Vietnamese coffee is the nation's buzz-generating super fuel. Every street in every city has a cafe; they range from hip cafes shaped by the creative class to vintage establishments that have been operating for decades to pavement cafes strung along and over the sidewalks. You'll be surrounded by chattering locals sipping their preferred drink in each one.

 

1. The must-try: drip-filtered coffee 

Vietnamese coffee is often brewed using metal filters after being roasted in butter. Certain filters are so big they require a crew to carry, while others are tiny enough to fit on a coffee cup and make great mementos. One of the delights of this type of coffee is the time you spend waiting for it to brew. Black Vietnamese coffee is an acquired taste because of its bitterness. You can add ice to your drink or use condensed milk to sweeten it, as many locals do. Enjoying a refreshing cup of cà phê sữa đá during a hot day is a classic Vietnamese coffee experience.

 

 

 

 

Where to find it: The greatest beers in the area may be found directly off the street. Try the Vietnamese classic, Café Thai, which has been around since the 1920s in a variety of forms. At the intersection of Truong Dinh and Pham Hong Thai in Hue, have a seat at one of the pavement cafes. Cafe Tung is a must-go-to place in Da Lat, and Cafe Long is a local landmark in Da Nang.

 

2. Hot egg coffee is the best for warming the soul.

According to stories, even in the post-war era, when milk was in short supply, the people of Hanoians still had a strong desire for anything to make their coffee taste better. Egg yolks proved to be the ideal substitute because they were inexpensive and creamy. Cà phê trứng remained popular due to its delectable sweetness even as Vietnam's economy grew and milk was once again available on the market. It is currently a Hanoi specialty drink that is highly recommended, particularly in the winter. A rich brew is topped with a deep, frothy foam head; use a spoon to gently fold the foam in and take a slow sip.

 

 

Where to find it: Hanoi is the greatest place to get egg coffee. You may eat a creamy cup of the original Café Giang by the spoonful. Other locations are Loading T, Ma Xo, and Hanoian Kitchen. 

 

3. Cool down with coconut coffee, a must-try from Vietnam.

Vietnam's summer heat is unbearable for very few cities. If you start to overheat while wandering, consider an iced coconut coffee. Coconut coffee, also called cà phê cốt dừa, is more like a scoopable ice cream than a drinkable coffee. It may be used as a pick-me-up, fill-me-up, and cool-me-down. The barista will combine condensed milk, fresh milk, and coconut milk with regular drip coffee. Once prepared, the dish is spooned into a glass and served as a cool treat. Similar to a coffee cocktail, the coconut gives the drink a playful tropical touch while the coffee grounds the flavor.

 

 

Where to find It: For its delicious coconut coffee, Cong Ca Phe is highly regarded. Branch locations can be found throughout Vietnam, including all major cities.

 

4. The greatest for a midday snack: Try yoghurt coffee from Vietnam

Cà phê sữa chua, or yoghurt coffee, is a delicious and unique substitute for milk that is sure to please any palate. The drink combines Vietnamese drip coffee with yoghurt, condensed milk, and ice, though the latter two are optional. While ca phe sua chua is available on menus all around Hanoi, the top coffee shops make their own fresh yoghurt. The sourness of the yoghurt, bitterness of the coffee beans, and sweetness of the condensed milk make for a delectable mix.

 

 

Where to find It: Hanoi's Cafe Duy Tri has a devoted fan base thanks to its house-made yoghurt coffee, which has a flavor similar to yoghurt sorbet.

 

5. Best cafe in Vietnam for a sugar rush: Bac Xiu.

Cà phê bạc xỉu is the only option if you've tried Vietnamese iced coffee and can handle anything even sweeter. The ingredients are similar to those in a cà phê sữa đá: coffee, condensed milk, and crushed ice. All that separates the two is the amount; a bac xiu needs less coffee and more milk. Teenagers who are still getting used to the bitter taste of Robusta coffee are big fans of the drink. 

 

 

Where to find it: Bac xiu originated in Ho Chi Minh City, which is also the nation's sugar capital. All over the city, there are street cafes serving chilly bac xiu in big glasses with lots of crushed ice. Try an upscale version at Vietnam Coffee Republic.

 

Source: Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism