Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, and coffee is an important part of the country’s culture. Vietnamese coffee is known for its strong, bold flavor, and there are many different ways to brew it.

Cafes

Vietnamese coffee shops, or “ca phe“s, are a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small, family-owned shops to large, chain establishments. Some cafes offer traditional Vietnamese coffee, while others serve more Western-style coffee drinks.

One of the most popular types of Vietnamese coffee is ca phe sua da, which is a strong, black coffee with sweetened condensed milk. It is typically served in a glass over ice, and it is a refreshing and delicious way to start the day.

Another popular type of Vietnamese coffee is ca phe trung / Egg Coffee, which is made with egg yolks and condensed milk. It is a rich and creamy coffee drink that is perfect for a special occasion.

Traditional Vietnamese Cafes

Traditional Vietnamese cafes are a popular place to socialize, work, and relax. They are typically small, family-run businesses with a casual atmosphere. Traditional Vietnamese cafes serve a variety of coffee drinks, including ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) and ca phe trung (egg coffee). They may also serve other beverages, such as tea, soft drinks, and beer. Traditional Vietnamese cafes often have a distinct atmosphere, with wood-paneled walls, dim lighting, and traditional Vietnamese music playing in the background.

Modern Coffee Shops

In recent years, a number of modern coffee shops have opened in Vietnam. These shops offer a more upscale coffee experience than traditional Vietnamese cafes. They typically have a more modern design, with sleek furniture and trendy decor. Modern coffee shops also offer a wider variety of coffee drinks, including espresso drinks, lattes, and cappuccinos. They may also serve pastries, desserts, and other food items. Modern coffee shops are popular with young people and professionals who are looking for a more stylish and sophisticated coffee experience.

Beans

Vietnam produces two main types of coffee beans: robusta and arabica. Robusta beans are more bitter and have a higher caffeine content than arabica beans. They are also more resistant to disease and pests, which makes them easier to grow. Arabica beans are more flavorful and have a lower caffeine content than robusta beans. They are also more difficult to grow, which makes them more expensive.

Most Vietnamese coffee is made with robusta beans. This is because robusta beans are cheaper and easier to grow. However, there is a growing trend of using arabica beans in Vietnamese coffee. This is because arabica beans produce a more flavorful coffee, and many people are willing to pay more for it.

Robusta Beans

Robusta beans are the most common type of coffee bean grown in Vietnam. They are known for their high caffeine content and bold, earthy flavor. Robusta beans are often used to make espresso and other strong coffee drinks.

Arabica Beans

Arabica beans are less common in Vietnam than robusta beans, but they are prized for their smooth, sweet flavor. Arabica beans are often used to make specialty coffee drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos.

Brewing Methods

There are many different ways to brew Vietnamese coffee. The most traditional method is to use a phin filter. A phin filter is a small, metal filter that is placed over a cup. Coffee grounds are placed in the phin filter, and hot water is poured over them. The coffee slowly drips through the filter into the cup, and the result is a strong, flavorful cup of coffee.

Another popular way to brew Vietnamese coffee is to use a French press. A French press is a glass or metal container with a plunger. Coffee grounds are placed in the French press, and hot water is poured over them. The coffee is allowed to steep for a few minutes, and then the plunger is pushed down to separate the coffee grounds from the coffee. The result is a rich and flavorful cup of coffee.

Vietnamese coffee is typically brewed using a variety of methods, each with its own unique flavor profile.

• Phin cà phê: This is the most popular method of brewing coffee in Vietnam. It involves placing ground coffee in a small metal filter, called a phin, and pouring hot water over it. The coffee drips slowly through the filter into a cup below. Phin cà phê coffee is strong and flavorful, with a slightly bitter taste.
• Bình nước: This method is similar to phin cà phê, but instead of using a metal filter, a glass or ceramic jug is used. The coffee grounds are placed in the jug, and hot water is poured over them. The coffee then steeps for a few minutes before being poured into cups. Bình nước coffee is less strong than phin cà phê, with a more mellow flavor.
• Cà phê sữa đá: This is a popular iced coffee drink in Vietnam. It is made by brewing coffee with condensed milk, and then pouring it over ice. Cà phê sữa đá is sweet and refreshing, with a strong coffee flavor.
• Cà phê trứng / Vietnamese egg coffee: This is another popular iced coffee drink in Vietnam. It is made by brewing coffee with egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk. Cà phê trứng is rich and creamy, with a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.

Here is a recipe for Vietnamese egg coffee:

Ingredients:

• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons condensed milk
• 4 ounces strong coffee
• Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk until smooth.
2. Heat the coffee in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is just below boiling.
3. Pour the hot coffee into the egg yolk mixture and whisk until well combined.
4. Pour the coffee mixture into two coffee cups and garnish with ground cinnamon, if desired.
5. Serve immediately.

These are just a few of the many ways that coffee is brewed in Vietnam. With its rich coffee culture and diverse brewing methods, Vietnam is a must-visit destination for coffee lovers from all over the world.

Vietnamese Coffee Culture

Coffee is an important part of Vietnamese culture. It is a way for people to socialize, relax, and do business. Vietnamese coffee shops are a popular gathering place for people of all ages. They are a place to catch up with friends, read the newspaper, or just relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Vietnamese coffee is also a symbol of the country’s economic growth. In the past, coffee was grown mostly for export. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of Vietnamese coffee consumption. This is due to a number of factors, including the rising middle class, the increasing popularity of coffee shops, and the government’s efforts to promote coffee consumption.

As Vietnamese coffee consumption continues to grow, the country is becoming a major player in the global coffee market. Vietnam is now the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, and it is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a coffee-loving country with a rich coffee culture. Vietnamese coffee is known for its strong, bold flavor. It is enjoyed in a variety of ways, from traditional cafes to modern coffee shops. If you are looking for a unique and delicious coffee experience, be sure to try Vietnamese coffee.