Vietnam’s Regional Coffee Specialties: Beyond Egg Coffee in 2024

Coffee is a daily ritual across Vietnam, enjoyed in everything from tiny street stalls to leafy garden cafés. Most drinks use robusta beans, often sweetened with condensed milk or given a creative local twist. The café scene is lively and social, with locals lingering over their drinks. While egg coffee (cà phê trứng) is a Hanoi specialty, each region has its own signature style.

• Salt Coffee (cà phê muối): Originating in Hue, this drink mixes coffee with salt and condensed milk for a unique balance of flavors. • Coconut Coffee (cà phê cốt dừa): Popular in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, this sweet, creamy drink combines robusta coffee with coconut milk and ice. • Yogurt Coffee (cà phê sữa chua): Found mainly in northern Vietnam, this refreshing blend of yogurt and coffee is tangy and lightly sweet. • Weasel Coffee (cà phê chồn): Produced in the Central Highlands, especially Buon Ma Thuot, this rare coffee is made from beans eaten and excreted by civets. It’s expensive and controversial due to animal welfare concerns.

Salt coffee is best sampled in Hue—Cà Phê Muối 142 on Đặng Thái Thân Street is a local favorite. For coconut coffee, try Cộng Cà Phê (locations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) or Café Giảng in Hanoi. Yogurt coffee can be found at Café Duy Trí in Hanoi. If you want to try weasel coffee, Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak province is the main source; look for reputable producers like Trung Nguyen Legend. In all cases, ask locals or expats for current recommendations, as café scenes change quickly.

Most cafés are cash-only, with prices from 20,000–60,000 VND ($1–$2.50 USD), except for specialty drinks like weasel coffee, which can cost much more. English menus are common in cities but rare in small towns—knowing basic terms (like cà phê sữa đá for iced milk coffee) helps. Don’t be surprised if your coffee is strong and sweet; ask for less sugar or milk if you prefer. Vegan or dairy-free options are limited, as condensed milk and eggs are common ingredients.

Authenticity varies, especially in tourist areas—some cafés may offer watered-down versions. Seek out local recommendations and avoid places that seem overly commercial. Weasel coffee raises animal welfare concerns; if you choose to try it, research producers and look for those with transparent, ethical practices. New fusion drinks and modern cafés are emerging quickly, so what’s popular in 2024 may change—explore and ask locals for the latest trends.