What Makes Vietnamese Coffee So Different?

Recently, I tried Vietnamese coffee for the first time, so naturally, I became curious about what makes it so different from the cup of Joe I’m used to.

Vietnamese coffee is stronger and sweeter than North American coffee. Stronger, because it’s brewed from Robusta beans, which have more caffeine than Arabica beans, and sweeter because it’s served with a spoonful of condensed milk which really masks the bitterness of the caffeine.

One cup of coffee took me on an adventure across the fascinating Vietnamese coffee culture. I started to learn about their growing and roasting techniques but what surprised me the most were some of the things Vietnamese people mix with their coffee, but more on that later.

Why Does Vietnamese Coffee Taste So Different?

I began to read about Vietnamese coffee and decided to put together this simple article explaining why everyone should try the foreign cà phê at least once.

Vietnamese coffee is made from Robusta beans which have double the caffeine of Arabica beans. Don’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of or tried Robusta as almost 90% of coffee sold in North America is made from Arabica beans. Since caffeine is bitter, Vietnamese coffee tastes like a thicker and harsher version of an espresso.

Each cup is made to order using a phin. The unique brewing technique creates a stronger brew than a traditional American drip machine. Gravity pulls the water through the coffee packed phin filter into a mug prepped with condensed milk. The brew offers a strong kick of energy from both the coffee and sugar.

It Starts With the Bean

As the second-largest coffee supplier on the planet, Vietnam is known for its Robusta coffee beans. Can you believe that? A completely different bean most of us have never tried before. That alone should be enough to urge you to try Vietnamese coffee.

Almost 90 percent of the coffee consumed in North America is Arabica, originating from Brazil, Costa Rica, Columbia, or some other tropical country.

The reason we prefer coffee made from Arabica beans is that it has a gentle and pleasant taste compared to its counterpart.

Try not to write the other coffee bean off before you try it. Robusta beans have a stronger, harsher taste, with a grain-like overtone and peanutty aftertaste but can be just as delicious as Arabica when prepared with the right know-how.

The second most popular bean on the planet, Robusta, accounts for nearly 25 percent of today’s coffee consumption. They originate from Africa and are known for growing in harsher climates with less access to water.

Most of these beans come from Vietnam, India, Brazil. A cup of Robusta has over twice the amount of caffeine compared to a cup of Arabica coffee but lower acidity levels.

Obviously drinking black Robusta coffee is not pleasant, I defiantly wouldn’t recommend it. It tastes a lot like a concentrated shot of espresso, imagine that if you can.

Alone, the drink is bitter and harsh, but when mixed with the right ingredients like condensed milk or yogurt, yes yogurt, the flavor profile becomes quite pleasant.

A Different Brewing Method

Feeling adventurous, sitting in a coffee shop booth, I ordered a Vietnamese coffee for the first time. I was not expecting to see what was brought to my table.

I was presented with a clear mug prepped with a spoon full of condensed milk. The mug was covered by a steel cylinder, called a phin filled with coffee and hot water.

A “phin” is the Vietnamese name for the carafe. Which can be best described as a metal filter crossover between a pour-over and a French press.

Seeing this unique contraption for the first time I was surprised at its small size and simple design. I gazed at the process unfolding right in front of my eyes as the slow drip began to fill my mug.

How to Use a Phin Filter At Home?

Any new coffee brewing techniques can be intimidating at first but just like with riding a bike once you do it a few times it becomes a real piece of cake.

The same principle applies to the phin filter, not only is it easy to use, but it doesn’t require babysitting, it’s inexpensive, and it’s easy to clean.

To make traditional Vietnamese coffee at home you’ll need:

• A phin coffee filter
• Robusta coffee beans
• Condensed milk

Follow these steps to make coffee shop quality Vietnamese coffee at home:

1. As always, when making coffee, you want to start by grinding fresh coffee beans. When using a phin filter, grind your beans to a fine grind. This would make your grind look like fine sand.
2. You’ll want to grind up 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 3 ounces of water. You’re aiming for about half a glass of brewed coffee when you’re done. Grind up enough to cover the whole base of the phin thoroughly.
3. Place the filter onto of the coffee grounds and twist it into place, usually about one whole turn. Some of these contraptions don’t use the screwed filter, if that’s the case, just drop the filter on top of the coffee grounds.
4. Place the whole cylinder on top of your coffee mug and pour a tablespoon of hot water into the filter. Wait about 30 seconds to let the coffee grounds come to life.
5. Fill the filter about ¾ of the way with hot water and cover it with a lid.
6. Allow the water to extract coffee from the grounds as it brews slowly. This should take between four to five minutes.
7. Add condensed milk, yogurt, or whipped eggs to your coffee to counter the bitterness and balance the flavor.

Getting the Timing Right

You want to see the first drip of coffee come through the bottom of the phin between 1 to 2 minutes after you add water to the filter. The last drop of coffee should come before 5 minutes are up.

Water coming through the phin too early means the grounds are too coarse. The water didn’t have enough time to extract coffee from the grounds. If that happens, you’ll end up with brown water instead of coffee. If the water is taking too long to drip through the filter it’s because the grind is too fine, and water can’t get through the coffee. This will usually give your coffee a burnt flavor.

Now don’t start drinking that black coffee right away since It’s probably really bitter and harsh at this point. That’s why traditional Vietnamese coffee is made with condensed milk.

I’ve found a few other things you can substitute in place of the condensed milk if you want.

Different Vietnamese Coffee Recipes

Original Vietnamese Coffee

Traditional Vietnamese coffee is made with condensed milk. Since the milk is so sweet add a spoonful at a time and sip your coffee. Keep adding a little bit each time until you find your ideal balance between sweet and bitter.

Yogurt

The ingredients can be mixed together or blended until smooth, while sometimes milk and yogurt are combined with ice, and the coffee is then poured last.

How to Get Starbucks Vietnamese Iced Coffee

To get a Vietnamese iced coffee from Starbucks ask for “Iced quad espresso with three pumps of white chocolate mocha.” The white chocolate mocha syrup beautifully mimics the smooth consistency and flavor of condensed milk.

Related Questions

What Are the Most Popular Vietnamese Coffee Brands?

Trung Nguyen is the most recognizable Vietnamese coffee brand. Their catalog offers a wide variety of coffee flavors and roasts with the Sang Tao sub-brand being the most famous.

ChestBrew Moon Bear has a totally unique blend of smooth and exotic flavors every coffee enthusiast would enjoy. It’s the only coffee bean that consistently makes a strong and sweet cold brew without being bitter and sour.

Nguyen Coffee Supply is a popular brand in North America. All their beans are medium roast with low acidity. They offer Robusta, Arabica-Robusta mix, or just pure Arabica products.

Is Vietnamese Coffee Good Before A Workout?

With its high levels of caffeine and sugar, Vietnamese coffee sure does make for a good pre-workout drink. It will get your heart pumping and juices flowing from the very first sip.

Is Vietnamese Coffee Healthy?

If you find that coffee upsets your stomach you should try Vietnamese coffee since it has such a low acidity level. It can be a smart choice for anyone with IBS or stomach issues as well. However, Robusta coffee has such a high caffeine level, it’s quite possible that drinking Vietnamese coffee too often can lead to coffee jitters.

References

Robusta Coffee: https://www.caffeineinformer.com/caffeine-content/robusta-coffee

Vietnamese Coffee: https://www.hungryhuy.com/vietnamese-coffee-recipe-cafe-sua-da-recipe/