Discover six unique Vietnamese coffee styles recommended by Michelin, including egg coffee, iced milk coffee, and fruity cold brew. Experience Vietnam in a cup!
Vietnam's coffee culture, rooted in tradition and innovation, has evolved into a rich culinary experience, offering a variety of unique coffee styles. Introduced by the French in the mid-19th century, coffee in Vietnam has become much more than just a beverage—it's a social and cultural practice. According to the Michelin Guide, here are six must-try Vietnamese coffee variations that reflect the country’s diverse flavors.
1. Ca Phe Sua Da – Iced Milk Coffee
A quintessential Vietnamese drink, iced milk coffee blends the robust bitterness of coffee with the sweetness of condensed milk. Brewed through a filter, the coffee is then mixed with condensed milk and served over ice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Originating from Ho Chi Minh City, this drink is now a global Vietnamese staple, served at everything from street stalls to high-end restaurants.
2. Bac Xiu – Milk and Coffee
Created by the Chinese community in early 20th century Saigon, bac xiu is a lighter, milkier variation of traditional iced coffee. Known for its increased ratio of milk to coffee, bac xiu was designed to cater to those who prefer a less bitter coffee, making it especially popular among women and children. This drink is a sweet yet balanced representation of Saigon’s multicultural influences.
3. Egg Coffee
Egg coffee is a wartime invention dating back to the 1940s. During a period of milk shortages, Nguyen Van Giang, founder of Giang Coffee in Hanoi, used egg yolks as a substitute for milk. The result was a rich, creamy layer atop bitter coffee, offering a mix of sweet, creamy, and slightly bitter flavors. Egg coffee is typically served in small cups warmed by hot water, making it a cozy and indulgent drink.
4. Salt Coffee
Salt coffee hails from the central city of Hue and offers a unique combination of salty, sweet, and creamy flavors. Robust Vietnamese coffee is mixed with cream and salt, creating a balanced drink where the salt enhances the sweetness and smooths out the coffee’s bitterness. Layered with condensed milk at the bottom, coffee in the middle, and cream on top, salt coffee is both flavorful and visually appealing.
5. Coconut Coffee
A tropical twist on traditional coffee, coconut coffee combines the rich bitterness of coffee with the sweetness of coconut milk. This refreshing drink is prepared by blending coconut milk with condensed milk and ice, and then topping it with foamy black coffee. The result is a rich, aromatic beverage perfect for hot weather, showcasing Vietnam’s love for tropical flavors.
6. Fruity Cold Brew Coffee
A modern take on coffee, fruity cold brew has become popular in urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This drink blends cold-brewed Arabica coffee with a variety of fruits, such as orange, lychee, and apricot, offering a refreshing and zesty experience. The combination of sweet, tangy fruit and cold coffee is ideal for cooling down in Vietnam's tropical climate.
These six coffee styles reflect the diversity and creativity of Vietnamese coffee culture, offering something for every palate, from the rich and creamy to the light and refreshing.
