If you think you know coffee, Vietnam will change everything you thought you knew. This Southeast Asian country isn’t just one of the largest coffee producers in the world—it has one of the most unique and fascinating coffee cultures you’ll ever experience. From the boldest, strongest robusta beans to drinks made with egg yolk, coconut, and even salt, Vietnam’s coffee scene is a must-try for any caffeine lover.

A Brief History: How Vietnam Became a Coffee Powerhouse ☕

Coffee came to Vietnam in the 1800s, brought by French missionaries who introduced arabica plants. But Vietnam’s tropical climate wasn’t ideal for delicate arabica, so farmers turned to robusta beans—a variety that thrives in hot, humid conditions and has twice the caffeine of arabica.

Fast forward to today, and Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, supplying over 40% of the global robusta market. But what makes Vietnam truly special isn’t just the production—it’s how they drink their coffee.

1. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): The Most Decadent Coffee You’ll Ever Try 🍳☕

Imagine the creamiest, frothiest coffee you’ve ever had—then multiply it by ten. That’s egg coffee, a Hanoi-born specialty that blends strong Vietnamese coffee with whipped egg yolk, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. The result? A rich, custard-like coffee that feels like drinking tiramisu in a cup.

☕ Where to Try It:

Café Giảng (Hanoi) – The birthplace of egg coffee, still run by the family of its creator.
Loading T Café (Hanoi) – A hidden gem with an artsy vibe and incredible egg coffee.

A Vietnamese Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Dừa)

2. Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Dừa): The Ultimate Tropical Pick-Me-Up 🥥

Coconut coffee is Vietnam’s answer to a coffee milkshake, blending robusta espresso with creamy coconut milk, ice, and a touch of sweetened condensed milk. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing—perfect for Vietnam’s humid climate.

🥥 Where to Try It:

Cong Cà Phê (Nationwide) – This retro café chain serves an insanely good coconut coffee.
The Workshop (Ho Chi Minh City) – A specialty coffee shop known for its high-quality takes on local brews.

3. Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối): The Hidden Gem of Hue 🧂☕

Salt in coffee? Trust us, it works. Originating from Hue, salt coffee combines strong, dark-roasted robusta coffee with a salted whipped cream topping. The slight saltiness enhances the natural sweetness of the coffee, creating an insanely balanced and addictive drink.

🧂 Where to Try It:

Cà Phê Muối (Hue) – The original shop that made this drink famous.
Anywhere in Hue! This specialty is spreading fast, but Hue remains the best place to try it.

Why Vietnamese Robusta Coffee Hits Different 🌱

Most of the world drinks mild arabica coffee, but in Vietnam, it’s all about robusta. Here’s why it’s special:

✅ Twice the caffeine – This is serious coffee—smooth but bold, bitter, and packed with a caffeine punch.✅ Naturally lower in sugar – Unlike arabica, robusta has less natural sugar and more antioxidants.✅ Thicker, creamier texture – Vietnamese robusta coffee is often brewed using a phin filter, which creates a slow drip, concentrated brew with deep, bold flavors.

☕ Best Way to Experience It? Order a classic cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee)—strong robusta coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over ice. It’s Vietnam’s signature drink.

Final Thoughts: Why Coffee Lovers Need to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam’s coffee culture is rich, innovative, and absolutely one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re sipping an egg coffee in Hanoi, cooling off with coconut coffee in Saigon, or trying a salty-sweet brew in Hue, every cup is an experience.

If you love coffee, Vietnam is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to taste. ☕🇻🇳

Which Vietnamese coffee are you dying to try first?

Why Vietnam’s Coffee Culture Is Unlike Anywhere Else in the World