History of Vietnamese Coffee
Coffee was introduced in Vietnam in the 19th century by the French Catholic priest.
Vietnam War broke and so the country’s coffee bean production fell. This occurrence puts the economy in a bad state.
The government came up with the idea of a production program to help the economy grow after the war. This brought back the booming industry again.
The Doi Moi economic reform of 1987 also pushed the industry to recognize globally.
As of today, a total of 1 million tons of coffee is exported through the globe. Coffee plays a great role in Vietnam’s economy. In fact, this is the second leading agro-commodity with rice being the first.
Vietnamese coffee is usually prepared in a drip-style.
All you need to have is a Vietnamese coffee filter or known as phin, coffee, hot water, condensed milk.
Vietnam has a tasteful culture as well as their coffees.
Where is Coffee Grown in Vietnam?
The coffees of Vietnam are mainly produced in the central highlands. 80 percent of the coffee produced is from here.
The rest of the production is from the Lam Don province.
It is located in the north side of the province. They usually produce the remaining 20 percent of arabica beans.
A land called “Bazan Red Land” which is volcanic soil is best to plant coffee beans. The beans are situated on higher grounds for a sweeter taste.
Harvest season is usually between the months of October to April.
Production of Vietnamese Coffee
As mentioned earlier, Vietnam is the second-largest producer of coffee in the world.
The country kept the industry afloat by growing nitrogen-fixing crops along with coffee to enhance the soil.
Vietnam is known for exporting Robusta coffee which is a type of coffee bean that has low acidity and high bitterness.
Usually used in making espresso blends to create a creamier layer on top of an espresso shot. Vietnamese coffee is known for sugary, sweet type of coffee.
Last year’s forecast was to produce 32.2 million bags of coffee beans to hold the place in the coffee industry.
This proves that the once war-torn country is now a big player in exportation.
Below are some of the different famous types of coffee in Vietnam. You might as well take note of this the next time you visit Vietnam!
1. Coffee with milk
Locally known as ca phe nau or ca phe sua. It can be enjoyed in both hot or iced.
It is a combination of a robust flavor and sweetened milk or condensed milk.
The coffee is dripped then milk is added to counter-balance the roasted flavor of the beans.
Certain brands of condensed milk are recommended, usually, the ones that contain sugar. Expect to be in a tiny cup as this is the traditional way to serve it.
2. Yoghurt coffee
Sua chua ca phe’s ingredient is also introduced by the French – the yogurt.
Eventually, this ingredient is embraced by locals as part of their daily coffee.
You can top it with fruits and fermented rice. If you want to be extra creamy and healthy, this is the coffee for you.
3. Egg Coffee
Ca phe trung was introduced in Hanoi due to the lack of milk during the mid-1900s.
People used yolks as substitutes, instead. We can think of it as a dessert-like the tiramisu of Italy, don’t you think?
The way of doing it is filtering first the coffee, whipping the mixture of yolk, condensed milk. Sprinkle it with sugar on top for extra sweetness.
4. Coconut coffee
Ca phe cot dua as the locals call it. This type of coffee is very trending to youth.
It is a mixture of robust-flavor coffee such as black coffee. Add a splash of condensed milk and coconut milk, throw some ice, and shake it!
Another version of this is a brown coffee mixed with coconut milk or fresh milk. Coconut yogurt is a good choice, too!
5. Coffee Smoothie
What’s better than smoothie and coffee combined?
Throw fresh fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and sapodilla – a fruit with a custardy taste.
Directions in making an authentic Vietnamese coffee smoothie is easy-peasy.
Get half cup of iced espresso or strong coffee, a quarter cup of condensed milk, and 1 and a half cups of ice.
Blend it together and top with shaved chocolate or chocolate syrup.
Thank you guys for reading.
I hope you learned a thing or two about Vietnamese coffee.
You guys stay safe and wash your hands! :)
I tried coconut coffee in Hội An last year. Now, I only drink my coffee with coconut!🤤