Vietnamese Coffee Culture – A Unique Experience

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.