How to Drink Vietnamese Coffee Like a Local
Drinking coffee in Vietnam isn’t just about enjoying a beverage, it’s a distinctive cultural ritual. Like most Vietnamese people, I use a traditional phin filter, which drips slowly into the cup below, creating an unmistakable rich aroma and bold flavor.
Many people enjoy brewing coffee with sweetened condensed milk. Once the coffee finishes dripping, it creates two distinct layers, milk on the bottom, coffee on top. Simply stir them together with a spoon, and you’ll have a perfect blend of bitter coffee harmonized with the sweet, creamy taste of milk.
How Vietnamese People Brew Coffee
Step 1: Add about 20 grams of roasted ground coffee into the phin filter, pressing gently with the filter press.
Step 2: Add 20 grams of sweetened condensed milk to your glass.
Step 3: Place the phin on top of the glass and slowly pour boiling water into the filter. The coffee will drip slowly, blending with the milk to create a smooth brown color.
Step 4: Once all the coffee has dripped through, remove the phin and stir well with a spoon. Add ice if you prefer it cold, or drink it hot right away.
How to Savor It
Drinking coffee the Vietnamese way means immersing yourself in each sip. Coffee shouldn’t be gulped down like water, it should be sipped slowly and deliberately, without rushing. The experience can be described in this order:
- Smell the aroma
- Sip slowly
- Hold it in your mouth and swallow gradually
- Feel the fragrant, bitter, and creamy notes on your tongue
Tasting notes
- Aroma: Roasty, smoky, dark-caramel
- Body: Thick, dense, full-bodied
- Taste: Bold bitterness, mild chocolate, caramelized notes
- Mouthfeel: Coating, lingering, slightly gripping
- Finish: Warm, long, deep, slightly sweet with condensed milk
The Best Times to Drink Coffee
If I had to choose the two most ideal times to drink coffee, I’d follow the local way:
In the morning before work: Drinking Vietnamese coffee in the morning before starting your day is a local ritual. A strong cup of coffee boosts energy, awakens your senses, and prepares you for a productive day ahead.
In the evening after winding down: In the evening, after finishing your daily tasks, many locals enjoy a cup of hot Vietnamese coffee to relax and unwind. It’s a perfect way to slow down, savor the flavors, and enjoy quiet moments or conversations with friends.
Tips for Drinking Vietnamese Coffee
If you’re drinking for health reasons: If you’re health-conscious and want to limit your sugar intake, prioritize black coffee without sugar. Vietnamese black coffee is extracted from robusta beans, which have a strong aroma and high caffeine content, just a small amount can keep you alert all day.
If you can only choose one type to stick with: I recommend iced milk coffee (cà phê sữa đá), it’s the most iconic Vietnamese drink. It ranks #2 on TasteAtlas’s list of the 10 best beverages in the world. I can drink it three times a day without getting tired of it.
If you have a weak heart or struggle with sleep: You shouldn’t consume more than one cup (120ml) per day, and avoid drinking it after 3 PM. If you still want coffee, use arabica or decaf varieties.
In Conclusion
Vietnamese coffee is more than a caffeine fix, it’s a meditative practice that embodies the Vietnamese philosophy of slowing down and savoring life’s simple pleasures. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, black or with condensed milk, the key is to drink it slowly, mindfully, and like a true local. The ritual of watching coffee drip through a phin filter teaches patience, while each sip reminds you to appreciate the moment. Once you’ve experienced authentic Vietnamese coffee culture, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved tradition that has captured hearts around the world.
