What is Vietnamese coffee and what makes it unique?
Obviously, it’s beans grown in Vietnam, but hey, it’s so much more than that. It’s more than sweetened condensed milk, more than brewing with a Phin filter, and definitely more than the stereotype of cheap robusta beans. Vietnamese coffee is rich in culture, flavour, and tradition—and we’re here to help you discover what makes it truly special.
Some fun facts
1️⃣ Second Largest Coffee Producer
Did you know Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer? That’s a lot of coffee love coming from one country!
2️⃣ #1 Robusta Bean Producer
Vietnam reigns as the top producer of robusta beans globally. Chances are, you’ve already enjoyed coffee made from Vietnamese beans without even knowing it—robusta’s bold, familiar flavour profile is loved worldwide!
3️⃣ High-Quality Arabica Too
While robusta steals the show, Vietnam also grows exceptional speciality arabica beans in regions like Lam Dong, Quang Tri, Dien Bien, and Son La.
4️⃣ Rich and Unique Flavour Profiles
Vietnamese coffee is a flavour adventure! Robusta often boasts chocolate, caramel, bourbon, and orange notes, while arabica offers fruity hints like cherry or berry.
A quick history of coffee in Vietnam
Let’s travel back to the 19th century—Vietnam was under French colonisation, and the French, inspired by the rich volcanic soil, decided to plant Arabica coffee in the Central Highlands around 1857. Soon after, they introduced robusta and excelsa beans in provinces like Ninh Binh and Quang Binh.
But here’s the twist: Arabica wasn’t too happy with Vietnam’s weather, while robusta beans thrived. This discovery laid the foundation for what would become Vietnam’s coffee legacy.
Fast forward past the Vietnam War, and the country saw coffee’s true potential. The government stepped in with tax breaks for farmers, sparking a coffee boom. The result? Vietnam rose to become the second-largest coffee producer in the world, famous for its bold, flavourful robusta beans and increasingly sought-after Arabica.
Today, every cup of Vietnamese coffee carries a bit of that history—and a whole lot of flavour!
What makes Vietnamese coffee unique? (Or the misconceptions about Vietnamese coffee)
Vietnamese coffee is often misunderstood. Many assume it’s all about strong robusta beans or the iconic cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk). While these are staples, there’s so much more to the story.
Vietnam’s coffee owes its distinctiveness to its rich volcanic soil, heavy rainfall, and unique growing season, creating ideal conditions for cultivation. This combination produces beans with bold, nutty flavours that stand out from other regions. Beyond robusta, Vietnam also grows high-quality Arabica, Excelsa, and Catimor, expanding the flavour spectrum to include fruity and complex notes.
The phin brewing method, a traditional slow-drip technique, enhances these bold flavours, creating a rich, concentrated cup that’s perfect black or with milk.
While some view Vietnamese coffee as mass-produced, the reality is that the country is embracing speciality coffee, with regions like Lam Dong and Son La leading the charge. Vietnamese coffee is not just strong or sweet—it’s a unique fusion of bold flavours, cultural tradition, and growing innovation, offering a taste experience like no other.
At Ca Phin Coffee Supply, we bring the finest Vietnamese coffee beans from Gia Lai and Lam Dong, sourced through direct trade with our partner farmers, along with the essence of Vietnam’s rich coffee culture, to inspire and elevate the coffee experience in the MENA region. We’re here to show that each coffee is unique and challenge the misconceptions about Vietnamese coffee.