Vietnam may be best known for phở noodles and bánh mì sandwiches, but its coffee culture also deserves major buzz.
International food site TasteAtlas recently highlighted four Vietnamese coffee drinks as some of the world’s most crave-worthy cups. Out of 63 iconic global coffees, Vietnamese offerings nabbed 4 spots thanks to their complex flavors and quintessential brewing methods.
From creamy iced mixes to warm cups topped with egg custard foam, keep reading to discover Vietnam’s four coffees that are brewing up major worldwide acclaim.
7th - Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee
This drink provides a cooling caffeine fix, blending ice, milk, and strong coffee concentrate.
Traditionally, the base is extracted from Robusta beans, prized for their bold flavor. The grounds are placed into a phin filter and hot water slowly drips through, producing a super concentrated brew.
Sweetened condensed milk is then poured over ice, followed by the extracted coffee. The drink is briefly stirred before being enjoyed through a fat straw.
The end result is a drink with layers of flavors - slightly bitter yet full-bodied coffee floating over chilled, creamy sweetness. It’s an addictive contrast that’s helped Vietnamese iced milk coffee gain global fame.
14th - Vietnamese Black Coffee
While flavored coffee drinks have their place, sometimes nothing beats the unadulterated taste of high-quality black coffee.
Vietnam’s take features pure strong coffee made using the phin filter, showcasing the mouthfeel and notes of Vietnamese-grown beans.
The coffee is brewed hot directly into a cup or served over ice. The lack of add-ins allows the natural flavors to shine through.
Robusta offers earthiness with hints of woodsmoke and cocoa, while Arabica brings notes of fruit and honey. A touch of sugar may be added to offset any bitterness.
Sipped slowly without distraction, this full-bodied black coffee lets you savor Vietnam’s exceptional beans in their purest form.
27th - Egg Coffee
Here’s a unique Vietnamese coffee drink that’s foamy, rich, and utterly decadent.
Egg coffee originated in the 1940s when milk was scarce. Beaten egg yolks were used as a creamy substitution, and they turned out to pair beautifully with coffee.
To make it, egg yolks are whisked with sweetened condensed milk until light and frothy. The mixture is heated gently until thickened, but not enough to curdle the eggs.
The custard-like concoction is poured into a cup, then freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee is added. The egg foam floats over the surface like a meringue.
The texture is airy yet substantial, pairing sweet vanilla notes with robust coffee undertones. It’s an Instagram-worthy drink that’s ideal for adventurous coffee lovers.
53rd - Yogurt Coffee
Vietnam’s final top coffee swaps dairy for a tangy probiotic twist.
Yogurt coffee contains plain yogurt blended with sweetened condensed milk, strong black coffee, and ice. Some versions also incorporate a splash of lemon juice.
The ingredients can be shaken vigorously in a cocktail shaker or simply stirred to create swirls. Another technique is layering the components artfully.
Tart yogurt creaminess contrasts beautifully with bittersweet coffee. The nutty caramel notes of condensed milk tie everything together.
It’s an unexpected flavor combo that’s surprisingly harmonious. The yogurt adds a pleasant tang that cuts through the richness flawlessly.
Brewing Up Global Acclaim
It’s clear that Vietnam’s iconic coffees warrant their worldwide praise. From strong style brewing to unexpected ingredients like eggs and yogurt, Vietnamese baristas have mastered the craft.
Cuba took the top spot with sweetened espresso Café Cubano. India came in second for its slowly filtered coffee spiked with warm milk and sugar. Greece rounded out the top three with Freddo Espresso, an iced and whipped espresso drink.
With Vietnamese options following closely behind, it’s clear this Southeast Asian country is brewing up some serious coffee cred. Vietnam’s devotion to the bean continues to win over tastebuds far and wide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam’s unique coffee culture has made the country one of the world’s top coffee producers. Discover more about Vietnam’s iconic coffee drinks with this helpful FAQ guide.
What types of coffee beans are used in Vietnam?
The two main coffee beans grown in Vietnam are Robusta and Arabica. Robusta offers a strong, earthy flavor and makes up around 97% of Vietnam’s coffee. Arabica has more complex fruit and floral notes and accounts for 3% of output.
How is Vietnamese coffee traditionally brewed?
A phin filter is used to slowly drip hot water through ground coffee. The small single-serve filter lets the grounds fully infuse to extract maximum flavor. The resulting concentrate is mixed with ingredients like condensed milk or served black.
When was coffee first introduced to Vietnam?
Coffee first came to Vietnam in the mid-19th century when the French established coffee plantations. Vietnam’s tropical highland climate was perfect for cultivation and production flourished.
Why does Vietnamese coffee have a thick, creamy texture?
Sweetened condensed milk is the secret ingredient that gives Vietnamese coffee its distinctive richness. When mixed with the strong coffee concentrate, it makes a syrupy, velvety drink that contrasts beautifully with ice.
What are some classic Vietnamese coffee drinks I should try?
Some iconic Vietnamese coffees include Cafe Sua Da (iced milk coffee), Ca Phe Trung (egg coffee), Ca Phe Sua Chua (yogurt coffee), and Ca Phe Den Da (iced black coffee). Vietnamese coffee culture also includes many coffee cocktails and smoothies.