Read: When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

Vietnamese coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up. It transforms into a delightful dessert-like treat. Vietnamese coffee offers more than you might expect. In Hanoi, you can explore unique coffee variations with coconut milk or enjoy it paired with creamy coconut ice cream. For a traditional yet new flavor, consider options like mung beans, which infuse a nutty and earthy note into your coffee experience.

In Vietnam, coffee is more than just a drink, it's a cultural experience and a sensory journey that awakens your senses. The wonderful aroma, flavors, and traditions of Vietnamese coffee transport you to a world of sensory pleasure. Every sip is a symphony of delightful scents and tastes that please your taste buds.

Vietnam has its unique way of making coffee, resulting in a distinct taste and aroma. It all starts with coarsely ground coffee placed in a special metal filter called cà phê phin. This filter sits on top of a cup with condensed milk at the bottom. Hot water is added slowly, allowing it to drip through the coffee grounds and mix with the milk.

The process starts with coarsely ground coffee gently placed in the metal filter. This filter is then positioned on top of a cup, over the optional condensed milk. Hot water is poured slowly onto the coffee grounds. The key to this method is taking your time. As the hot water gradually combines with the condensed milk, creating a unique brew that balances the coffee's strength with the creaminess of the milk.

Once it's done brewing, you get a strong, dark coffee with a hint of bitterness, ready to be enjoyed. The slow roasting and unique brewing method contribute to its robust flavor, making it perfect for black coffee enthusiasts. Experience the art of Vietnamese coffee brewing, where the balance between strength and sweetness has made it a favorite worldwide.

The entire process typically takes between four to six minutes. Recognizing when it's completed is often an enjoyable experience. As the dripping of coffee slows down, it's like waiting for the last drops that indicate your Vietnamese coffee is ready to be enjoyed.

When visiting Vietnam, you can't miss out on the coffee culture. In the north, try brown coffee (cà phê nâu), while in the south, try milk coffee (cà phê sữa). Just be prepared for a sweeter experience, as Vietnamese coffee typically includes condensed milk, not regular milk. This traditional Vietnamese coffee is a must-try, created by adding condensed milk, resulting in a bold, sweet, and slightly creamy treat.

If the classic coffee is still too robust for your taste, consider coffee with extra condensed milk (cà phê bạc xỉu). For those who prefer strong black espresso, go for black coffee (cà phê đen), served with sugar. If you prefer it without sugar, simply ask for black coffee without sugar (cà phê đen không đường). Vietnamese coffee can be enjoyed hot or cold, just ask the vendors.

Read: What to eat in Vietnam?

In Hanoi's cafes, you must try egg coffee (cà phê trứng), a unique treat that combines black coffee with a sweet foamy topping made by whipping condensed milk and egg yolk. For non-coffee drinkers, don't miss out on cocoa with egg coffee (cacao trứng), which features the same delightful egg-infused flavor.

Yogurt coffee (Sữa chua cà phê) may sound unusual to those who haven't experimented with new flavors. This distinctive coffee blend features the addition of creamy yogurt, perfectly complementing the robust coffee flavor.

Alternatively, if you enjoy fruity smoothies, get a taste of coffee smoothie (sinh tố cà phê), a delightful fusion of fruit smoothies with coffee, offering a sweet, creamy, and fruity goodness.

Weave coffee (cà phê vợt) is a traditional method of preparing coffee in Vietnam. It involves using a unique fabric filter, which is a technique found in select places in Saigon, including iconic cafes like Cheo Leo Cafe. This method is distinct from the more common metal filters used in Vietnamese coffee preparation.

Additionally, some coffee variations have gained popularity in Saigon, including salt coffee (cà phê muối) and coffee with salted cream (cà phê kem muối). These innovative flavors have elevated the coffee experience to new levels for locals, and there are likely more unique combinations waiting to be discovered in the world of Vietnamese coffee.

Taste the unique method of coffee making on our city tour

There is a famous coffee that is well known in Vietnam, Civet coffee (cà phê chồn). What makes this coffee special, and why is it costly? It all comes down to how the beans are obtained. The unique process begins with coffee beans that pass through the digestive system of a Palm Civet before being collected and roasted. After digestion and excretion, the beans are carefully cleaned, dried, roasted, and ground.

Civet coffee holds cultural significance in Vietnam, where it is often regarded as a symbol of luxury and indulgence. It's not just about the taste, it's a unique experience that connects coffee enthusiasts with the country's rich coffee culture. While this method may sound unusual, Civet coffee is considered a rare delicacy by coffee enthusiasts.