Vietnamese Coffee Culture – A Unique Experience

Posted By: Christina Lee / Vietnam Travel Guides

Experience Vietnamese coffee culture with Egg Coffee, Coconut Coffee, and Ca Phe Sua Da. Visit the best cafes in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City and learn how to enjoy coffee like a local.

Vietnamese Coffee Culture – A Unique Experience

Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee producers, and coffee plays an essential role in daily life and social culture. Unlike Western espresso-based drinks, Vietnamese coffee is strong, bold, and uniquely prepared, often with condensed milk, eggs, or coconut cream.

sipping Egg Coffee in Hanoi to enjoying Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese iced coffee) in Ho Chi Minh City, this guide explores Vietnam’s coffee traditions, must-try drinks, and the best cafes to experience authentic Vietnamese coffee culture.

Try Egg Coffee, a creamy, sweet Hanoi specialty thats a must-try for coffee lovers! — Try **Egg Coffee**, a creamy, sweet Hanoi specialty that’s a must-try for coffee lovers! - (Source: Collected)

1. Types of Vietnamese Coffee You Must Try

Vietnamese coffee is known for its strong Robusta beans and unique brewing methods. Here are the top must-try coffees in Vietnam:

1.1. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) – Hanoi’s Famous Coffee

What It Is: A rich, creamy coffee made with egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk, creating a fluffy, sweet foam on top.

Best Places to Try It:

✔ Café Giảng (Hanoi) – The birthplace of Egg Coffee.

✔ Cafe Dinh (Hanoi) – Hidden gem with an authentic taste.

Best Time to Drink: Afternoons when you need an energy boost.

Pro Tip: Stir the layers before drinking for the perfect smooth and creamy texture.

Enjoy Vietnamese Iced Coffee, a bold, sweet coffee served with condensed milk! — Enjoy **Vietnamese Iced Coffee**, a bold, sweet coffee served with condensed milk! - (Source: Collected)

1.2. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) – A Classic Favorite

What It Is: Strong Robusta coffee brewed using a traditional drip filter (phin), mixed with condensed milk, and served over ice.

Best Places to Try It:

✔ Cong Caphe (nationwide) – Known for a nostalgic wartime ambiance.

✔ The Workshop (Ho Chi Minh City) – A specialty coffee shop with high-quality beans.

Best Time to Drink: Morning or mid-day, perfect for cooling down in Vietnam’s tropical heat.

Pro Tip: Ask for Cà Phê Đen Đá if you prefer black iced coffee without milk.

Cool off with Coconut Coffee, a delicious blend of strong coffee and creamy coconut milk! — Cool off with **Coconut Coffee**, a delicious blend of strong coffee and creamy coconut milk! - (Source: Collected)

1.3. Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Cốt Dừa) – A Tropical Delight

What It Is: A refreshing blend of iced coffee, coconut milk, and condensed milk, creating a smooth, creamy texture similar to a coffee smoothie.

Best Places to Try It:

✔ The Note Coffee (Hanoi) – Famous for its cozy atmosphere and coconut coffee.

✔ 88 Coffee (Da Nang) – Serves one of the creamiest coconut coffees.

Best Time to Drink: Hot afternoons for a sweet, refreshing treat.

Pro Tip: Blend it with ice for an even thicker, milkshake-like consistency.

Taste Salt Coffee, a rich, creamy, and slightly salty twist on Vietnamese coffee! — Taste **Salt Coffee**, a rich, creamy, and slightly salty twist on Vietnamese coffee! - (Source: Collected)

1.4. Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối) – A Unique Hue Specialty

What It Is: Vietnamese coffee mixed with salted cream, balancing sweetness and bitterness.

Best Places to Try It:

✔ Ca Phe Muoi (Hue) – The original salt coffee café.

✔ Nha Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) – Brings Hue’s specialty to the south.

Best Time to Drink: Morning or evening for a smooth, lightly salted coffee.

Pro Tip: Stir well before drinking to mix the salted foam with the strong coffee.

2. Best Coffee Shops in Vietnam

Each Vietnamese city has unique coffee spots with great ambiance and flavors. Here are the top must-visit cafes:

2.1. Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi

✔ Café Giảng – The birthplace of Egg Coffee, a must-visit.

✔ The Note Coffee – Famous for colorful sticky notes travelers worldwide.

✔ Tranquil Books & Coffee – A peaceful book café with high-quality brews.

Best Experience: Enjoy Egg Coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake while people-watching.

2.2. Best Coffee Shops in Da Nang

✔ 43 Factory Coffee Roaster – A stylish, modern café with specialty beans.

✔ Cong Caphe – A famous Vietnamese-style military-themed coffee chain.

✔ Nam House – Vintage design and excellent coconut coffee.

Best Experience: Enjoy a coffee with a beach view at My Khe Beach.

2.3. Best Coffee Shops in Ho Chi Minh City

✔ The Workshop Coffee – A modern specialty coffee shop.

✔ Nha Saigon Café – Cozy space serving Salt Coffee.

✔ L’Usine Café – A blend of fashion, art, and great coffee.

Best Experience: Enjoy a rooftop coffee with views of Notre-Dame Cathedral Saigon.

Discover the best coffee shops in Vietnam, from hidden cafes to rooftop views! — Discover the **best coffee shops in Vietnam**, from hidden cafés to rooftop views! - (Source: Collected)

3. How to Enjoy Coffee Like a Local

3.1. Drink Slowly & Socialize

✔ Vietnamese coffee culture is all about slowing down. Locals sit in cafés for hours, chatting and relaxing.

Pro Tip: Avoid ordering takeaway—sit down and enjoy the café atmosphere.

3.2. Try a Side of Sunflower Seeds or Tea

✔ Many cafés serve free iced tea with coffee.

✔ Locals often snack on sunflower seeds while chatting over coffee.

Pro Tip: Sip the tea in between coffee sips to cleanse the palate.

3.3. Experience Street Coffee Culture

✔ Try cà phê bệt – a unique street coffee culture where locals sit on the pavement and drink coffee.

Best Place for Street Coffee:

✔ Hanoi Train Street – Watch trains pass while enjoying a strong cup of Ca Phe Sua Da.

Pro Tip: Bring a small stool or sit on the sidewalk like the locals.

Sip coffee like a local! Vietnams street coffee culture is a must-try experience! — Sip coffee like a local! Vietnam’s **street coffee culture** is a must-try experience! - (Source: Collected)

Final Thoughts

Vietnam’s coffee culture is a must-experience for travelers, offering unique flavors, cozy cafés, and a deep cultural connection to daily life. Whether you're sipping Egg Coffee in Hanoi, Coconut Coffee in Da Nang, or Iced Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll quickly see why Vietnamese coffee is world-famous.

Top Picks for Coffee Lovers:

Best Traditional Coffee: Café Giảng (Hanoi)

Best Coconut Coffee: 88 Coffee (Da Nang)

Best Unique Coffee: Ca Phe Muoi (Hue)

Ready to explore Vietnam’s coffee culture? Take a sip and enjoy the journey!

Tags: best cafes in Vietnam, egg coffee Hanoi, Vietnamese Coffee

Best Itinerary Services: 10-Day Vietnamese Coffee Culture Tour

Day 1-2: Hanoi – The Birthplace of Egg Coffee

⭐ Where? Hanoi, Northern Vietnam

Kickstart your coffee adventure with Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) at Giảng Café, where it was first invented.
Explore hidden cafés in the Old Quarter, like Café Đinh and Loading T Café.
Experience street coffee culture, sipping Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) on a sidewalk stool.

⭐ Must-Try: Egg Coffee at Giảng Café – a creamy, sweet, and bold espresso delight.

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Coffee with a View

⭐ Where? Ninh Binh, Northern Vietnam

Enjoy coffee with a stunning limestone mountain backdrop at Tam Coc Garden Café.
Visit a local café in Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple in Vietnam.
Try Vietnamese drip coffee (Cà Phê Phin) while overlooking scenic rice fields.

⭐ Must-Try: Iced Drip Coffee with condensed milk, served slowly for a bold and smooth taste.

Day 4-5: Da Nang & Hoi An – Beachside Coffee & Lantern-Lit Cafés

⭐ Where? Central Vietnam

Wake up with a Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Cốt Dừa) at The Cups Coffee, just steps My Khe Beach.
In Hoi An, enjoy a slow-brewed coffee at Faifo Coffee, with a rooftop view over the ancient town.
Visit Reaching Out Teahouse, a tranquil café supporting the local deaf community.

⭐ Must-Try: Coconut Coffee in Da Nang & Vietnamese Drip Coffee in a Hoi An lantern-lit café.

Day 6: Hue – The City of Salt Coffee

⭐ Where? Hue, Central Vietnam

Try Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối), a surprising yet delicious blend of coffee, salt, and creamy milk.
Visit ancient royal cafés in the Imperial City.
Enjoy a relaxing riverside coffee experience along the Perfume River.

⭐ Must-Try: Salt Coffee at Cà Phê Muối Thiên Hương, a unique Hue specialty.

Day 7-8: Da Lat – Vietnam’s Coffee Capital & Farm Experience

⭐ Where? Da Lat, Central Highlands

Visit a local coffee farm, learning about Weasel Coffee (Cà Phê Chồn) and Arabica plantations.
Tour Me Linh Coffee Garden, enjoying panoramic mountain views.
Try Avocado Coffee, a specialty drink found only in Da Lat.

⭐ Must-Try: Weasel Coffee (Cà Phê Chồn) – a rare, high-quality coffee made civet-digested beans.

Top 5 Must-Visit Places for Vietnamese Coffee Culture – A Unique Experience

Hue – A Royal Coffee Experience
Hoi An – Ancient Town Vibes with a Coffee Twist
Da Nang – Beachside Coffee & Trendy Cafés
Dalat – Vietnam’s Coffee Capital & Highlands Charm
Buon Ma Thuot – The Coffee King of Vietnam

⭐ Where? Central Vietnam

Home to Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối), a unique blend of coffee with a salty twist.
A mix of French colonial cafés and Vietnamese-style street coffee stalls.
Best spots: Cà Phê Muối Thiên Hương, Nook Café, Cộng Cà Phê.

⭐ Must-Try: Salt Coffee, a creamy and salty-sweet twist on Vietnamese coffee.

⭐ Where? Central Vietnam

Enjoy coffee in century-old houses with lantern-lit streets outside.
Try Hoi An’s signature coconut coffee with a riverside view.
Best spots: Faifo Coffee, Rosie’s Café, Reaching Out Teahouse.

⭐ Must-Try: A rooftop coffee at Faifo Café, overlooking Hoi An’s golden streets.

⭐ Where? Central Vietnam

A city known for modern specialty coffee shops and ocean-view cafés.
Great place for Coconut Coffee and trendy Cold Brew.
Best spots: 43 Factory Coffee, The Cups Coffee, Nha Leo Café.

⭐ Must-Try: Coconut Coffee at The Cups Coffee, just steps away My Khe Beach.

⭐ Where? Central Highlands

Famous for Weasel Coffee (Cà Phê Chồn) and Arabica Coffee plantations.
Best place to visit coffee farms and enjoy farm-to-cup experiences.
Best spots: Me Linh Coffee Garden, La Viet Coffee, Dalat Train Café.

⭐ Must-Try: A cup of Weasel Coffee at a hillside café with mountain views.

⭐ Where? Central Highlands

The coffee capital of Vietnam, producing the country’s best Robusta beans.
Home to the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival (held every 2 years).
Best spots: Trung Nguyen Coffee Village, Arul Coffee, The Circle Café.

⭐ Must-Try: Authentic Robusta Coffee straight a local plantation.