Preview:
In this article about coffee from Vietnam, we will look at:
- What is Viet Coffee
- Vietnam Condensed Milk Coffee
- Vietnamese coffee vs regular coffee
- Fun Facts About Viet Coffee Culture
- Best Vietnam Coffee Brands in USA
- And, how does the Vietnamese coffee taste
Oh yes, some of the links are affiliate links. Meaning if you click on a link and as a result, you buy from them, I may get a little commission. However, this will not make your products any more expensive, but on the contrary, cheaper as they don’t need to spend so much money on advertising.
In this blog post we will look at the following:
What is Viet Coffee?
Viet coffee, is seemingly a new fad on the coffee scene…, but just what is it? Yes, I love coffee, so I have been expanding my knowledge and looked into new areas that provides great coffee. I will share some info her. If you like to jump straight to the suggestions, feel free to use the menu above to jump ahead.
Simply put, Viet coffee, or Vietnamese coffee, refers to one of two things (or both). It can be coffee done the traditional Vietnamese way; coffee that is actually from Vietnam (you will find a Viet coffee brand at the end of this article); or both. If you didn’t know it already, Vietnam is actually the second most coffee producing country in the world, only beaten by Brasil on top.
Is Vietnamese coffee stronger than other brands?
Some wonder if the Vietnamese coffee is stronger than coffee from for example central or south America. The coffee flavor differs from a lot of reasons. One thing is of course the bean-type itself. Next comes the growing conditions (* see more about this in the Vietnamese Coffee vs Regular Coffee– subheading). The coffee taste depends on the production strategy too.
If you have tasted a Vietnamese coffee stronger than the ones you are used to, it may be the bean selection. So, not Arabica, but Robusta and maybe even the Peaberries. These are known to contain more caffeine and you will feel it more intense in your blood. But, they offer you Arabica beans too. So the choice is yours.
Coffee from Vietnam the Traditional Way – Vietnam Condensed Milk Coffee
How is it made and how does Vietnamese coffee taste? Typically, coffee in Vietnam includes the use of condensed milk — a reduction of milk and sugar. At this point I can hear the black coffee lovers going ‘nooooo, thanks though’. Either way, it’s worth a try at least once!
Traditional Vietnam condensed milk coffee is a sweet, creamy treat that is brewed using a special filter. But yes, it is a bit sweet… Continue reading to find out more!
Vietnamese Coffee vs Regular Coffee
Let us get you updated on Vietnamese coffee vs regular coffee. Vietnamese coffee differs from regular coffee, not just by the region it is grown, but also the method of brewing.
Coffee enthusiasts will know that there are variations in the coffee flavors based on the location where the coffee beans are grown. This is due to the difference in soil nutrients, climate, the height of the coffee farm, etc. It is a common understanding that surrounding trees and plants can have an impact too.
Learn more about coffee variety and the factors that influence natural coffee flavors here.
A Bit About Vietnam
Yeah, what differences are there really between the humid lifestyle along the Caribbean coast, with tropical climate and awesome seafood here in Honduras to the life in one of the Asian countries? Are there any similarities between the Honduran coffee or is it something completely different?
Viet facts
- Capital: Hanoi
- Coastline? Oh yes! A pretty long one actually
- Population: hmm, almost 100 millions
- Language: Vietnamese, English and French, and some local languages
I have been wanting to go there for quite some time now. The nature, food, inclusive coffee, and seemingly nice people kind of attract an adventurer like me.
A deep dive into the map and the geography, tells me it must be a lot like here in Honduras. There is some nice coastline with beautiful sea colors, but almost 40 percent is tropical forests and they have 40 percent covered with hills and mountains. This tells me, there must be some excellent growing conditions for coffee at certain spots too.
All About The Viet Coffee Brew
Regular coffee brewing will not do justice to the true traditional Vietnamese coffee. Traditional Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a special metal filter called a Phin filter. (This brings my memory over to brewing with a percolator. Here too there is no paper filter, but the brewing proses is completely different. Let us get back to that in a future post.(Did you get that reference?))
Is Vietnamese coffee stronger than regular coffee?
The Phin filter allows for brewing in a slow drip manner and allows all the oils from the coffee beans to pass into the cup (as opposed to the paper filter absorbing some of it). This traditional filter, therefore, produces a stronger cup of coffee.
“The vast majority of coffee in Vietnam comes from the Robusta species, a hardy plant that can grow on lower elevations. Taste-wise, coffee made from Robusta is generally stronger, nuttier, and darker than that made from arabica, the other primary variety.”
Nguyen Coffee Supply
Since the Robusta is the main type of coffee grown in Vietnam, the traditionally brewed coffee would not only be very strong but also super bitter. So if you wonder: is Vietnamese coffee stronger than regular coffee, the answer is yes! The brew method and the beans used gives a stronger taste!
It, therefore, explains why the sweetened condensed milk would be their main addition. The sweetness would balance the bitterness, and the milk would add creaminess.
So, Vietnamese coffee or regular? Personally I’m a black coffee kinda guy, but my Caribbean friends over in Jamaica say they typically do their coffee much like the Vietnamese (perhaps because of the strong Asian culture influence… or because they too produce very strong flavored coffee beans…).
I will always try new types of coffee though, at least once! You should too. Check out the great options below for some of the best coffee brands in the USA for Viet coffee.
Why drink regular coffee when you could drink Vietnamese coffee!? Rich, creamy, flavorful.
FUN FACTS (or in my thought, weird fact!) About Viet Coffee Culture:
You know how in each culture there are little differences that tourists think of as ‘fun facts’…. Well, I am not so sure I can get my mind to consider digging for ‘treasures’ in animal poo fun (hmm)… but let me tell you what I discovered.
The History That Led To The Discovery: Vietnamese coffee animal
There is a Vietnamese coffee cultural heritage that personally I am not sure I will ever try. It stemmed from the time the country was ruled by European colonists who banned the Vietnamese from drinking coffee.
While this liquid treasure was under a ban, the locals had to find clever ways to consume a bit of the ‘good stuff’. So the practice of gleaning Robusta beans from the poop of the elephant and the civet Vietnamese coffee animal began.
A Bit About The Unusual Animal:
The appearance of the fur on the civet cat is, well, much like that of a cat, but the appearance of the animal is more like that of a mongoose or even an otter. So to name it a cat is weird in and of itself.
It is also said that the animal produces a musk, or scent, that is highly valued as a stabilizing agent and scent for perfumes. I wonder if the Musk perfume was of civet origin!? Hmm…
What Is The Animal Poop Coffee Called?
The coffee derived from the Vietnamese coffee animal, or the civet poo, is erroneously called weasel coffee.
Whereas the coffee from the elephant poop is called elephant coffee.
The Cost and Taste of The Vietnam coffee from poop:
A taste of such delicacies from the Vietnam coffee from poop, would not be so easy to obtain either, as they are super expensive! In this supplier blog, it is said that these animal poop coffee can sell for up to… take a wild guess!… Up to $600/lb. Yes, you read correctly! Up to six hundred dollars per pound!! I wonder how much they would pay me to have my animal poop some out?!!?
On the bright side, it is said that this kind of coffee has a mellow, richer, smoother, (and get this…) more elegant taste! How’s that for description? Something that goes through an animal’s digestive system can be described as elegant! Wow! Anyway, I make sure to refresh you on some more coffee fun facts here!
If you do feel adventurous enough to try some, be sure to leave a comment below to tell us about your experience with Poop refined Viet coffee.
Vietnamese coffee vs American coffee
We are really touching on this topic in the whole article here, but let’s sum it up in 3 main points. Here are some of the main aspects between Vietnamese coffee vs American coffee:
- Beans: Vietnamese coffee uses robusta beans, which are more bitter and have more caffeine, while American coffee uses arabica beans, which are milder and less caffeinated.
- Roasting and brewing: Vietnamese coffee roasts the beans with butter, sugar, and flavors, and brews them with a metal filter that drips slowly, creating a strong and thick coffee. American coffee roasts the beans without any additives and brews them with a machine or a device that filters the grounds from the water, producing a lighter and cleaner coffee.
- Serving: Vietnamese coffee often mixes the coffee with sweetened condensed milk, and can be enjoyed hot or cold. American coffee can be served black or with milk, cream, sugar, or other sweeteners, and can also be flavored with syrups, spices, or whipped cream to create different varieties. It can also be enjoyed hot or cold.
I guess if you prefer American or Italian coffee, you are lost on this site, or you are looking for something new to expand your coffee experience. I hope the latter!
The Best Vietnam Coffee Brands in USA – Viet Coffee
The best Vietnamese coffee brands in the USA are… ok, fine. Best is relative. Here are 3 great options for Vietnamese coffee brands that I have found here in the USA:
1. NAM Coffee, a coffee from Vietnam
Owned by a Vietnamese born Californian, NAM coffee not only has a great flavor but it also has a great story behind it!
Vince Nguyen’s early childhood encompassed living in a city in Vietnam that was known for its coffee farms. His knowledge and appreciation for Viet coffee started as a young boy while helping his mother at her coffee stand.
The NAM coffee flavor is inspired by the mountains of his hometown. It essentially is an ode to the flavor and tradition of Vietnamese coffee.
NAM coffee beans are sourced from family owned farms in a region of Vietnam known for its fertile soil.
NAM roasts premium, light Robusta beans at lower temperatures for longer periods of time to ensure that every bean gets a nice coat of oil. This process also ensures that the flavor and aroma are vibrant and lasting.
In addition, NAM guarantees that their products are organic. So, unlike other brands, they do not use additives like corn starch or chicory.
NAM coffee is described as vibrant coffee that will keep you energized and invigorated.
Where can you purchase NAM coffee? Follow this link.
Vietnamese Coffee Trio by Nam CoffeePersonally I like the package deal that they have where you can buy the coffee and the branded Phin filter in one go! Sweet!
2. Nguyen Coffee Supply, another Vietnamese coffee
Nguyen Coffee Supply, according to the about page, “… was founded by Sahra Nguyen, a 1st generation Vietnamese American and a quintessential Millennial of the “Slash Generation.” Her multifaceted creative career includes being the award-winning documentary filmmaker behind NBC News’ “Deported,” a former restaurant owner and a 2018 Google Next Gen Leader. Nguyen is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, who fled their country by boat after the Vietnam War, and eventually settled in Boston, MA, where she was born and raised.” Now, that’s a Vietnam coffee brand I can recommend!
Nguyen Coffee Company is said to be the first specialty Vietnamese coffee company in the USA. Woman-owned and led, they seek to bring diversity and inclusion to coffee culture. The company imports coffee through direct-trade relationships, and promotes social, economic, and cultural sustainability.
They offer both the specialty Arabica bean of Vietnam (comprising less than 10% of the country’s coffee production) and the famed Robusta bean.
For those who prefer a sweet and fruity brew, Nguyen’s Moxy, consisting of 100% arabica, offers an unmatched experience.
If you are looking for a bold and nutty brew with a smooth finish, their Loyalty blend brings together distinct characteristics of Vietnam’s arabica and robusta for the perfect balance.
Nguyen Coffee Company’s strongest coffee is Truegrit, a 100% peaberry robusta — with 2x more caffeine than Moxy!
Personally, I definitely intend to try their Loyalty blend! I don’t believe I have ever had the combination of both beans before. A ‘must try’ for me!
3. This Viet Coffee Brand Is An Instant Choice, Vinacafe
Once and a while, rarely, but it happens, I can go for an instant solution. You know, if you are on a travel, out camping or another place where you don’t have your regular brewing equipment with you. Now, there are many handy solutions out there even for travels and so on. Or you can try it in this coffee cake recipe that I posted here.
But anyways, I wanted to add one choice for those who like to try it out. If you like to drink coffee the Vietnam way, and you can go for an instant solution you will like this too. Make sure to read the reviews, they can explain it even better than me. Vinacafe the Instant Solution can be found here!
Conclusion Of The Matter Vietnamese coffee
The conclusion of the matter, basic facts having been considered, is this: I will always vote for coffee from the Caribbean. However, Vietnamese coffee is a ‘must try’!
Coffee from Vietnam is something special. Bursting with very strong flavor infused from their traditional brewing method that releases all that lovely coffee oil… bitterness tempered with the sugar from the condensed milk used in their traditional preparation… and other cultural perks that I’m sure we’ll discover once we have the opportunity to visit in person…. There’s much to be desired.
See the subheading “Is Vietnamese coffee stronger…” at the beginning, if you missed it. when jumping to the selections.
Viet Coffee promises to be a sweet treat! Just stick to the more cost efficient kind if you don’t want to try expensive ‘poop’ (laughing).
What’s stopping you from trying Vietnamese coffee today?
FAQ
What is Vietnamese coffee?
Vietnamese coffee is a popular style of coffee that typically uses a combination of Robusta beans, which are grown in Vietnam, and sweetened condensed milk. The coffee is brewed using a unique filter called a phin, which produces a strong and flavorful cup of coffee.
What are some of the unique characteristics of Vietnamese coffee?
Vietnamese coffee is known for its bold and rich flavor, with a slightly nutty and chocolatey taste. It’s also typically served with sweetened condensed milk, which adds a creamy sweetness to the coffee. The use of Robusta beans gives Vietnamese coffee a high caffeine content and a slightly bitter taste.
How is Vietnamese coffee prepared?
To make Vietnamese coffee, the coffee grounds are placed in the phin filter, which is then placed on top of a glass or cup. Hot water is added to the filter, and the coffee is brewed slowly over a period of several minutes. The coffee is then mixed with sweetened condensed milk to taste, resulting in a rich and flavorful cup of coffee. Vietnamese coffee can also be served over ice, known as ca phe sua da, for a refreshing summer drink.
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