Discover Hue's top spots to enjoy salted coffee, a signature drink blending salty, sweet, and bitter flavors that locals and visitors love. Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, is known not only for its historical significance but also for its unique culinary offerings. One of the city's most iconic drinks is salted coffee, a distinctive beverage that has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors for over a decade. This creamy, salty-sweet drink is a must-try for anyone visiting Hue. Here's a guide to some of the best places in the city to savor this unique coffee experience.

1. Ca Phe Muoi – The Pioneer of Salted Coffee
Ca Phe Muoi holds the distinction of being the first coffee shop in Hue to introduce salted coffee, starting this trend over 13 years ago. Located on Nguyen Luong Bang Street, the cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot for coffee lovers. Inside, the ambiance is cozy and dimly lit, while the outdoor area is bright and refreshing.

The salted coffee here is brewed traditionally using a Vietnamese phin filter, allowing the coffee to drip slowly into a glass containing condensed milk, fermented milk, and salt. Once the coffee has filtered through, customers stir the mixture and enjoy the complex flavors of sweet, creamy milk, bitter coffee, and a salty twist.

Price: VND20,000-VND30,000 (85 cents-$1.28)
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Locations: 10 Nguyen Luong Bang St., 142 Dang Thai Than St.

2. Nha 87 Coffee – A Nostalgic Spot for Salted Coffee
For those who prefer a more nostalgic setting, Nha 87 Coffee on Le Huan Street is the place to be. This cafe features a retro design that evokes memories of the past, with large windows providing views of the bustling streets of Hue.

Unlike Ca Phe Muoi, Nha 87 prepares its salted coffee using a machine, resulting in a smoother texture. The coffee here is less sweet than other versions, highlighting the bitter-salty balance, which many locals appreciate.

Price: VND20,000-VND30,000 (85 cents-$1.28)
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Address: 87 Le Huan St.

3. Laph Coffee – A Modern Vibe for Young Coffee Lovers
With its open and airy space, Laph Coffee is a popular hangout spot for Hue's younger generation. The cafe boasts a modern, artistic design, making it an inviting place to relax. The best times to visit are in the morning or evening when the weather is cool and the atmosphere is lively.

Laph Coffee uses a professional machine to make their salted coffee, which results in a perfect balance of creamy, salty, and bitter flavors. This cafe is a favorite for both locals and tourists looking for a modern take on this traditional drink.

Price: VND20,000-VND40,000 ($0.85-$1.71)
Opening hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Address: 4 Truong Dinh St.

4. Tan Cafe – A Nostalgic Coffee Experience
Tan Cafe is well-known for its charming, retro-inspired decor. The cafe features old-fashioned ceramic tiles, dark leather seats, and rough walls that take visitors back to Vietnam's subsidy era. The quiet, open space provides a relaxing atmosphere where people of all ages can enjoy their coffee.

Many visitors to Hue make a point of stopping by Tan Cafe, including Tran Thi Ngoc Man, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City who tried salted coffee here during her autumn 2022 trip. She praised the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and bitter flavors, describing it as the best salted coffee she had ever tasted.

Price: VND30,000-VND50,000 ($1.28-$2.13)
Opening hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Locations: 14 Pham Hong Thai St., 25 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., 86 Dinh Tien Hoang St.

5. Bali Coffee – A Cozy Spot with a View of the Imperial Citadel
Bali Coffee offers visitors a simple yet charming two-story cafe with a spacious outdoor area. Its salted coffee, known for its strong, bold flavor, balances the bitterness of the coffee with just the right amount of milk and salt.

This cafe is a perfect place to unwind, offering a view of Hue’s iconic Imperial Citadel. Patrons can enjoy their coffee slowly, savoring the intricate flavors in each small cup.

Price: VND20,000-VND30,000 (85 cents-$1.28)
Opening hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Address: 115 Le Huan St.

Conclusion
Hue’s salted coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a cultural experience that reflects the city’s rich history and tradition. Whether you prefer the traditional phin-filtered version or the machine-made smoothness, there’s a salted coffee spot in Hue for every taste. From cozy, nostalgic cafes to modern hangouts, these coffee shops offer a delicious and unique way to experience the flavors of this ancient capital. So, next time you’re in Hue, don’t miss the chance to savor this one-of-a-kind beverage.