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Travel Tips

Vietnamese Coffee Culture: From Foreign Plant to National Icon

Vietnam is a place where coffee is woven into the rhythm of daily life. Whether you’re wandering the charming streets of Hanoi, relaxing in Hue’s peaceful gardens, or soaking up the energy of Saigon’s busy corners, coffee is always close by, bringing people together and creating moments to savor. This culture reflects the country’s rich history and unique social habits, offering travelers more than just a tasty drink.

The History of Vietnamese Coffee

1857: Foreign Plant for French Nobles 

Around 1857, the French started the first coffee farms in the highlands of Vietnam, like in Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum. At first, coffee was just a test crop, for the French and a few rich Vietnamese.

The French mostly grew Arabica coffee, which has a nice smell and a slightly sour taste. They saw that the cool weather and rich soil in Vietnam's highlands were great for this type of coffee. These coffee farms spread across the hills, marking the start of a new business in Vietnam.

But in the beginning, most Vietnamese people didn't know much about coffee. The French mostly controlled how it was grown and processed, and the money made went mostly back to France. Even though coffee was growing here, it still felt like something foreign, not really part of Vietnamese life.

Coffee Finds a Home: Growing Strong in Vietnam

A big change happened when Vietnamese people started learning how to grow and process coffee from the French. They realized it could be a big business, especially the Robusta type. Robusta is strong, grows easily, and has a bold taste that many people like.

In the years after that, especially after Vietnam became independent, more and more land was used to grow coffee, mostly in the Central Highlands. Vietnamese farmers worked hard and came up with new ways to grow and process coffee that worked well for Vietnam. They started growing coffee not just to sell to other countries, but also to drink every day. This became a part of Vietnamese daily life.

Vietnamese Coffee Today: A Source of Pride

The hard work of Vietnamese farmers paid off. 

Once not well known for coffee, Vietnam has become the world’s second-largest coffee producer, just after Brazil, with about 1.8 million tonnes expected in the 2024/2025 season. Most of that is Robusta - Vietnam is the top producer of this strong, bold bean, making up about 97% of its coffee. That means the espresso or instant coffee you drink might have Vietnamese beans in it! If you visit Vietnam, be sure to try a cup of real Vietnamese coffee.

But Vietnamese coffee is more than just numbers. It has become a big part of Vietnamese food culture and how people live. From sidewalk cafes where people gather to chat, to chill cafes where people enjoy coffee and contemplate life. These simple, everyday moments shape the lives of Vietnamese people, from bustling cities to quiet villages.

The History of Vietnamese Coffee

 

Regional Coffee Culture Across Vietnam

Hanoi's Perfect Contrast: Egg Coffee & Vietnamese Drip Coffee

Where to try coffee in Hanoi

 

Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, is not only famous for its ancient streets and refined cuisine but also boasts a unique coffee culture, where two distinct ways of enjoying coffee have captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike: Vietnamese drip coffee (cà phê phin) and egg coffee (cà phê trứng).

Vietnamese drip coffee

Hanoi drip coffee, with its slow rhythm of dark, concentrated drops, has long been a symbol of relaxation and quiet reflection amid the city's bustling pace. Typically enjoyed hot, this strong brew is often taken black or with just a hint of sweetened condensed milk, a subtle addition that enhances rather than overwhelms its bold flavor. Every morning, the familiar sight of a small phin filter sitting atop a cup, patiently dripping, has become a warm and comforting part of daily life in the capital.

Egg coffee

A hot cup of egg coffee, with its sweet and creamy egg foam on top blending perfectly with the bitter coffee underneath, offers an unforgettable and delicate taste experience.

These two hot coffee styles, the bold simplicity of drip coffee and the sweet richness of egg coffee, together form the distinct identity of Hanoi's coffee culture. They reflect the Hanoian love for warmth, depth, and subtle elegance, turning each cup into a gentle invitation to slow down and savor the moment.

Where to try coffee in Hanoi

Cafe Giảng: As the first egg coffee café in Vietnam, Cafe Giảng is famous for its rich, creamy, and unforgettable egg coffee. The space reflects classic Hanoi style, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Besides egg coffee, their drip coffee is also expertly brewed, preserving the traditional fragrant flavor.

Cafe Đinh: Cafe Đinh impresses with its small, cozy, and chill space. Their drip coffee is strong and aromatic, while the egg coffee is smooth and mildly sweet perfect for relaxing or working.

THAIYEN CAFE - CAFEYEN - Quán Thánh: With a modern and youthful vibe, THAIYEN CAFE attracts young people with bold drip coffee and creative twists on egg coffee, fast service, and friendly staff.

Hue: Where the locals dare to break the norms for a unique taste

Where to try coffee in Hue

 

Hue, the serene and poetic ancient capital, not only charms with its classical architecture but also holds onto visitors with its unique culinary flavors. Among them, Vietnam salted coffee stands out as a distinctive drink. Vietnam salted coffee, an intriguing creation by the people of the old capital, breaks away from traditional coffee. 

Imagine a beautifully crafted drink with two distinct layers, inviting you to explore. This drink offers different experiences depending on how you enjoy it. Some start with the salted cream on top, then move to the rich coffee below. Others sip the coffee first, letting the creamy, salty taste follow. Some prefer to stir it all together for a smooth, balanced flavor in every sip.

In Hue, people like quiet and simple coffee shops because life here is slow and peaceful. They enjoy relaxing places with natural, simple designs that help them relax. These cafes feel warm and calm, different from noisy and busy places. It's where people in Hue take their time, have gentle talks, or just sit quietly to rest.

Where to try coffee in Hue

Giao Cafe: Famous for its smooth, creamy salted foam, the coffee here is rich with a gentle aroma. Giao Cafe’s salted coffee is skillfully brewed, offering an easy-to-drink experience that’s perfect for those trying salted coffee for the first time.

Cà Phê Muối cs1: As Vietnam’s very first salted coffee shop, it preserves the traditional recipe with a strong, savory salted cream perfectly balanced with robust drip coffee. This is the go-to spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the most authentic and intense salted coffee flavor.

Tan.: Known for its modern and creative style, Tan. serves salted coffee with a lighter, less salty cream to suit younger palates. The coffee here has a fresh, mildly sweet taste, ideal for those looking to explore new flavors.

Saigon Coffee: fast, sweet, and a way of life

Where to Try Coffee in Saigon

 

Saigon's coffee culture is a vibrant blend of history, practicality, and community spirit. Introduced by the French, coffee quickly became a local staple. Due to the scarcity of fresh milk, sweetened condensed milk was used instead, giving birth to the beloved cà phê sữa đá - a strong, sweet iced coffee that suits the almost year-round hot weather here. A lighter version, known as Vietnamese white coffee (bạc xỉu), is for those who feel they can’t drink much coffee but still want to enjoy its flavor.

Nel drip coffee 

As the city’s pace quickened, especially in areas like Chợ Lớn, nel drip coffee (cà phê vợt) emerged. Brewed using a cloth strainer and often kept warm on a stove, it produces a smoky, bold flavor. Known as “hot brew coffee,” it caters to busy workers needing a fast caffeine fix.

Sidewalk café

Alongside that, the heart of Saigon’s coffee scene also lies on the sidewalks. Sidewalk café (cà phê bệt) invites people to gather on low stools or on the ground with takeaway cups from street vendors. It's more than a drink - it’s a way to connect, relax, and take in the city's lively atmosphere.

From the smoky depth of nel drip coffee to the sweet comfort of Vietnamese white coffee and the communal charm of a sidewalk café, Saigon’s coffee is a dynamic reflection of people here who live fast-paced lives but still cherish moments of connection with others. For Vietnamese, drinking coffee means sharing conversations. Often, friends invite each other to coffee not just for the drink itself, but because they need someone to share life’s stories with.

Where to Try Coffee in Saigon

Café Ba Lù: This café features a classic style with a cozy atmosphere. The coffee has a rich flavor and is carefully brewed to preserve traditional taste.

Ngon Coffee 138: With a modern and spacious space, this café offers aromatic coffee balanced between bitterness and creaminess, ideal for both working and relaxing.

Trạm Hoa Hòe: Featuring a vintage style with rustic décor, this café serves fragrant, strong coffee, creating a friendly and quiet environment for customers.

In Saigon, many coffee shops are situated in small alleys or quiet streets. These places are often hidden and hard to see if you go by car. Some cafés are tiny, with just a few chairs on the sidewalk. Others are inside old houses or behind big trees. That’s why using a motorbike is the best way to enjoy Saigon’s coffee. Riding a motorbike around the city to find these places is part of the coffee experience in Saigon.

Chill coffee with VESPA A GO GO
Go with VESPA A GO GO experience in Saigon

Why Vietnamese Coffee Culture is Special

Each region offers a different rhythm, flavor, and philosophy behind the cup. Whether it’s the quiet, mindful way of enjoying drip coffee in Hanoi, the unique salted coffee that reflects Hue’s creativity, or the bustling street-side coffee culture in Saigon, each cup tells a story about Vietnam a country rich in history, full of innovation, and deeply connected through social bonds.

And in everyday conversations, coffee is also a language of affection. Instead of saying “see you again,” it’s common for Vietnamese people to say, “bữa nào cà phê” which means “let’s grab coffee sometime.” It’s a warm invitation, a casual promise, and a beautiful reminder of how deeply rooted coffee is in Vietnamese culture as a drink, as a gesture, and as a way to stay connected.

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