Vietnam, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also home to a vibrant coffee culture that attracts enthusiasts from around the world. Northern Vietnam, in particular, offers a fascinating variety of coffee experiences that highlight both traditional and innovative brewing methods. If you’re a coffee aficionado or simply curious about Vietnamese coffee, in this article, Karst Plateau will share with you 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam that you should try.
1. Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)
This delightful concoction tastes like a rich, coffee-flavored custard.
Introduction to Egg Coffee
One of the most intriguing 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam is Vietnamese Egg Coffee. This unique and iconic beverage has gained international recognition for its distinct preparation and flavor. Originating from Hanoi, this coffee drink combines egg yolks with condensed milk, sugar, and strong brewed coffee, resulting in a creamy, frothy coffee with a rich, custard-like texture.
Preparation and Ingredients
To create the perfect Egg Coffee, the egg yolks are whipped with sweetened condensed milk and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and frothy. This creamy blend is then folded into a cup of strong Vietnamese drip coffee. The key to this beverage’s success is ensuring the egg yolk mixture is light and airy, which contributes to its velvety texture when mixed with the robust coffee.
Flavor Profile
Among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam, Egg Coffee offers a distinctive flavor profile. The boldness of Vietnamese coffee blends harmoniously with the rich, custard-like texture of the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk, making it an indulgent and comforting drink.
Recommended Cafes in Hanoi
When you’re in Hanoi, be sure to stop by some of the following cafes known for their exceptional Vietnamese drip coffee:
- Café Giang: The birthplace of egg coffee, renowned for its original recipe that still captivates the hearts of both locals and tourists.
- Cafe Dinh: Close to Hoan Kiem Lake, this spot boasts a cozy ambiance and an excellent serving of egg coffee.
- Café Lưu Gia: Known for its careful preparation methods, offering egg coffee without an eggy smell.
- Café Trung: Offers a unique take on egg coffee, served in a delightful atmosphere overlooking the streets of Hanoi.
2. Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
The strong, bitter coffee blends perfectly with the sweetness of the condensed milk, creating a refreshing and balanced drink
Introduction to Iced Milk Coffee
Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee is another popular entry among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam. This refreshing beverage combines strong brewed coffee with sweetened condensed milk and ice, making it a perfect choice for the region’s hot and humid climate.
Preparation and Ingredients
For Cà Phê Sữa Đá, strong coffee is brewed using a traditional Vietnamese coffee filter, known as a phin. The brewed coffee is then mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over a glass filled with ice. This combination results in a cool, refreshing drink that balances the bitterness of coffee with the sweetness of condensed milk.
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of Cà Phê Sữa Đá, among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam, is well-balanced. The strong coffee’s bitterness is complemented by the creamy sweetness of the condensed milk, with the ice adding a refreshing chill.
Where to Find the Best Iced Milk Coffee
- Cafe Dừa: Located in California, this spot specializes in Vietnamese iced coffee and is well-known for its authentic preparations.
- Cafe Trang: Based in New York, it’s recognized for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious iced milk coffee.
- Vietnamese Coffee Shops in Little Saigon, California: This area is filled with various coffee shops serving excellent cà phê sữa đá.
- The Coffee House: A popular chain in Vietnam, known for quality Vietnamese coffee, including iced milk coffee.
3. Vietnamese Black Coffee (Cà Phê Đen)
Black Coffee is the purest and perhaps strongest form of Vietnamese coffee, brewed using a phin filter
Introduction to Black Coffee
Vietnamese Black Coffee, or Cà Phê Đen, is a straightforward and robust entry among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam. This coffee drink highlights the quality of Vietnamese coffee beans with its simple, unadulterated preparation.
Preparation and Ingredients
To prepare Cà Phê Đen, finely ground Vietnamese coffee beans are brewed using a phin filter. The coffee is served without any added milk or sugar, allowing the natural flavors of the coffee to stand out. It is typically enjoyed hot, though it can also be served over ice.
Flavor Profile
The flavor of Cà Phê Đen is bold and full-bodied, with notes of dark chocolate and a slight bitterness, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a strong, pure coffee experience among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam.
Where to Try
Cà Phê Đen is available in many traditional coffee houses in Northern Vietnam, such as Tranquil Coffee House in Hanoi. These cafes often emphasize the quality of their coffee beans, offering a pure coffee experience.
4. Vietnamese Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Dừa)
Coconut Coffee is a refreshing blend of strong Vietnamese coffee and coconut milk
Introduction to Coconut Coffee
Vietnamese Coconut Coffee, or Cà Phê Dừa, is a delightful and tropical variation among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam. This coffee drink combines strong coffee with coconut milk, creating a creamy and exotic beverage.
Preparation and Ingredients
To make Cà Phê Dừa, strong brewed coffee is mixed with coconut milk and ice. The addition of coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor to the coffee, resulting in a unique and refreshing drink. Some variations may also include sweetened condensed milk.
Flavor Profile
Among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam, Cà Phê Dừa offers a smooth, creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavor. The combination of coffee and coconut milk provides a tropical twist to traditional coffee.
Best Cafes for Coconut Coffee in Northern Vietnam
- Cong Caphe: Known for its nostalgic decor, Cong Caphe serves excellent coconut coffee that’s well-loved by locals.
- Hidden Gem Cafe: A quaint spot famous for its high-quality coconut coffee made with fresh coconut milk.
- Cafe Giang: Alongside their famous egg coffee, they also feature a delightful coconut coffee option.
5. Vietnamese Milk Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa)
The flavor of Cà Phê Sữa is sweet and creamy, with the condensed milk adding a rich, smooth texture to the coffee
Introduction to Milk Coffee
Vietnamese Milk Coffee, or Cà Phê Sữa, is a sweet and creamy variant among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam. This simple yet delicious coffee drink combines strong coffee with a generous amount of sweetened condensed milk.
Preparation and Ingredients
To prepare Cà Phê Sữa, strong coffee is brewed using a phin filter and then mixed with sweetened condensed milk. The result is a rich, sweet coffee drink that can be enjoyed either hot or cold, based on your preference.
Flavor Profile
The flavor of Cà Phê Sữa is sweet and creamy, with the condensed milk adding a rich, smooth texture to the coffee. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter coffee experience among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam.
Where to Find the Best Milk Coffee
- Cafe Dừa: Located in California, this spot specializes in Vietnamese iced coffee and is well-known for its authentic preparations.
- Cafe Trang: Based in New York, it’s recognized for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious iced milk coffee.
- Vietnamese Coffee Shops in Little Saigon, California: This area is filled with various coffee shops serving excellent cà phê sữa đá.
- The Coffee House: A popular chain in Vietnam, known for quality Vietnamese coffee, including iced milk coffee.
6. Vietnamese Yogurt Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Chua)
The tangy yogurt complements the bold coffee, making for a refreshing and slightly tart drink
Introduction to Yogurt Coffee
Vietnamese Yogurt Coffee, or Cà Phê Sữa Chua, is a unique addition to the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam. This innovative drink combines coffee with yogurt, creating a refreshing and tangy beverage.
Preparation and Ingredients
To make Cà Phê Sữa Chua, strong coffee is mixed with yogurt and ice. The yogurt adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture, offering a refreshing and light coffee drink. This variation is often enjoyed cold.
Flavor Profile
Cà Phê Sữa Chua provides a unique flavor profile, combining the bitterness of coffee with the tanginess of yogurt. The result is a refreshing and creamy coffee experience among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam.
Cafés Known for Yogurt Coffee
- Cong Caphe: Apart from its famous coconut coffee, this chain is loved for its yogurt coffee served in a cozy environment.
- Cafe Giang: Alongside egg coffee, they offer a delicious yogurt coffee that is both creamy and refreshing.
- Hanoi Coffee Station: Known for its eclectic decor, this cafe provides a unique yogurt coffee experience that smiles on the taste buds.
7. Vietnamese Ginger Coffee (Cà Phê Gừng)
The flavor of Cà Phê Gừng is bold and spicy, with ginger providing a warming kick
Introduction to Ginger Coffee
Vietnamese Ginger Coffee, or Cà Phê Gừng, is a warming and invigorating choice among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam. This coffee drink combines the bold flavors of coffee with the spicy aroma of fresh ginger.
Preparation and Ingredients
To prepare Cà Phê Gừng, strong coffee is brewed and then infused with fresh ginger. The ginger adds a spicy and aromatic flavor to the coffee, resulting in a warming and energizing beverage. It can be enjoyed hot and may be sweetened with condensed milk if desired.
Flavor Profile
The flavor of Cà Phê Gừng is bold and spicy, with ginger providing a warming kick. As one of the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam, the combination of coffee and ginger creates a unique and satisfying coffee experience. This distinctive blend offers a refreshing contrast to more traditional coffee flavors and is a notable example of the rich diversity within the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam.
Where to Try
Cà Phê Gừng can be enjoyed in cafes that offer traditional and unique coffee drinks. Look for local coffee houses in Hanoi or regional cafes throughout Northern Vietnam.
8. Vietnamese Egg Coffee with Cocoa (Cà Phê Trứng Cacao)
Vietnamese Egg Coffee with Cocoa balances the sweet, rich taste of cocoa with the strong, slightly bitter flavor of coffee.
Introduction to Egg Coffee with Cocoa
Vietnamese Egg Coffee with Cocoa, or Cà Phê Trứng Cacao, is a luxurious variation of the classic Egg Coffee. This indulgent drink combines the creamy texture of Egg Coffee with rich cocoa, offering a decadent coffee experience. As one of the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam, it stands out for its unique blend of flavors and is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the diverse coffee offerings in the region.
Preparation and Ingredients
To make Cà Phê Trứng Cacao, egg yolks are whipped with sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder until thick and frothy. This mixture is then gently folded into a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee. The addition of cocoa powder enhances the rich chocolate flavor of the drink, making it a standout choice among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam. This variation is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the diverse coffee offerings in the region and experience a different facet of Vietnamese coffee culture.
Flavor Profile
Among the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam, Cà Phê Trứng Cacao stands out for its rich and indulgent flavor. This indulgent drink combines the creamy texture of Egg Coffee with rich cocoa, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both smooth and decadently chocolatey. The result is a coffee experience that balances the rich, velvety sweetness of cocoa with the robust, slightly bitter notes of coffee.
Exploring the coffee culture of Northern Vietnam offers a rich and diverse experience, with each of the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam providing a unique taste of Vietnamese tradition and innovation. From the creamy indulgence of Egg Coffee to the refreshing twist of Coconut Coffee, these eight types of coffee represent the best of Vietnamese coffee culture. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or new to Vietnamese coffee, trying these beverages will give you a deeper appreciation for the rich and varied coffee traditions of Northern Vietnam. For more insights into the 8 types of coffee in Northern Vietnam and other travel tips, visit Karst Plateau.