Vietnam is famous for its strong coffee, sweet condensed milk, and creative brewing methods. Whether it’s the slow-drip phin filter, the creamy egg coffee (cà phê trứng), or the refreshing iced coconut coffee, Vietnamese coffee is unlike anything else in the world.
Coffee isn’t just a drink in Vietnam—it’s a daily ritual, a social experience, and a key part of modern Vietnamese life.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
✅ How Vietnam became one of the world’s top coffee producers
✅ The most popular Vietnamese coffee drinks
✅ How to brew authentic Vietnamese coffee at home
Let’s dive into the world of bold, rich, and sweet Vietnamese coffee! 🇻🇳☕
How Vietnam Became a Coffee Giant
Coffee was introduced to Vietnam in 1857 by French colonists, and by the 20th century, Vietnam had become a global coffee powerhouse.
🔹 Vietnam is now the 2nd largest coffee producer in the world (after Brazil).
🔹 95% of Vietnam’s coffee is Robusta, known for its strong, bold, and slightly bitter taste.
🔹 Coffee is a huge part of daily life, with cafés everywhere in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
💡 Fun Fact: Vietnam’s famous egg coffee was created in the 1940s when fresh milk was scarce, so egg yolk was used instead!
Popular Vietnamese Coffee Drinks
Vietnamese coffee is famous for its strong brews, sweet additions, and creative recipes.
☕ 1. Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)
Brewed with a phin filter and mixed with sweetened condensed milk.
Served over ice—sweet, creamy, and refreshing.
💡 Best for: Hot days and coffee lovers with a sweet tooth!
☕ 2. Cà Phê Đen Đá (Black Iced Coffee)
Strong black coffee, served over ice.
Made with dark-roasted Robusta beans, giving it a naturally chocolatey taste.
💡 Perfect for: Those who love bold, intense coffee.
☕ 3. Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)
Espresso topped with a creamy, frothy egg yolk mixture.
Tastes like a coffee-flavored tiramisu in a cup!
💡 A must-try if you visit Hanoi—rich, sweet, and velvety smooth.
☕ 4. Cà Phê Dừa (Coconut Coffee)
Espresso blended with coconut milk and crushed ice.
A tropical, creamy, and slightly sweet coffee shake.
💡 Perfect for: Coffee lovers who enjoy coconut flavors!
☕ 5. Bạc Xỉu (Vietnamese White Coffee)
A light coffee with more milk than espresso.
Similar to a café latte, but often sweeter.
💡 Best for: Those who prefer a mild, creamy coffee experience.
How to Brew Vietnamese Coffee at Home
Vietnamese coffee is best brewed using a phin filter—a simple slow-drip metal filter that sits on top of a cup.
1️⃣ How to Make Traditional Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
✔ Coffee: 20g coarse-ground Vietnamese Robusta beans
✔ Water: 120ml hot water
✔ Sweetened condensed milk: 1-2 tablespoons
✔ Ice: A full glass
Steps:
1️⃣ Place 2 tablespoons of ground coffee in the phin filter.
2️⃣ Press the filter insert gently on top of the coffee (don’t tamp too hard).
3️⃣ Pour 30ml of hot water and let the coffee bloom for 30 seconds.
4️⃣ Slowly add the remaining water and let it drip (takes about 4-5 minutes).
5️⃣ Stir in condensed milk and pour over ice.
💡 Result: A strong, sweet, and creamy iced coffee!
2️⃣ How to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)
✔ 1 shot of espresso or strong Vietnamese coffee
✔ 1 egg yolk
✔ 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
✔ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Steps:
1️⃣ Whisk the egg yolk, condensed milk, and vanilla until thick and frothy.
2️⃣ Brew a strong shot of coffee.
3️⃣ Pour the creamy egg mixture on top.
4️⃣ Enjoy the rich, foamy, dessert-like coffee experience!
💡 Pro Tip: Some recipes use a little honey for extra sweetness.
Famous Vietnamese Coffee Brands
🫘 Trung Nguyên Legend – Vietnam’s most famous coffee brand.
🫘 Vinacafé – High-quality instant Vietnamese coffee.
🫘 Nguyen Coffee Supply – Specialty Vietnamese coffee from Brooklyn, USA.
💡 Vietnamese coffee is mostly Robusta, which has higher caffeine and a stronger, more bitter taste than Arabica.
Common Vietnamese Coffee Mistakes & How to Fix Them
❌ Using regular Arabica coffee → Vietnamese coffee is mostly Robusta, which is stronger and bolder!
❌ Pouring water too fast in a phin → Vietnamese coffee needs a slow drip to extract all the flavors.
❌ Skipping condensed milk → This is key to balancing the strong, bold taste.
❌ Expecting it to taste like American coffee → Vietnamese coffee is rich, intense, and sweet—it’s a completely different experience!
💡 Vietnamese coffee is best enjoyed slowly—sip it, savor it, and enjoy the unique flavors.
Why Vietnamese Coffee Culture is Special
✔ Creative coffee drinks – Egg coffee, coconut coffee, and more!
✔ Rich, bold flavors – Thanks to Robusta beans and unique brewing methods.
✔ Slow-drip phin filter brewing – No machines, just simple, strong coffee.
✔ Deep cultural traditions – Coffee is a key part of daily life in Vietnam.
Whether you love strong espresso, sweet creamy coffee, or unique flavors, Vietnamese coffee has something for everyone.
So grab a phin filter, brew a bold and sweet cup, and enjoy coffee the Vietnamese way! 🇻🇳☕
