When you think of Vietnam, what’s the first scent that comes to mind? For me, it’s the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifting down the narrow streets. There’s something magnetic about Vietnamese coffee – rich, intense, and steeped in culture.

In Vietnam, coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up – it’s an experience to be savoured at any time of day. Each cup offers a slow, intentional pause amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re in a major metropolis or a sleepy village, you’ll find locals perched on stools or reclining in deck chairs, sipping from glass tumblers as conversations flow as freely as the liquid itself.

In this post, I’m sharing six must-try types of Vietnamese coffee – the perfect introduction to the country’s bold and unique brews. If you’re new to Vietnamese coffee, this is where your journey begins. And for my fellow caffeine lovers, consider this your ultimate tasting checklist!

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Your Ultimate Guide to Vietnamese Coffee: 6 Unique Drinks to Try

A Brief History of Coffee in Vietnam

Coffee arrived in Vietnam during the French colonial period in the 19th century. When fresh milk was hard to find, locals used sweetened condensed milk – a simple innovation that shaped the entire country’s coffee culture. It’s woven into daily life, traditions, and even the economy. Vietnam now stands as the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, right behind Brazil.

The beans (usually 100% dark-roasted robusta) create a full-bodied brew that packs a serious punch. Brewed through a traditional phin filter, each drop falls slowly, building suspense until you can take the first precious sip. 

You can find a wide variety of different types in Vietnam. Traditional cafés continue to make strong, no-nonsense coffee, while trendy spots experiment with new ingredients like coconut or salt. No matter where you go in the country, this drink connects people across generations and cultures.

Vietnamese Coffee Guide: 6 Must-Try Drinks

1. Black Coffee (Cà Phê Đen)

Vietnamese black coffee delivers a pure, no-frills kick that’s perfect for strong coffee lovers. It is brewed with a sprinkling of brown sugar to reduce the bitterness. You can order it hot for a deep, smoky flavour, or iced for a refreshing kick.

2. Brown Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

Also known as Cà phê sữa nâu (especially in Hanoi and the northern cities), in this drink dark-roasted coffee meets a generous swirl of sweetened condensed milk, creating a blend that’s both intense and silky smooth. It’s the fuel that powers mornings all across Vietnam, enjoyed everywhere from tiny roadside stalls to lively cafés.

3. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

Hanoi’s signature creation – a must-try for every visitor. Egg yolks are whipped for ten minutes with sugar and condensed milk to form a velvety, golden froth. This luscious topping is poured over a cup of strong coffee, creating a dessert-like treat that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Some cafés add a few drops of rum, vodka, or whiskey to balance the eggy taste (and give it a playful little kick!). Prefer to keep it alcohol-free? Just ask for a version made with a splash of milk instead.

4. Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Cốt Dừa)

As a coconut addict, I can’t resist ordering this sweet combination of robust coffee with coconut cream and ice. Some cafés use coconut ice-cream, although coconut cream blends more smoothly. Fresh, cooling and refreshingly different, it’s the perfect drink for Vietnam’s hot and humid days.

5. White Coffee (Bạc Xỉu)

A softer, more balanced brew that tempers the intensity of black coffee with creamy milk. If you’re not a regular caffeine drinker, this is a good choice as it’s smooth and mellow – ideal for those who like a lighter, milder cup.

6. Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối)

The newest star of Hanoi’s coffee scene! Born during the 2020 lockdowns, when people across Vietnam were experimenting in their kitchens and sharing their creations online, salt coffee quickly went viral on TikTok. A pinch of pink Himalayan salt (no substitutes allowed!) is stirred into the rich, creamy topping to bring out the drink’s natural sweetness – resulting in a smooth, slightly salty, and surprisingly addictive drink.

Learn to Make All Six Types in a Coffee Workshop

If you’d like to learn how to make these six types yourself, I highly recommend joining a hands-on Vietnamese coffee workshop. My husband Ian and I were invited to take part in PhotheSense‘s Hanoi Coffee-Making Class and it was a really fun, hands-on introduction to one of Vietnam’s most beloved traditions.

Our friendly guide, Jade, led us through each brewing method, making suggestions and sharing interesting stories about Hanoi’s coffee culture and the traditions behind every cup. It wasn’t just about following recipes – it was about understanding why this beverage means so much here.

We even got creative with our egg foam designs! Ian managed to craft a very realistic cat, while mine looked like it couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be a leaf or a butterfly (artistic license, right?).

The workshop lasts around two to two and a half hours, and during that time you’ll make and drink all six styles. Keep in mind that it’s a lot of caffeine and sugar! Have a good, hearty meal beforehand and maybe bring along a few salty snacks to balance it all out. We both thought it was a really enjoyable activity, perfect for people who loves coffee and immersive local experiences.

If you can’t make this coffee workshop, here are some others you can join:

• Hanoi Coffee Workshop: Salt Coffee & 5 Signature Brews
• Ho Chi Minh City: Egg Coffee & 4 Viet Traditional Brews Workshop
• Ho Chi Minh City: Fun and Easy Coffee Workshop for Beginners
• Hoi An: Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Coffee Making Class
• Hoi An: Hand-on Making Vietnamese Coffee Class & Culture
• Da Nang Coffee Making Workshop
• Hue: Brew Egg, Salt & Coconut Coffee

I hope this post has given you an insight into Vietnam’s beloved coffee culture. Which of the six types would you like to try first? Let me know in the comments!

Planning a holiday to Vietnam? Check out my blog posts Ultimate 3-Day Hanoi Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors, The Perfect 3-Day Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary and Ultimate 3 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary: From North to South to help you organise an unforgettable trip!

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparro