Best Coffee In Vietnam: 9 Brands & Where To Buy
Want to know where to Find The best coffee in Vietnam?
The coffee from Vietnam is usually quite strong and always delicious. The growing coffee culture in Vietnam means more and more coffee enthusiasts are slowly taking notice and wanting to know about coffee from this Southeast Asian country.
Vietnam may not be the first country you think of when you mention the word ‘coffee’. People normally associate quality coffee with countries such as Brazil, Colombia or Costa Rica.
So you may be surprised to learn that Vietnam is the second-largest producer of coffee in the world! Sitting just behind Brazil when it comes to coffee production, Vietnam also accounts for 40% of the world’s Robusta beans!
I will introduce you to some of the best Vietnamese coffee brands, and some of the best coffee shops and answer some FAQs. So grab a quick brew and read on!
Best Coffee In Vietnam: Quick Facts
I know some of you may already be desperate for your coffee fix so I’ve listed the vital information on the best coffee in Vietnam below.
If you’re itching for that Vietnamese caffeine fix, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with these recommendations. However, you can always read on as I have plenty more info on all things coffee.
⭐️ Biggest Coffee Brand in Vietnam – Trung Nguyen Vietnamese Coffee
The most popular coffee in the country by far. Ready-ground and affordable.
⭐️ Best Instant Coffee In Vietnam – G7 by Trung Nguyen
Convenient sachets packed with flavour. Good for travelling or the workplace.
⭐️ Best Vietnamese Coffee in Ho Chi Minh – The Workshop
Modern and trendy. Serves speciality coffees like V60.
⭐️ Best Vietnamese Coffee in Hanoi – Cafe Dinh
Historic and traditional. Amazing egg coffee!
History of Coffee in Vietnam
Vietnam was mainly known as a tea-drinking nation until the French missionaries introduced the first coffee plant in 1857.
Coffee production was originally to generate income and in 1888, the first plantations produced mainly Arabica beans in Ninh Bình and Quảng Bình.
As the coffee industry Continued to flourish, the French set up more plantations in central Vietnam and were producing 2000 tons of coffee annually by 1940.
Although the coffee industry thrived for a number of years, the Vietnam War brought production to a grinding halt and agriculture was collectivized, limiting private enterprise.
in 1986, the Đổi Mới reforms allowed privately owned enterprises to resume production and the surge in growth has today put Vietnam 2nd just behind Brazil when it comes to coffee production and export.
The Different Types of Coffee In Vietnam
Vietnamese Drip Coffee (Cà phê đen/Cà Phê Sữa) – When people talk about your typical coffee in Vietnam, they’re most like talking about cà phê đen or cà phê sữa. The coffee is brewed using a filter and you can have black (đen) but it’s much nicer with sweetened condensed milk (sữa) you can also drink this as Bạc Xỉu which is a milkier iced version.
Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) – This may be the most famous, and strange, coffee in Vietnam. Why? Probably because it sounds ridiculous that you would add egg to coffee. But seriously, this is one tasty drink that you need to experience. Originating in Cafe Giang in Hanoi, egg yolk is beaten with sugar and condensed milk to produce a sweet, frothy topping. You have to try it!
Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Dừa) – This coffee, as you may have guessed, is made with sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk. It’s becoming one of the most popular coffee beverages in Vietnam and is sweet and creamy. Served hot or cold but the iced version is the go-to beverage here!
Yoghurt Coffee (Sữa Chua Cà Phê) – Although this isn’t as famous as coconut coffee it’s an interesting one to try. The ingredients are similar to the previous drinks with sweetened condensed milk as the staple but you just get a dollop of yoghurt and ice. It’s more of a frappe or milkshake in texture and is creamy and thick.
Weasel Poop Coffee (Cà Phê Chồn) – This may or may not be to your tastebud’s liking. Originating from Indonesia (where it’s called kopi luwak) weasel or civet poop is collected after they’ve eaten coffee cherries. The partly digested beans are then washed and roasted, ready for your brew!
Best Coffee In Vietnam: Brands
So now you know how important Vietnam is in the global production of coffee, but which brands make the best brew? There’s quite an extensive list of coffee brands in the country including some which have been household names for decades.
Whether it be whole bean, ground or instant, these are the best coffee brands in Vietnam you can purchase.
1. Trung Nguyen Vietnamese Coffee
Trung Nguyen has been one of Vietnam’s most popular coffee brands for the last twenty-odd years. They are a household name in Vietnam and their beans are sustainably grown on smaller farms in the central highlands.
With several different products available on the market, their tinned ground coffee is one of the most popular. All you need now is a phin and some sweetened condensed milk and you’re ready for some delicious Vietnamese coffee.
✅ Pros:
- No need to grind the beans yourself
- Very affordable for the quality
- Low acidity
- Slightly chocolate taste
❌Cons:
- Very slight bitter aftertaste
- Ground coffee doesn’t stay as fresh for long
➡️ Check the Latest Prices On Trung Nguyen Coffee Here!
2. Vinacafé Instant Coffee Mix
Vincafé is the other big brand in Vietnam. Initially producing coffee for export in 1979, Vincafé has recently turned its attention to the domestic market. Their main focus has been on instant coffee that’s fragrant and high in caffeine.
One of the most loved products is the Instant Coffee Mix. The small sachets have all you need for a great instant coffee. Simply pour the water into the coffee, sugar and creamer mixture and you’re ready to go.
✅ Pros:
- Super easy to make – already has sugar and creamer
- Very balanced flavour
- Come in handy sachets so you can take them anywhere
- Reasonably priced
❌Cons:
- Not for black coffee drinkers
- Can be a little pricey when offers are not available
➡️ Check the Latest Prices On Vinacfé Coffee Here!
3. Saigon Phin Daklak
The guys at Lang Thang Coffee have perfected Vietnamese ground coffee with their Saigon Phin Daklak. Grown in the central highlands of Vietnam, the coffee is roasted in Saigon (HCMC) and imported to their shop in Cincinnati!
This is one of the best Vietnamese-style coffee brands you can get outside of Vietnam. The coffee is available at a reasonable price and has a mild and mellow taste. It’s a versatile blend that’s great when used for iced coffee recipes as well as pour-overs and French press.
✅ Pros:
- Mild and mellow taste
- Genuine Vietnamese coffee flavours
- Slight chocolatey taste
- Excellent choice for iced coffee recipes
❌ Cons:
- Strong, bitter aftertaste
- Only available in a standard grind size – no option for fine/coarse grind
➡️ Check the Latest Prices On Saigon Phin Daklak Coffee Here!
4. G7 3-in-1 Instant Premium Vietnamese Coffee
Made for the busy lifestyles of the working Vietnamese people, instant coffee has really taken off and one of the most popular is G7 3-in-1 Instant Premium Vietnamese Coffee by Trung Nguyen.
This instant coffee sachet is packed with flavour and can also be purchased as a 2-in-1 (no sugar) or instant black coffee. The small sachets are convenient enough to take with you whether you’re going to the office or on a weekend getaway.
✅ Pros:
- Affordable
- Very quick and easy to make
- Conveniently packaged – good on the go
❌ Cons:
- Might not be strong enough for some people
- Slightly watery
➡️ Check the Latest Prices On G7 3-in-1 Coffee Here!
5. Chestbrew Whole Bean Coffee
Chestbrew’s 100% Arabica whole-bean coffee is strong, bold and full of flavour. These beans are high in caffeine and are versatile enough to be ground and brewed however you want. Think V60, Aeropress or even cold brew.
Their coffee is grown in some of the highest-quality farms in Vietnam. It is then picked, roasted and packed swiftly to seal in the freshness!
This is a high-quality coffee and that also means it costs a little more than others on the list.
✅ Pros:
- Whole bean – grind to your desired brew method
- 100% Arabica beans with nothing else added
- Versatile – can be used for pretty much every brew method inc. cold brew
- Strong, intense flavour
❌ Cons:
- Pricey
- Whole bean – not for people who are unsure about grind size
- Not robusta so won’t taste like coffee from Vietnam
➡️ Check the Latest Prices On Chestbrew Whole Bean Coffee Here!
6. Truegrit Peaberry Robusta
Nguyen Coffee Supply is a US-based coffee company specialising in imported coffee from Vietnam. Their organic coffee beans are sustainably grown in the central highlands and produce a range of Arabica and Robusta products.
Of the many types of coffee available from Nguyen Coffee Supply, the Truegrit Peaberry Robusta really stands out. The robusta coffee is high in caffeine and gives fruity notes of grapefruit and melon.
✅ Pros:
- Available as whole bean or ready-ground
- Medium roast which some people may prefer
- Fruity flavours
- No artificial ingredients
❌ Cons:
- Not the cheapest
- The medium roast may not be as intense as Vietnamese drip coffee
➡️ Check the Latest Prices On Truegrit Peaberry Robusta Coffee Here!
7. Len’s Coffee Vietnamese Coffee Kit
If choosing a type of coffee from Vietnam is a little overwhelming then you might want a coffee kit so that you can start drinking a delicious brew straight away. One company that makes these kits is Len’s Coffee.
The family-run company only work with ethical partners with an emphasis on fair wages so it’s no surprise to see that their kit includes a box of Trung Nguyen coffee! You’ll also find a phin and a can of sweetened condensed milk in there to get you started.
✅ Pros:
- Coffee is ground especially for Vietnamese phin brew
- Good quality phin
- Ethical and sustainable company
- Includes a box of the best coffee from Vietnam – Trung Nguyen
❌ Cons:
- Possibly cheaper to purchase the items separately
➡️ Check the Latest Prices On Len’s Coffee Vietnamese Coffee Kit Here!
8. King Coffee Premium Instant Coffee 3-in-1
One of the newer companies on the coffee scene, King Coffee has slowly built its young reputation as one of the best and most successful food and beverage companies in Vietnam. They work with sustainable farms all over the world whilst also maintaining high standards with coffee production.
The most popular products are their instant coffees (seeing the trend yet?) such as the 3-in-1 and the 2-in-1. Like the Vinacafe and G7 on the list, the 3-in-1 is super quick and easy to brew with sugar and creamer already in the mixture.
✅ Pros:
- Affordable and there always seems to be some deal on
- Quick and easy to make
- No bitter aftertaste
- Can be used to make a simple iced coffee
❌ Cons:
- Some may find it a bit weak in flavour
➡️ Check the Latest Prices On King Coffee Here!
9. Copper Cow Coffee Premium Vietnamese Coffee
One of the newest coffee companies on the scene, Copper Cow Coffee was founded in 2017 by Debbie Wei Mullin.
Bringing Vietnamese-inspired lattes into the US market was a challenge but the company’s use of natural ingredients and mission to sustainably support and share the heritage of delicious coffee from Vietnam has made them a success.
You can buy your coffee in a range of different flavours like lavender and salted caramel. Copper Cow also has an extensive range of other products including ground coffee and single-serve pour-overs.
✅ Pros:
- A great choice for people on the go
- No artificial preservatives or additives
- Available in different flavours
- 100% Vietnamese Arabica and Robusta blend
❌ Cons:
- Maybe a little too sweet for some
- A little pricey for what you get
➡️ Check the Latest Prices On Copper Cow Coffee Here!
Best Vietnamese Coffee Recipe
You’ve just tried your first coffee in Vietnam and you’re hooked! You just can’t forget that first taste of the sweet, creamy bold brew but you’re not on vacation anymore and you’re craving another brew!
Well, I’ve got you covered! I’ll go through how to make the perfect Vietnamese drip coffee, or cà phê sữa in your own home, including all the tools you need. Hint: you don’t need many!
What You Need To Make Vietnamese Drip Coffee
- Vietnamese Phin (you can also use a French press, pour-over or stovetop)
- 3 tbsp ground Vietnamese coffee (or find a blend using mainly robusta beans)
- 1-3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk depending on taste
- 6-8 oz boiling water
- Your favourite cup or heatproof glass (it’s better when you can see the drink!)
➡️ Check The Prices On A Genuine Vietnamese ‘Phin’ Here!
How To Make Vietnamese-Style Coffee
Simply add the ground coffee to your Phin (no need for any filters) and place it over your glass or cup with the sweetened condensed milk already in there. Pour the water into the Phin and wait until the coffee has completely dripped through. Do not shake phin or stir the coffee as it brews. Stir the coffee and milk together and enjoy!
Of course, if you are using another brewing method, simply brew your coffee as normal before mixing it with the condensed milk. Remember it’s the beans that give the coffee in Vietnam its unique flavour so aim for a robusta or a blend to get that authentic Vietnamese drip coffee taste.
So there you have it! The best Vietnamese drip coffee, without ever having to leave your house.
💡Pro Tip: When using whole beans, or a non-Vietnam coffee, you’ll find that a medium/course grind works best.
Where To Buy Coffee In Vietnam: Best Coffee Shops
With so many coffee shops cropping in the major cities across Vietnam, finding a place to sip on your favourite beverage won’t be an easy task. To be honest, most of the cafes you’ll come across will serve you a good cup.
To make things a little easier, I’ve listed some of the absolute best coffee shops in Vietnam and their locations. These places have that little something extra to make them worthwhile visits!
1. Cafe Dinh – Hanoi
📍 13 P. Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Trong – Google Maps Pin
Cafe Dinh is one of those amazing finds in Hanoi. A coffee shop full of history and tradition that serves (one of) the best egg coffees you’ll taste. The owner is a member of the Giang family who famously invented the egg coffee recipe. You may also want to pop into Cafe Giang and have an egg coffee at its birthplace.
2. The Workshop – Ho Chi Minh City
📍 27 Ngo Duc Ke, Ben Nghe, Quan 1 – Google Maps Pin
Ho Chi Minh City’s first specialist coffee roaster, The Workshop is one of the best coffee shops in Vietnam. The cafe is modern and trendy and they serve every style of coffee from V60 to cold drip from ethically sourced beans. They also have a growing reputation for their tasty pasta dishes.
3. Loading T – Hanoi
📍 8 P. Chan Cam, Hang Trong – Google Maps Pin
Loading T is one of the best coffee shops in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The coffee shop is located inside an old crumbling, but very pretty, French mansion. You wouldn’t even know they served coffee inside! The interior is cute enough for your Instagram feed and coffee has a secret roasting technique – try and smell the ingredients when your brew arrives.
4. XLIII Coffee – Da Nang
📍 Lot 422, D. Ng. Thi Si, Da Nang – Google Maps Pin
What this? A coffee shop not located in Hanoi or HCMC!? Formerly known as 43 Factory, XLIII Coffee in Da Nang is a hip, modern cafe that looks like a digital nomads paradise (it is) but they’re deadly serious about their coffee! The coffee is roasted on site so you know you’re getting some of the finest coffee in Vietnam here!
5. The Note Coffee – Hanoi
📍 64 P. Luong Van Can, Hang Trong – Google Maps Pin
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy coffee shop then The Note Coffee is the place for you. The cafe is famous for having Post-it notes (sticky notes) covering every single centimetre of the place. There are messages from thousands of travellers from all over the world. If that’s not enough, the views over the lake are pretty cool too.
FAQ: Vietnamese Coffee
Now that I’ve talked about some of the country’s best coffee brands and coffee shops, I’ll answer some FAQs on Vietnamese coffee.
What’s Unique About Vietnamese Coffee?
So what is it about this type of coffee that gives it such a unique flavour? The answer lies in the beans! Being the largest producer of robusta beans, it makes sense that these are beans used in most of the recipes.
Robusta beans have an earthy flavour and the coffee can be bitter, similar to dark chocolate. There is also more caffeine and less sugar than the desirable arabica bean leading to a strong, harsh-tasting cup.
While this may not sound the most appealing, brewing the coffee with a Vietnamese filter into sweetened condensed milk will give you a bold, refreshing brew.
Which Region In Vietnam Has The Best Coffee?
This really depends on what you’d call ‘best’. Since around 80% of Vietnam’s robusta production comes from the Central Highlands, you could say that is the best region for growing coffee.
There are now small pockets of mountainous areas in the Lam Dong province that have been producing Arabica beans recently. As these are the supposedly more desirable beans you could argue that the Lam Dong province has the best coffee.
Is Vietnamese Coffee High Quality?
Vietnam’s climate perfectly suited the large-scale cultivation of the robusta plant and therefore, this led many to believe that the country’s focus on mass production means quantity over quality.
The robusta bean was always seen as less desirable than the arabica as it was easier to grow meaning that people will generally think that Vietnamese quality is of a lower standard than that of Brazil or Columbia.
Don’t let that put you off though. Robusta beans have come a long way and there are many cafes in Vietnam that know how to get the most from these beans!
What Coffee Is Vietnam Known For?
Vietnam is well known for its Robusta coffee bean production which I’ve mentioned before. If we want to know about what kind of coffee Vietnam is known for then it has to be its drip coffee or phin coffee.
You can go to any cafe and order an espresso or flat white but the drip coffee is what you’ll get when you ask for a coffee in Vietnam. I recommend trying it with the sweetened condensed milk first, even if you usually do take it black.
Wrapping Up: Best Coffee In Vietnam
So there you have it — everything you need to know about the best coffee in Vietnam.
The amazing coffee and delicious cuisine and just one of the many reasons that make Vietnam a fantastic place to visit. It’s great to know that you can get hold of many well-known coffee brands too.
Even though I enjoy black coffee (double espresso and a dash of water) I thought the Vietnamese phin coffee and egg coffee were delicious. I still think about the egg coffee I had in Cafe Giang and have been trying to replicate the recipe ever since.
Remember the coffee in Vietnam has a more earthy, bitter taste than your typical Western coffee so it really is better with the sweetened, condensed milk.
I hope that you enjoy trying all the different coffees whilst travelling around Vietnam as much as I did!
