Coffee culture has somehow become deeply ingrained and familiar to the Vietnamese people. The bitter, rich taste lingering on the tongue, the subtle fragrance, the earthy aroma emanating from a cup of coffee can make one feel ecstatic. And so, coffee has entered the hearts of the Vietnamese in a gentle and mellow way. People enjoy coffee while working, when meeting to discuss matters with partners, or chatting with friends and family. Coffee plays a significant role in the lives and work of many.
The Emergence of Coffee Culture in Vietnam
Coffee arrived in Vietnam from the West, brought by the French during the colonial period. Initially, this beverage was reserved for the Vietnamese nobility, French officials, and the intellectuals in urban areas. Gradually, after the “Doi Moi” economic reforms, as Vietnam’s economy and literacy rates developed, coffee became a popular beverage in the daily lives of people of all ages.
Today, Vietnamese coffee is not only known for its high production volume, ranking among the top in the world, but also for its unique and simple yet sophisticated coffee culture. Most coffee in Vietnam is of the Arabica and Robusta varieties, commonly grown in the Central Highlands, the coffee capital of Vietnam. Each type has earned its reputation both domestically and internationally for its production volume, quality, and flavour.
The Distinctive Vietnamese Coffee Culture
The rich taste of coffee has become a familiar part of daily life for Vietnamese people. Every morning, a cup of strong, aromatic coffee at a street corner, accompanied by a newspaper, is a familiar sight in the ancient streets of Hanoi. The sophistication of Vietnamese coffee is reflected in the unique culture and style of enjoying coffee.
Vietnamese people have a very unique way of enjoying coffee, unlike Americans, who see coffee as a quick drink to stay awake. Vietnamese people treat coffee as a cultural experience: sipping and contemplating. Sitting by a cup of coffee, taking small sips while reading the newspaper, listening to music, chatting with friends, or business partners, or working, and also reflecting on life, about people, about what one needs to do in a day.
The preferred taste of Vietnamese coffee is: strong, bitter, with a hint of almond and earthy aroma. Depending on the type of coffee, it can offer various sensations of acidity, oiliness, and the scent of different flowers and fruits. Each Vietnamese person has their own unique way of appreciating the flavours of coffee. A good cup of coffee usually has a natural rich flavour, with a mild, fresh acidity that cleanses the palate; a strong oil content, and a particularly subtle fragrance that easily captivates anyone’s taste buds.
Phin Coffee – The Symbol of Enjoyment
Phin coffee ( Coffee Filter) is considered the most favoured coffee by Vietnamese people, a method also brought from France. The sensation of waiting for each drop of coffee to fall is truly interesting. It’s even more enjoyable to savour the result, whether it’s a hot black coffee, coffee with condensed milk, served hot or iced according to personal preference. One can often tell the character of a person or the culture of a region by the way they make and enjoy coffee in Vietnam. For instance, people in the South usually wrap coffee in cloth and boil it in a pot, preferring iced coffee due to the year-round hot climate. Meanwhile, people in the North primarily drink Phin coffee, black or brown, but always very strong, usually enjoyed hot. Northerners often drink and enjoy coffee slowly and elegantly, reflecting the bustling and dynamic pace of life in the South.
Affordable Coffee – A Bonding Element
In Vietnam, coffee is an indispensable beverage for many people. They often start their day with a morning coffee and end a long tiring day with a coffee session, chatting with friends. It seems that coffee is not just a taste felt on the sensitive tongue but also a warm, excited heart in each Vietnamese chest.
Coffee is the savior for many because its caffeine can help people stay alert and focused. In the early afternoon, when spirits are low after lunch, people in offices are quick to order a cup of coffee, and their energy is restored, ready to continue their work. In Vietnam, we turn to coffee in every situation, whether sad, happy, tired, or full of life. This drink is present in the spiritual lives of people everywhere, every time.
Street Coffee – A Unique Culture in the S-shaped Country
Unlike Western countries, where people enjoy coffee in luxurious restaurants, most Vietnamese prefer street coffee or “sitting on the ground” coffee. No fancy setting is needed; a simple table with a few plastic chairs is enough. People gather on the sidewalk, holding a cup of aromatic, bitter coffee, along with a plate of sunflower seeds, sharing everyday stories. The bustling atmosphere outside, the busy traffic “infects” those gathered around the phin coffee. Everyone feels more cheerful, no longer worried about formalities, becoming more approachable. Sometimes, even strangers become familiar thanks to a cup of coffee on a beautiful day.
Vietnamese people occasionally go for “luxurious” coffee, but generally, everyone still prefers affordable coffee made from the simplest ingredients. Though only costing 15,000 – 30,000 VND, the comfort and human connection it offers are priceless, something not easily found elsewhere. People freely joke, laugh heartily, and even the shop owners join in, chatting with customers, with no sense of awkwardness.
Coffee – An Invitation for Connection
For Vietnamese people, coffee is also an invitation, the beginning of appointments and relationships. In Vietnam, we often say to someone, “Bao giờ đi cà phê không?,” meaning let’s go have a coffee. A simple sentence that can open up deeper relationships, whether it’s business partnerships or personal friendships. A cup of coffee here is like a key to the door of relationships among Vietnamese people. Young strangers might feel awkward asking, “Shall we date?” but instead, they say, “Shall we go for coffee?”—an easier and more familiar way to connect.
Enjoying a cup of Vietnamese coffee is a gateway to understanding a culture rich with history and tradition. Coffee in Vietnam is more than just a beverage; it’s a way of life that brings people together, celebrates the simple pleasures, and offers a taste of the country’s resilient spirit. Enjoy every sip