a hint of saltiness that makes you sit up and take notice, and finally, a smooth, almost sweet finish that leaves you pondering the complexities of this unique beverage.

Drinking Cà Phê Muối is an adventure for those who dare to step outside their coffee comfort zone.

It’s a testament to the creativity and innovation in Vietnamese coffee culture, where even the most unexpected ingredients can find harmony in a cup. And it’s my personal favorite type of Vietnamese coffee!

9. Fruit Coffee (Cà Phê Trái Cây)

Now, let’s take a detour into the colorful and playful world of Fruit Coffee, or Cà Phê Trái Cây. This is where Vietnamese coffee culture puts on its party hat and throws a fiesta in your cup!

Imagine your robust Vietnamese coffee decided to have a little fun and invited a bunch of fruity friends over.

The result? A vibrant, flavor-packed party that your taste buds are definitely going to want to RSVP to.

Fruit Coffee is like the life of the party in the coffee world. It’s a delightful mix of traditional Vietnamese coffee and a variety of fruit flavors, ranging from the tropical sweetness of mango and banana to the tart zing of passion fruit.

It’s a bit like a coffee fruit salad, where each sip brings a new flavor, a new surprise, and a whole lot of fun.

This coffee type is a relatively new kid on the block, a modern twist on traditional Vietnamese coffee that reflects the country’s evolving palate and openness to experimentation. It’s perfect for those hot Vietnamese days when you need something refreshing but still crave that caffeine kick.

Drinking Fruit Coffee is like taking your taste buds on a tropical vacation. Each sip is a discovery, a playful exploration of how classic coffee can mingle with the bright, fresh flavors of fruit to create something entirely new and exciting.

It’s a testament to the creativity and vibrancy of Vietnamese coffee culture, a delightful reminder that sometimes, the best flavors come from thinking outside the box (or the fruit basket, in this case).

10. Lemongrass Coffee (Cà Phê Sả)

As we near the end of our flavorful expedition through Vietnam’s coffee landscape, let’s not forget to savor the refreshing and aromatic Lemongrass Coffee, or Cà Phê Sả.

This unique brew is where coffee decides to take a refreshing detour into the world of herbs. It’s like a zen garden in a cup, blending the boldness of coffee with the fresh, citrusy zing of lemongrass.

Cà Phê Sả is like the sophisticated, well-traveled cousin in the coffee family. It brings a whole new dimension to your coffee experience, introducing a fragrant and refreshing twist that’s as invigorating as a morning walk in the lush countryside of Vietnam.

Brewing this coffee is an aromatic journey in itself. As the lemongrass steeps and infuses its essence into the brew, it transforms the coffee into a beverage that’s both energizing and soothing.

It’s a delicate balance, like a perfectly choreographed dance, where every element has its place, and the result is a symphony of flavors that’s both grounding and uplifting.

Drinking Lemongrass Coffee is an experience that appeals to those who appreciate the subtler nuances in their cup. It’s perfect for those moments when you want more than just a caffeine boost; you’re looking for a sensory experience that rejuvenates both the mind and the body.