Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is a beverage characterized by unique extraction methods and flavorings native to Vietnam, and is widely enjoyed both domestically and internationally. It typically uses robusta coffee beans and is commonly brewed with a metal filter called a ""phin,"" which allows for a slow extraction process. There are various ways to enjoy Vietnamese coffee, including versions with condensed milk or egg yolk. Vietnam is also one of the world's leading coffee producers, and coffee culture is deeply rooted in the nation's history and cuisine.
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- Price
- ? Dong
- Meal Date
- 7/17/2022
- Food Travel Log
- Mmm, bitter and sweet, Vietnamese coffee is.
Vietnamese coffee beans are predominantly Robusta, known for their strong bitterness and astringency, which is why they are often sweetened with condensed milk.
Knowing the history makes the coffee taste even better… but it’s still bitter and sweet. There must be an even better coffee out there.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview of Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee (Cà phê Việt Nam) is a coffee originating in Vietnam, known for its unique extraction method and rich flavor, characterized by strong sweetness and bitterness. It primarily uses robusta coffee beans and was born under the influence of the French colonial period. Vietnam ranks second in the world, after Brazil, in coffee production, and has also developed its own distinctive ways of enjoying coffee domestically.
History and Background
Coffee was introduced to Vietnam in the mid-19th century by the French during the colonial era. Although arabica beans were first cultivated, mainly robusta beans came to be grown due to the influence of the climate and land conditions. Compared to arabica, robusta beans have a stronger bitter and astringent taste as well as a higher caffeine content, so in Vietnam, the habit of adding condensed milk or sugar to make the coffee more palatable took root. After the Vietnam War and the economic reform policy known as Đổi Mới, Vietnam has established a globally significant position both in coffee production and consumption.
Popular Ways of Drinking and Their Features
With Condensed Milk (Cà phê sữa đá)
The most iconic way to enjoy Vietnamese coffee is with condensed milk, known as Cà phê sữa đá. A generous amount of sweetened condensed milk is poured into hot coffee, then ice is added and mixed before drinking. The signature robustness and bitterness of robusta beans are mellowed out by the condensed milk, bringing out a rich sweetness.
Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng)
In the northern region, especially Hanoi, egg coffee (Cà phê trứng) is also famous. In this style, egg yolk, condensed milk, and sugar are whipped into a cream and added to the coffee, creating an attractively unique richness and a satisfying texture.
Black Coffee (Cà phê đen)
There is also a style where no condensed milk or sugar is added, allowing the drinker to enjoy the coffee’s pure bitterness. This is called Cà phê đen. It is also common to drink this version chilled with ice.
Extraction Method
Vietnamese coffee is distinctively brewed using a metal filter known as a “phin.” Coarsely ground coffee beans and hot water are added to the phin, and coffee slowly drips into the cup below by gravity. This slow extraction emphasizes the original bitterness and richness of the coffee beans. Traditionally, the coffee is often poured into glass cups or glasses.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Bean Variety | Robusta (approximately 95% of all Vietnamese coffee) |
| Main Sweeteners | Condensed milk, Sugar |
| Brewing Equipment | Phin |
| Country Ranking by Consumption | 2nd in the world (by production) |
| Origin | Vietnam during the French colonial period |
Contemporary Vietnamese Coffee Culture
In Vietnam, coffee has become an indispensable part of daily life, enjoyed in various styles everywhere from city-side stalls and cafes to local eateries. In Hanoi, the “sidewalk café” culture is especially famous, with locals and tourists alike relaxing with a glass of coffee in hand as a common sight. With globalization and an increase in foreign visitors, Vietnamese coffee is now attracting attention abroad and is establishing itself as an international beverage beyond Asia.
Conclusion
Vietnamese coffee is a unique coffee style highlighted for its history, culture, brewing methods, varieties of beans, and contemporary societal background. It is loved globally not only as a beverage but also as a symbol that embodies Vietnamese history and lifestyle culture.