The Curious Case of Vietnamese Coffee

The Unique Flavors and Stories That Make Vietnam’s Coffee Unforgettable

As I sit in a café in Bangalore this morning, sipping my coffee and watching the rain, my mind drifts back to a rainy morning in Da Lat, Vietnam. I had found myself stuck in a little coffee shop due to the weather, but instead of being upset, I welcomed the chance to slow down. Taking things easy while travelling is my favourite way to experience a new place—chatting with strangers and savouring the quiet moments.

The Coffee Culture

During my time in Da Lat, I kept coming back to the same café. It had everything I liked—slow piano jazz music, a cozy corner table, and amazing coffee. My favorite was Vietnamese coffee (ca phe sua da), which is strong and mixed with condensed milk. Over time, the host, Mr. Ha, got to know my preferences. My coffee, a tissue, and an ashtray were always ready when I arrived. I was happy to get such privileges in an unknown country that too from a complete stranger. 

One rainy afternoon, with fewer customers around, Mr. Ha had some time to chat. I’d been wanting to ask him about something for a while—how did Vietnam turn coffee into such a popular attraction for tourists?

Remembering the History

Mr. Ha explained that after the war with the U.S., Vietnam faced many struggles. By the 1980s, things started to get better, and tourism helped boost the economy. What surprised many visitors was how many coffee shops there were. You could find one every few steps, and they were always full.

Coffee was brought to Vietnam by the French in the 19th century, but the locals quickly made it their own. In every city, you’ll see people sitting on low chairs, smoking, and sipping their coffee. It’s a daily routine for many Vietnamese, not just tourists.

But what made coffee such a draw for visitors?

The Secret to Success

Vietnam mainly produces Robusta coffee, which is known for its bitter taste. Most Vietnamese like their coffee strong and mixed with condensed milk. However, coffee tastes can vary—people in the north have different preferences than those in the south.

However, What sets Vietnam apart is how creative they are with their coffee. One of their famous creations is egg coffee, which started during the early years of the U.S. war. When there wasn’t enough milk, someone decided to mix coffee with egg yolk. The result was a creamy, rich drink that has since become a signature coffee in Vietnam. Today, they also add condensed milk or butter to it.

Vietnamese people didn’t stop there. They’ve came up with many other unique coffee drinks, like coconut coffee, yogurt coffee, and even salt coffee. These experiments have caught the attention of tourists, which gave them many reasons to come back to the coffee shops.

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Coffee Tourism

Vietnam’s one-of-a-kind coffee flavors quickly became a hit with visitors. Word spread, and soon, Vietnam wasn’t just known for its beautiful landscapes and culture—its coffee became a must-try experience. Whether it’s the traditional brew or a more creative blend, coffee has become a key part of the Vietnam travel experience.

As I think back to my time in Da Lat, I realize that the one thing I brought back from Vietnam was a rich flavourful memory from that had been there with me as I end up ordering this Vietnamese coffee in Bangalore which has no match to the coffee I had in Da Lat.

If you ever visit Vietnam, take a moment to slow down. Find a cozy café, order a cup of coffee, and let the flavors of this amazing country take you on a journey of its own.

PS : The opinions are solely mine. You may or may not like the coffee but you will definitely like sitting in one of these cafes. 

Happy Sunday :)