Exploring Vietnam through 5 coffee experiences

While we wouldn't consider ourselves true coffee connoisseurs, we do enjoy coffee fairly regularly. We are aware that some people can identify different notes and flavors from coffee beans just by smell alone. For us, coffee drinking is more of a daily habit - we have an iced coffee most other days. However, Vietnam is a place to be eager to experience the famous coffee culture. Even though we could be more knowledgeable about coffee, we made it a goal to try Vietnamese coffee. Vietnam has a strong coffee tradition and is the world's second-largest producer and exporter. Coffee was introduced by the French and its production was later promoted by the Communist government to boost the economy.

As a result, coffee shops are abundant across Vietnam, similar to how tea stalls are prevalent in Pakistan. Vietnamese coffee shop culture involves relaxing at low-seated tables for long periods. People visit coffee shops at various times of day and night, and the chairs tend to face the street rather than being arranged for facing companions directly. While in Vietnam, you can explore the widespread coffee scene and hearty appreciation for the beverage. Sitting alone at a Vietnamese coffee shop can be a more engaging experience for solo travelers, of whom there are many. People are able to enjoy their drinks quietly while also observing the surroundings and other patrons. In contrast, sitting alone at a coffee shop in Pakistan is generally less interesting of an activity.

The good news is you have various cafes throughout Vietnam to visit, ranging from small roadside shops to more aesthetically unique establishments in gentrified areas. However, the coffee itself is quite affordable across the board. A typical glass of iced coffee could cost between 30,000 and 100,000 Vietnamese dong, which converted to around $1.18. As expected, airport coffee prices tend to be higher. Once you are there, you will definitely notice how unpretentious Vietnamese coffee is. Rather than emphasizing complex flavor notes, the focus is simply on enjoying a refreshing iced beverage. The coffee lacks excessive richness or bitterness, striking a pleasing balance for any taste as a non-expert. 

Interestingly, milk is generally not prominently featured - most coffee relies more on condensed milk and water than dairy. This discovery allowed you - especially if you have an intolerance - to try a wide variety of options with less concern. The classic Vietnamese coffee drink known as Ca Phe Sua Da, or Vietnamese iced coffee: in essence, this beverage represents the foundation - it's a simple yet delightful option. Vietnamese iced coffee maintains an uncomplicated approach. With its mild sweetness, it proves to be a pleasant and refreshing drink to enjoy while on the go anywhere throughout Vietnam. Ca Phe Sua Da exemplifies the very qualities that have helped coffee flourish within Vietnam's culture - an easy-drinking beverage capable of bringing enjoyment to all.

There are many coconut coffees - some incorporate shredded coconut bits, imparting an intriguing textural element while other coffees play with coconut notes in a balanced fashion that even non-coconut lovers could appreciate. The version with coconut shreds offers an enjoyable variety in mouthfeel. In the end, coconut coffee can be more broadly appealing than expected. You might feel skeptical about salt coffee - an unconventional Vietnamese beverage. As a consumer of primarily sweet, iced drinks, a salty coffee can go against expectations. However, upon trying it, salt coffee is quite intriguing. The salt imparts an unusual yet compelling characteristic, unlike typical coffee flavors. While not sweet, it avoids an overly salty profile as well. Contrary to concerns it may taste akin to seawater, the balance is well-executed. You will be pleasantly surprised how the salt modulated the coffee into an interesting novelty rather than an unpleasing gimmick. 

Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, was highly recommended anytime we researched popular Vietnamese foods. Its origins are rooted in necessity - during a French-era milk shortage in 1946, Nguyen Van Giang of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel in Hanoi substituted whisked egg to create this unique beverage. His innovation spawned one of Hanoi's signature treats. When visiting Hanoi, you will notice egg coffee is more commonly served hot rather than iced, available at many establishments celebrating this local specialty. The ingenuity behind egg coffee exemplifies how Vietnam's coffee culture was shaped not just by enjoyment, but also by overcoming challenges through creativity - a testament to the Vietnamese people's character.