How To Drink Vietnamese Coffee Like A Local

In this comprehensive article, we will guide you step by step on how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local. You will learn about the unique flavours and brewing methods that make Vietnamese coffee so special, as well as common mistakes to avoid. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to savour every sip of your Vietnamese coffee just like a true local.

1. Why we should know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local

Knowing how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local can enhance your cultural experience and help you appreciate the unique flavor and aroma of this popular beverage. Additionally, it can give you a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and traditions, as coffee has played a significant role in the country’s social and economic development. Finally, being able to order and enjoy Vietnamese coffee confidently like a local can also make your travels more enjoyable and memorable.

2. The key how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local

To know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local, here are some key steps to follow:

• Use the right type of coffee: Vietnamese coffee is typically made with robusta beans, which have a stronger flavor than arabica beans commonly used in other types of coffee is the first step to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local.
• Use a phin filter: This special filter is used to brew Vietnamese coffee and allows the water to slowly drip through the coffee grounds, creating a strong and flavorful cup of coffee.
• Sweeten with condensed milk: Vietnamese coffee is traditionally sweetened with condensed milk, which adds a creamy and rich flavour to the coffee. It’s important to add the condensed milk to the cup before pouring in the coffee.
• Add ice: Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) is a popular way to drink coffee in Vietnam. After the coffee is brewed, pour it over a glass filled with ice.
• Choose the right place to drink Vietnamese coffee: There are many places in Vietnam where you can know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local, such as traditional coffee shops, street vendors, and cafes. Some popular destinations include Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City’s Nguyen Hue walking street, and the city of Da Lat, known for its unique blend of coffee.
• Stir and enjoy: Once all the ingredients are combined, stir the coffee and condensed milk together to create a smooth and creamy texture. Then, sit back, relax and enjoy your cup of Vietnamese coffee like a local.

The key how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local

3. A step by step guide to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local:

3.1. Materials that need to be prepared before learning how to drink Vietnamese coffee

The materials you need to make Vietnamese coffee include:

• Vietnamese coffee beans: The most important ingredient for making Vietnamese coffee is the coffee beans. Vietnamese coffee is typically made with a dark roast, which has a strong and bold flavor.
• Vietnamese coffee filter (phin): A Vietnamese coffee filter, also known as a phin, is a small metal filter that sits on top of a coffee cup. It has a perforated plate that holds the coffee grounds and a press that compresses the grounds. This equipment is usually used when people want to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Vietnamese coffee is often sweetened with sweetened condensed milk, which gives it a creamy and sweet flavor. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference.
• Hot water: Hot water is needed to brew the coffee.
• Ice (optional): If you prefer iced Vietnamese coffee, you will need some ice cubes to cool the coffee down.

3.2. Step-by-step instructions to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local:

• Step 1: Gather your materials: To make and know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local, you’ll need a few key materials: a Vietnamese coffee phin, ground coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and hot water.
• Step 2: Prepare the phin: Remove the top of the phin and add the desired amount of ground coffee to the metal filter. Use a spoon to press the coffee down and make it even.
• Step 3: Heat the water: Boil some water and let it sit for about a minute until it cools slightly. You want the water to be around 200-205°F (93-96°C) for the best taste.
• Step 4: Pour the water: Place the phin on top of a cup or mug and pour just enough hot water to cover the coffee grounds. Let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute to allow the coffee to bloom and release its aroma. This is very important to learn to answer the question how do you drink Vietnamese coffee.
• Step 5: Add condensed milk: Pour a small amount of sweetened condensed milk into the bottom of your cup or mug. This will be the base of your coffee.
• Step 6: Continue brewing: After the coffee has bloomed, pour the remaining hot water into the Vietnamese coffee filter phin and wait for the coffee to drip through the filter. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
• Step 7: Mix and enjoy: Once all the coffee has dripped through the filter, stir the condensed milk and coffee together. If you like your coffee cold, you can pour the mixture over ice. Otherwise, enjoy it hot and savour the unique flavours of Vietnamese coffee. This is how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious cup of Vietnamese coffee like a local.

4. Common mistakes to avoid when drinking Vietnamese coffee

While drinking Vietnamese coffee can be an enjoyable experience, there are some common mistakes that people make that can impact the taste and overall experience. To know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local, there are some mistakes to avoid:

• Not using the right coffee beans: The quality of coffee beans used can make a big difference in the taste of Vietnamese coffee. It is important to use robusta beans that are grown in Vietnam for an authentic taste.
• Using too much or too little coffee: Getting the right ratio of coffee to water is key to a balanced and flavorful cup of Vietnamese coffee.
• Too much coffee can result in a bitter taste, while too little can result in a weak and watery cup. This can cause wrong flavour if you want to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local.
• Adding too much-condensed milk: While condensed milk is a signature ingredient in Vietnamese coffee, adding too much can overpower the taste of the coffee and make it too sweet.
• Not using the right water temperature: Water temperature can affect the flavor of the coffee. Using water that is too hot can result in a burnt taste, while water that is too cold can result in a weak and under-extracted cup.
• Not letting the coffee brew long enough: It is important to let the coffee brew for the right amount of time, usually around 4-5 minutes, to ensure that the coffee is properly extracted and has a full flavor.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make a cup of Vietnamese coffee that is both tasty and real.

Common mistakes to avoid when drinking Vietnamese coffee

5. Some special variations of coffee in Vietnam to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee

Here are some special variations of coffee in Vietnam to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee:

• Egg coffee (Cà phê trứng): This is a Hanoi specialty, consisting of a rich and creamy coffee mixture topped with whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk. This is the first choice if you want to learn how to drink Vietnamese coffee
• Coconut coffee (Cà phê cốt dừa): A popular variation in southern Vietnam, this coffee is made with sweetened condensed milk and a splash of coconut milk for a creamy and tropical twist.
• Yogurt coffee (Cà phê sữa chua): A refreshing and tangy twist on traditional Vietnamese coffee, this variation is made with yogurt, coffee, and sweetened condensed milk. It’s a new kind of coffee to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee.
• Chocolate coffee (Cà phê sữa cacao): This variation combines rich chocolate flavor with strong Vietnamese coffee and sweetened condensed milk for a decadent treat.
• Fruit coffee (Cà phê trái cây): A refreshing and healthy twist on Vietnamese coffee, this variation is made with fresh fruit and a splash of condensed milk for sweetness.
• Lotus coffee (Cà phê hoa sen): Made by infusing coffee with lotus flowers, this variation has a unique floral flavor and aroma.
• Weasel coffee (Cà phê Chồn): Made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by weasels, this coffee is rare and expensive, but highly prized for its unique flavor.

These are just a few examples of the many special variations of coffee in Vietnam. Each region and city may have its own unique twist on Vietnamese coffee, so it’s always worth trying new variations to discover your favorite.

Check for more information about some dishes are made from coffee:

• Vietnamese coffee ice cream recipe
• Vietnamese hot coffee

6. The places to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local

Here are some suggestions for places to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City:

– The places in Hanoi to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local

• Giang Café – one of the oldest coffee shops in Hanoi, famous for its egg coffee and traditional drip coffee.
• Cafe Dinh – a hidden gem in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its strong and smooth coffee served with condensed milk.
• Cafe Pho Co – located in a hidden alleyway in the Old Quarter, this coffee shop offers a unique experience with a rustic atmosphere and traditional coffee brewing methods.

– The places in Ho Chi Minh city to know how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local

• Cafe Runam – a popular chain of coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City that specializes in traditional Vietnamese coffee and also offers coffee-making classes.
• Shin Coffee – a modern coffee shop that serves traditional Vietnamese coffee with a twist, such as coconut or avocado coffee.
• Phuc Long Coffee & Tea – a well-known coffee chain in Ho Chi Minh City that offers a variety of Vietnamese coffee and tea drinks, as well as coffee-making workshops.

These are just a few suggestions, but there are many other great coffee shops and cafes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City where you can learn how to drink Vietnamese coffee like a local.