Vietnamese coffee

Vietnamese coffee

Where robusta is king

        All over the world, there are unique and spectacular coffee cultures and scenes to explore. But certainly, Vietnam boasts one of the most interesting, unique, endearing, and addictive of coffee cultures. It does this all while highlighting not the more typical arabica bean but rather by reveling in the power and delightful potential of the robusta bean. From condensed milk coffee to coffee prepared with a raw egg, keep reading to discover more about Vietnam's coffee!

 Evolution

        Vietnam's coffee and cafe culture comes from France back in the days when it was still a colonial territory. However, after liberation and the tumult that followed, Vietnam's coffee culture evolved to take on a life of its own and one that offers a lot more than cafe au lait. 

        This is helped largely in part by Vietnam's role as one of the largest coffee bean producers in the world. Though many keen readers will be quick to point out that Brazil is the largest producer by far, Vietnam is one of the largest producers of robusta beans. It is robusta and the creative ways Vietnamese coffee lovers have strived to make this potent bean as potable as possible that make Vietnamese coffee shine.

        Vietnamese coffee takes things like condensed milk to harmonize with the robusta. Vietnamese coffee is also brewed in a special manner. Using a special tin filter called a phin.

        The specialized tin filter is made just for brewing Vietnamese style. The grinds are poured in and a perforated top is pressed down. Hot water is poured on this metal filter stopper and the brewed coffee is dripped below into a cup or glass. 

        A tin top is placed on as the water brews the coffee. This will yield a strong, innervating cup of black coffee. Since Vietnam is hot year-round coffee is usually enjoyed iced but certainly hot variations exist. For example, the egg coffee famous in Vietnam's northern regions should probably only ever be enjoyed hot! Speaking of which…

 Vietnamese egg coffee

        It is exactly what it sounds like. According to popular folk stories about the origins of this beverage, it all goes back to the 40s when there was a milk shortage. Instead, a pioneering barista whipped up some egg to match the rich, creamy consistency of milk. The rest is coffee history.

        The coffee is brewed hot and strong and a raw egg is cracked and whipped up before being added to the coffee. Don't balk at this mode of coffee Bruce Lee would certainly condone because it is rich, silky, smooth, and gives your body an extra protein boost for certain!

 Vietnamese condensed milk coffee

        The recipe is simple enough but difficult to pull off at home unless you have a proper phin filter. This recipe sees a layer of thick, sweet, syrupy condensed milk added to the bottom of your cup before the coffee is brewed from above. As it drips down you are treated to a harmonious drink. The dark, bitter, intensity of the robusta is balanced out by the immensely sweet white condensed milk. Just add ice and you are in paradise!

 Black coffee

        Of course, there is a Vietnamese spin on a classic cup of black coffee, too. The brewing method also sees the phin filter take center stage as your robusta drips down into your cup either over ice or as is. The result is a strikingly refreshing and addictive cup of robusta. You will feel the power of the robusta and keep coming back for more!

 Xin chao!

        Vietnam has a ton to offer those lucky enough to visit. Coffee lovers will not be disappointed by the stellar coffee in Vietnam. Whether you prefer the full impact of the black coffee or the sweetened version with condensed milk, Vietnam's coffee scene is stupendous!

 Works Cited

• “Coffee Production in Vietnam.” Wikipedia, 10 Nov. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_production_in_Vietnam#History. Accessed 26 Nov. 2022.
• “Vietnamese Egg Coffee.” The Spruce Eats, www.thespruceeats.com/vietnamese-egg-coffee-3030347. Accessed 26 Nov. 2022.
• “Vietnamese Iced Coffee.” Wikipedia, 10 Nov. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_iced_coffee. Accessed 26 Nov. 2022.