Coffee in Vietnam – History & recommendations

Coffee in Vietnam isn’t just a drink, it’s a way of life. From its French colonial beginnings to its unique Robusta bean dominance, Vietnam boasts a rich coffee history. Steaming cups of strong, flavorful coffee brewed in phin filters fill the air, while iconic iced coffees like “ca phe sua da” are a refreshing staple. Venture into cozy cafes or bustling street vendors, and immerse yourself in the aromatic world of Vietnamese coffee.

A Steamy Story: The History of Coffee in Vietnam

Coffee in Vietnam is as much a part of Vietnamese culture as the conical hats and bustling street life. But this wasn’t always the case. Vietnam’s coffee journey began in the mid-19th century, a tale of French influence, adaptation, and ultimately, a unique Vietnamese identity. Let’s delve into the history of this beloved beverage:

French Beginnings (1857):

• French missionaries are credited with introducing the first coffee plants to Vietnam in the 1850s, most likely Arabica beans.
• The French aimed to replicate coffee production success from their colonies in Southeast Asia.
• Early coffee plantations were established in the northern and central regions.

Shifting Focus and Robusta Rise (Late 1800s – Early 1900s) of Coffee in Vietnam:

• The French shifted their focus to the more robust and disease-resistant Robusta bean, well-suited to Vietnam’s climate.
• The Central Highlands emerged as the prime coffee-growing region.
• Plantation systems dominated, with a heavy reliance on local labor.

Post-Independence and Doi Moi Reforms (1945 – Present):

• After gaining independence, Vietnam’s coffee industry faced disruption during the war years.
• The Doi Moi economic reforms of 1987 opened Vietnam to international trade.
• Coffee exports boomed, making Vietnam a major player in the global coffee market, particularly for Robusta beans.
• Small-scale farms became more prevalent, with unique processing methods like wet-hulling and sun-drying emerging.

The Rise of Vietnamese Coffee Culture:

• Coffee consumption became deeply ingrained in Vietnamese life, with iconic brewing methods like the phin filter gaining popularity.
• The addition of condensed milk (introduced by the French) led to the creation of the beloved “ca phe sua da” (iced coffee with milk).
• Coffee shops became social hubs, forming a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture.

Today, Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, with a vibrant coffee scene that blends tradition and innovation. From the rich history of French influence to the unique Vietnamese brewing methods, coffee is more than just a drink in Vietnam – it’s a cultural experience.

A Guide to Different Brews of Coffee in Vietnam

Vietnam boasts a rich coffee culture, and the variety of coffee drinks goes beyond a simple cup of joe. Here’s a breakdown of some popular Vietnamese coffee types to tantalize your taste buds:

Coffee in Vietnam By Bean Type:

• Robusta Coffee in Vietnam (Cà phê Vối): The king of Vietnamese coffee, Robusta beans are known for their strong flavor, high caffeine content, and bold aroma. They form the base for most traditional Vietnamese coffee drinks.
• Arabica Coffee in Vietnam (Cà phê Chè): While less common, Arabica beans offer a smoother and more nuanced taste. They are sometimes used in specialty coffee shops or blended with Robusta for a more balanced flavor profile.

Coffee in Vietnam By Brewing Method:

• Phin Coffee in Vietnam (Cà phê Phin): This iconic method uses a small metal filter that sits on top of your cup. Coarsely ground coffee is placed in the filter, and hot water slowly drips through, creating a strong and flavorful brew.
• Vietnamese Coffee Filter Press (Phin Lớn): Similar to the phin filter but larger, this method produces a quicker brew suitable for multiple servings.

Coffee in Vietnam By Preparation and Additional Ingredients:

• Black Coffee (Cà phê Đen): The purest form, enjoyed hot (nong) or iced (da). Strong and bold, it’s a true wake-up call for coffee lovers.
• Milk Coffee (Cà phê Sữa): Condensed milk adds a touch of sweetness to the strong coffee base. This is the classic “ca phe sua da” (iced coffee with milk) enjoyed by many.
• Egg Coffee (Cà phê Trứng): A delightful twist, egg yolks whipped with sugar create a rich and creamy topping for hot coffee.
• Coconut Coffee (Cà phê Dừa): Coconut milk adds a refreshing twist to iced coffee, perfect for a hot Vietnamese day.
• Yogi Coffee (Sữa Chua Ca Phe): A unique combination of yogurt and coffee, this offers a tangy and creamy beverage.
• Salt Coffee in Vietnam (Cà Phê Muối): Hailing from Hue, salt coffee features a creamy layer with a hint of salt on top of the coffee, creating a unique sweet and salty flavor profile.

Specialty Brews of Coffee in Vietnam:

• Cà phê Chồn (Weasel Coffee): The most expensive Vietnamese coffee, made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by weasels. This process is said to produce a smoother and more complex flavor. However, ethical concerns surround its production.

See also:

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Top 5 Coffee Shops in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis with a thriving coffee scene. Here are the top 5 coffee shops you should definitely check out:

1. The Workshop: This specialty coffee shop is a haven for coffee enthusiasts. They source their beans directly from Vietnamese farms and roast them in-house. They offer a variety of brewing methods, including pour-over, Chemex, and cold brew.
2. Olli Kaffe: This modern and stylish coffee shop is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of high-quality coffee. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, as well as teas, pastries, and light snacks.
3. Cong Caphe: This popular chain is a great place to experience traditional Vietnamese coffee. They use a phin filter to brew their coffee, which results in a strong and flavorful cup. They also offer a variety of other Vietnamese drinks, such as ca phe sua da (iced coffee with milk) and ca phe trung (egg coffee).
4. Maison Marou: This bean-to-bar chocolate shop also has a fantastic coffee menu. They use their own ethically sourced cocoa beans to make a delicious chocolate coffee drink. They also offer a variety of other coffee drinks and pastries.
5. The Coffee Club: This Australian cafe chain is a great place to relax and enjoy a familiar cup of coffee. They offer a wide variety of coffee drinks, as well as teas, smoothies, and food items.

   

Top 5 Coffee Shops in Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is also a great city for coffee lovers. Here are the top 5 coffee shops you should check out:

1. Anh Coffee Roastery: This specialty coffee shop is known for its excellent coffee and friendly service. They source their beans from all over Vietnam and roast them in-house. They offer a variety of brewing methods, including pour-over, Chemex, and cold brew.
2. Hoa Sua Coffee: This traditional Vietnamese coffee shop is a great place to experience the local culture. They use a phin filter to brew their coffee, which results in a strong and flavorful cup. They also offer a variety of other Vietnamese drinks, such as ca phe sua da (iced coffee with milk) and ca phe trung (egg coffee).
3. The Note Coffee: This cafe is known for its unique concept – the walls are covered in notes left by customers. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, as well as teas, smoothies, and pastries.
4. Joma Cafe: This cozy cafe is a great place to relax and people-watch. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, as well as teas, juices, and light snacks.
5. Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee: This popular chain is a great place to experience traditional Vietnamese coffee. They use a phin filter to brew their coffee, which results in a strong and flavorful cup. They also offer a variety of other Vietnamese drinks, such as ca phe sua da (iced coffee with milk) and ca phe trung (egg coffee).