Vietnamese coffee to try

If you are looking for local coffee to taste while on your holiday in Vietnam, here are our recommendations:

Cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk)

Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk with a strong and sweet taste. Originating from the bustling streets of Saigon, Cà phê sữa đá has become a culinary heritage that is available at most restaurants in Vietnam and worldwide. People in the northern region of Vietnam also call this drink "Nâu Đá" or brown iced coffee, as the drink gains a brown color when blending black coffee with condensed milk. 

Cà phê đen đá (iced black coffee)

Similar to the Cà Phê Sữa Đá (iced coffee with condensed milk), this iced black coffee is made with a "phin", a metal filter that is placed on top of your cup for the coffee to drip down. Usually, the Vietnamese robusta bean will be used. Its taste is bolder, and its color is darker and contains higher caffeine. That's why black iced coffee bears a strong, bitter, and slightly sour taste. Another thing that decides the taste of this coffee is the water temperature. Using too hot water might lead to an overbitter taste.

Cà phê trứng

Egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty with whipped egg yolk, sugar, and coffee. With a careful balance of ingredients, any hint of egginess is toned down, resulting in a brew that's indulgent and captivating. This refreshing drink is a staple in Vietnam, especially during hot days. The strong coffee cuts through the sweetness of the condensed milk, and the ice makes it a perfect pick-me-up.

Bạc xỉu

A lighter, milkier version of iced coffee. Crafted by the Chinese residing in Chinatown Saigon during the early 20th century, Bạc xỉu emerges as a captivating testament to Saigon's rich culture, blending influences from Chinese, Vietnamese, and French traditions.

Cà phê cốt dừa (Coconut Coffee)

Being the latest version of coffee in Vietnam, Coconut Coffee is made with iced coffee blended with coconut milk. With an addition of coconut milk, this drink is creamy and refreshing when coconut milk is added. 

This delightful drink is a specialty of Vietnam’s central highlands, offering a unique tropical twist on the classic Vietnamese iced coffee. Instead of the usual condensed milk, ca phe cot dua uses coconut milk, which creates a lighter and creamier beverage compared to the classic option. The mild sweetness of coconut complements the strong coffee flavor, resulting in a wonderfully refreshing and flavorful drink.

Cà Phê Muối (Salted coffee)

Newly hailing from the former imperial city of Huế, this unique concoction is quickly captivating coffee lovers across Vietnam. Ca phe muoi features a classic Vietnamese iced coffee base but with a special twist – a delightful topping of salted whipped cream. The salt isn’t overpowering but rather enhances the flavors of the coffee and milk, creating a surprisingly harmonious and intriguing taste experience. This salty-sweet-bitter combination might sound strange at first, but it works surprisingly well, similar to how salted caramel elevates desserts.