It is a little-known fact that Vietnam is the
second largest coffee producing country in the world. The history of the coffee
bean in Vietnam is not a long one, having been introduced by the French in
1857. In recent years, the unique coffee culture of Vietnam has rapidly become
a favourite subject among true coffee connoisseurs and café aficionados around
the world.

A sample of different styles of coffee. Photo by Malte
Blas.

Types of Cafés

The Street Café

Consisting
of tiny chairs and tables made of colourful plastic haphazardly placed along a
busy road with the occasional birdsong of a caged sparrow contributing to the
relaxed ambiance. This is perhaps the most authentic place to enjoy a strong
black Vietnamese drip coffee or a sweet iced coffee with condensed milk. It is
also the ideal location to sit back and watch the circus of everyday life
unfold on the lively streets of Hanoi or Saigon.

The Traditional Café

An
oasis of peace hidden among the winding alleyways of the city, the traditional
Vietnamese café is a place of quiet contemplation. With subdued music, a
sophisticated atmosphere and a loyal following of regulars, the traditional
café was once in decline, but is now being embraced by the younger generation.
This kind of café is the best place to enjoy the uniquely Vietnamese egg
coffee.

The traditional cafes evoke sentiments of old Vietnam.
Photo by Malte Blas.

The Modern Café

Vietnam
is a country that wholeheartedly embraces modernity, while still preserving its
own unique spirit and traditions. Influenced by trendy coffeehouses from New
York to Tokyo, the modern Vietnamese café is a hip and trendy establishment.
Serving everything from coconut cappuccinos to green tea lattes in usually a
distinctly Asian and elegantly-designed ambiance.

Types of Coffee

Egg
Coffee (cà phê trứng)

Originally
from Hanoi, the egg coffee is a uniquely Vietnamese invention. Born out of
necessity, the first egg coffee appeared in the 1940s when dairy products were
scarce. The creamy texture and sweet flavour quickly became a hit and have
since spread to many parts ofhe country, but is still considered a particularly
northern delicacy. The coffee is made by whipping egg yolks and condensed milk
together to create a frothy topping.

The famous egg coffee from Giang Cafe. Photo by Malte
Blas.

Iced Coffee (cà phê đá)

The
weather in Vietnam can get quite hot, especially in the south, so most
Vietnamese prefer their coffee served cold over ice. There are many varieties
of iced coffee, such as iced coffee with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá), or
yogurt served with coffee (Cà phê yaourt), perfect for individuals with a
strong sweet tooth. The ice also has the effect of diluting the sometimes
overwhelmingly strong drip coffee.

Drip Coffee (cà phê phin)

This
is the basis for all coffee in Vietnam: strong, bitter and flavourful coffee
filtered directly into a cup through a French drip filter. True Vietnamese
coffee lovers will tell you that waiting for the coffee to brew is part of the
experience, allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the aroma. If you want to
really experience the unique flavour of Vietnamese coffee, ask for a black
coffee (cà phê đen).

The drip filter is called a "phin."
Photo by Malte Blas.

Vietnamese
Coffee Facts

• The first coffee plant
  introduced to Vietnam was of the Arabica variety.


• Today,
  most coffee grown in Vietnam is Robusta, a variety better suited to the


• Vietnamese
  climate.


• Most
  coffee produced in Vietnam is manufactured into instant coffee, but
  freshly ground