Vietnam’s coffee culture is like a colorful quilt made from history, tradition, and strong tastes. From the busy roads of Hanoi to the peaceful hills of Da Lat, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s part of daily life. This guide looks at where it started, how it’s made, and the top spots to try Vietnam’s famous ca phe sua da (iced coffee with sweet milk).

The Story of Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese coffee began in the 1800s when French settlers brought coffee plants to the area. The rich soil of the Central Highlands was perfect for growing coffee, and Vietnam quickly became a top coffee maker. Now, Vietnam is the second-biggest coffee seller in the world, known for its strong robusta beans.

How Vietnamese Coffee is Made

People usually make Vietnamese coffee with a phin, a small metal filter. They put ground coffee in the phin, add hot water, and let it drip slowly into a cup. This makes a powerful, thick coffee that’s used for different drinks.

Famous Vietnamese Coffee Drinks

Ca phe sua da is probably the most well-known. It mixes strong black coffee with sweet condensed milk and ice for a cool drink. Other favorites are ca phe den (plain black coffee) and ca phe trung (egg coffee).

Best Places to Try Coffee in Vietnam

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is full of great coffee shops with real Vietnamese coffee. In Ho Chi Minh City, old cafes like Cafe Apartments give a special experience. For a quieter time, the coffee farms in Da Lat let you see how coffee is grown.

Want to learn more about Vietnam’s coffee culture? Check out Journey Vietnam for more stories and visit our YouTube channel @JourneyVietnam to see Vietnam’s food and culture through video.