Vietnamese Coffee Guide: Da Nang, Hoi An, and Beyond
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Our Vietnamese Coffee Journey Da Nang, Hoi An & Beyond
Hey there, coffee lovers! I’m Oliver, and I’m excited to share my family’s journey through Vietnam’s incredible coffee culture at Mangoes and Palm Trees.
Welcome to our tropical adventure through Vietnamese coffee, straight from our home in Da Nang and Hoi An, Vietnam, where my wife Natalia, our son Victor, and I dive into this vibrant scene daily.
Vietnam, the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, is famous for its bold Robusta beans, brewed with a traditional phin filter and often paired with creamy condensed milk. From the refreshing Ca Phe Sua Da to Hanoi’s iconic Egg Coffee, I’ll guide you through the diverse types of Vietnamese coffee and the enchanting coffee culture across the country.
Vietnamese Coffee Culture in Da Nang
A glimpse of Da Nang’s vibrant coffee culture showcasing the best local coffee spots.
Why I Love Vietnamese Coffee
Living in Vietnam has turned me into a coffee fanatic, and Vietnamese coffee has stolen my heart. Introduced by French colonists in 1857, it’s now woven into daily life here. The bold, earthy flavor comes from Robusta beans grown in the Central Highlands, packing nearly double the caffeine of Arabica (2.7% vs. 1.5%).
Brewed with a phin filter—a small metal drip device—it’s rich and concentrated. Paired with sweetened condensed milk, it’s the perfect balance of bitter and sweet. For Natalia and me, Egg Coffee is a favorite ritual, its creamy froth a nod to our love for unique flavors. Victor, our son, sticks to his chocolate milkshake, but I’ll sneak one occasionally too.
Types of Vietnamese Coffee We Enjoy
Vietnam’s coffee culture is a treasure trove of flavors, and I’ve fallen for its variety. Here are three types we love, with recipes available on Mangoes and Palm Trees.
| Coffee Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ca Phe Sua Da | Iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk, served over ice | Hot days, casual sipping |
| Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung) | Coffee topped with frothy egg yolk and condensed milk | Dessert lovers, unique experiences |
| Coconut Coffee (Ca Phe Dua) | Coffee mixed with creamy coconut milk, often iced | Tropical vibe seekers |
- Ca Phe Sua Da: The go-to iced milk coffee, blending robust coffee with creamy condensed milk over ice. Try our Ca Phe Sua Da Recipe
- Egg Coffee: A Hanoi specialty with a frothy egg yolk topping, like a dessert in a cup. Savor our Egg Coffee Recipe
- Coconut Coffee: A tropical favorite with creamy coconut milk. Try our Coconut Coffee Recipe
How to Make Vietnamese Coffee at Home
Bringing Vietnam’s coffee flavors to your kitchen is a breeze. With a Phin filter and Robusta beans, you can whip up the classic Ca Phe Sua Da or the creamy Egg Coffee.
The phin filter’s slow drip gives you that rich, concentrated brew we crave. Natalia and I love experimenting with these recipes at home, and Victor’s always nearby with his chocolate milkshake, sometimes eyeing my coffee. Here’s how you can start:
For more inspiration, check out our Coffee Recipes or pair with a wholesome dish from our Healthy Meal Plans.
Our Favorite Coffee Spots in Da Nang
Da Nang, where we’ve made our home, is a coffee lover’s paradise, mixing modern cafes with traditional street stalls. Our featured video showcases top spots like Cong Caphe, but Natalia and I have our own gem—a secret coffee shop near An Bang Beach, on the way to Hoi An.
Almost every day, we head there to share a chilled Egg Coffee, its creamy froth a unique treat. Victor loves his chocolate milkshake, and I’ll admit, I sometimes steal a sip when he’s not looking. The coastal vibe makes every visit special.
Top Da Nang Cafes
- XLIII Specialty Coffee (Lô 419, 422 Đ. Ng. Thì Sĩ, Bắc Mỹ An): High-quality beans and sleek vibe, open 6:30 AM–10:30 PM, rated 4.7/5
- Trình Cà Phê (25 Phạm Hồng Thái, Hải Châu 1): Cozy with traditional brews, open 6:30 AM–1:30 AM, rated 4.8/5
- Noi Cafe (45 Lê Duẩn, Hải Châu 1): Vintage decor and garden seating, great for Egg Coffee, open 6 AM–10 PM
Da Nang’s cafes open early, around 6 AM, catering to locals like us who crave a morning boost.
Hoi An’s Charming Cafes: Where We Unwind
Hoi An, our other home, is a UNESCO-listed gem with lantern-lit streets and a coffee scene that’s pure magic. Natalia and I love wandering the Old Town at dusk, stopping at quaint cafes to share a chilled Ca Phe Sua Da, its creamy sweetness a nod to our tropical lifestyle.
Victor’s all about his chocolate milkshake, often paired with a local sweet we grab nearby. One evening, we stumbled upon a tiny cafe by the Thu Bon River, where the barista’s Ca Phe Sua Da was so refreshing we stayed for hours, Victor giggling over his shake.
Top Hoi An Cafes
- Phin Coffee Restaurant (132/7 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An): Packed with coffee options, open 8 AM–9:30 PM, rated 4.8/5
- Olivier Coffee (9 Trần Trung Tri, Phường Minh An): Intimate and quality-driven, open 7:30 AM–6 PM, rated 4.9/5
- Hoi An Coffee Hub (Hẻm 11 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An): Cozy with scenic views, open 7:30 AM–7 PM, rated 4.9/5
Hoi An’s coffee culture feels like a warm hug, with open-air cafes perfect for connection. Rooftop cafes overlooking the ancient town are ideal for sipping Egg Coffee while soaking in the history.
Coffee Culture Across Vietnam
Vietnam’s coffee culture shifts with each region, and I’ve loved exploring it all. Beyond Da Nang and Hoi An, here’s how coffee shines across the country:
- Hanoi (North): The birthplace of Egg Coffee, a creamy, dessert-like drink with frothy egg yolk and condensed milk. We visited Café Giảng (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm), where the Egg Coffee was so rich it felt like a treat
- Ho Chi Minh City (South): Famous for Bac Xiu, a sweeter, milk-heavy coffee from Saigon’s Chinatown. We stopped at La Viet (109 Nguyễn Cơ Thạch, Quận 2), where I tried a smooth Arabica pour-over
- Central Highlands (Buôn Ma Thuột): The heart of Vietnam’s coffee production, where Robusta rules. We toured a plantation, sipping robust, medium-roast brews at G20 Cafe (26 Lê Thánh Tông)
These regional flavors make Vietnam’s coffee culture a must-explore. Check out our Asia Travel Guides for more travel ideas.
Health Benefits of Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee, especially with Robusta beans, has some perks I appreciate. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Robusta beans have chlorogenic acid, which may fight oxidative stress and lower chronic disease risk
- Boosts Energy and Focus: The high caffeine (2.7% in Robusta) gives me a mental lift, perfect for busy mornings
- May Lower Disease Risk: Regular coffee might reduce risks of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes
- Supports Weight Management: Caffeine can boost metabolism, which helps when I’m keeping active with family outings
That said, the condensed milk in most Vietnamese coffee adds sugar and calories. Natalia and I sometimes go for a lighter Ca Phe Sua Da to keep things balanced. Pair with our Healthy Meal Plans for a wholesome meal.
Tips for Enjoying Coffee Like a Local
Best Times to Visit
Mornings (6–8 AM) are buzzing, with locals chatting over coffee. Evenings are chill, perfect for Egg Coffee and watching the sunset.
Ordering Like a Local
Say “Cà phê sữa đá” for iced milk coffee. At our secret cafe, I always ask for a touch more condensed milk in my Ca Phe Sua Da—it’s a game-changer.
Must-Try Drinks by Region
- Da Nang: Try Ca Phe Sua Da for its refreshing sweetness
- Hoi An: Egg Coffee is a unique treat
- Hanoi: Egg Coffee is a must-try specialty
- Ho Chi Minh City: Go for Bac Xiu for extra sweetness
Our Family Favorites
In Da Nang, our secret coffee shop near An Bang Beach is our haven, where Natalia and I share Egg Coffee, and Victor slurps his chocolate milkshake. In Hanoi, we once found a tiny alley cafe where the Egg Coffee was so creamy it felt like dessert, and Victor’s mango smoothie was a hit.
Which Vietnamese Coffee Will You Try First?
Vote and share your choice with #MangoesAndPalmTrees!
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s brewed with Robusta beans using a phin filter, often paired with condensed milk for a bold, creamy flavor that’s distinctly Vietnamese.
Ca Phe Sua Da, iced coffee with condensed milk, is the classic everyone loves, especially on hot days.
Hoi An and Da Nang are perfect, but Hanoi’s cafes are the most iconic for this specialty drink.
Absolutely! A phin filter and Robusta beans are all you need. Check our Coffee Recipes for detailed instructions.
Mornings (6–8 AM) for the local buzz and social atmosphere, or evenings for a laid-back vibe perfect for relaxation.
Recommended Products for Vietnamese Coffee
To make authentic Vietnamese coffee at home, consider these products:
Whole Robusta Coffee Beans
Freshly ground for the best authentic flavor.
Ground Robusta Coffee
Convenient and ready to use for instant brewing.
Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter Set
Highly rated for authentic traditional brewing.
Wrapping It Up
Vietnamese coffee is a tropical delight, from the refreshing Ca Phe Sua Da in Da Nang to the creamy Egg Coffee in Hanoi. Here in Da Nang and Hoi An, Natalia and I sip Egg Coffee almost daily at our secret An Bang Beach cafe, with Victor happily enjoying his chocolate milkshake.
From the vibrant cafes of Ho Chi Minh City to the lush plantations of Buôn Ma Thuột, Vietnam’s coffee culture is a journey I’m excited to share with you. Brew your own with our Coffee Recipes or plan your Vietnam adventure with our Asia Travel Guides.
Cheers to great coffee and tropical adventures!
About Oliver Mayerhoffer
Oliver Mayerhoffer is a passionate adventurer dad, hospitality professional, and digital marketer living in Vietnam with his family. With culinary training from Austria and Oman, he explores local food cultures and shares authentic experiences at Mangoes & Palm Trees, bringing the world’s flavors to your kitchen.
