The Michelin Guide Showcases and Votes for the Top 6 Creative Vietnamese-Style Coffee Drinks

Coffee has come a long way in Vietnam since the French introduced it in the mid-19th century. It has woven itself into the fabric of Vietnamese life and become an integral part of the country’s culinary culture. Through the years and Vietnam’s turbulent history, coffee has evolved from a mere beverage to a symbol of connection, sharing, and everyday stories.

So it comes as no surprise that the prestigious Michelin Guide – the world-renowned culinary magazine – has praised Vietnamese coffee and selected 6 unique coffee drinks that showcase the pinnacle of Vietnamese culinary creativity. Let’s explore these delightful creations!

1 Iced Milk Coffee

Iced Milk Coffee, or cà phê sữa đá, is not just an ordinary beverage but a true “gem” in the culture of Vietnamese coffee.

What sets it apart is the traditional way it’s prepared, with each drop of coffee slowly dripping through a filter, blending with condensed milk and ice. This combination creates a unique flavor profile, where the robust bitterness of the coffee intertwines with the creamy sweetness of the milk, offering an unforgettable sensory experience.

Born on the bustling streets of Saigon, this coffee has risen from humble sidewalk stalls to become a ubiquitous drink, gracing the menus of upscale restaurants. Today, Iced Milk Coffee has become an ambassador of Vietnamese flavors, finding its way into Vietnamese restaurants worldwide and showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Iced Milk Coffee

2 Bạc Xỉu

Originating in the vibrant Cholon district in the early 20th century, Bạc Xỉu coffee embodies the cultural fusion of Vietnam, China, and France, adding a unique touch to the diverse tapestry of Ho Chi Minh City.

According to local tales, the strong bitterness of traditional black coffee and milk coffee didn’t suit the palates of many, especially women and children. To address this, the Chinese community in Cholon crafted the unique Bạc Xỉu recipe by skillfully adjusting the ratio of coffee to milk. The result is a beverage that is not only delicious but also easy to drink, striking a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness.

Bạc Xỉu

3 Egg Coffee

During the 1940s, when war made ingredients scarce and sugar and milk prices soared, Egg Coffee emerged as a creative beacon, illuminating the Vietnamese coffee culture.

Mr. Giang, the owner of the famous Giang Cafe in Hanoi, is credited with creating this unique beverage. Inspired by cappuccino, he replaced milk with egg yolks, resulting in a golden, creamy layer atop a robust coffee base. The mild bitterness of the coffee blends harmoniously with the silky smoothness of the egg, sweetened subtly with honey, for a truly exquisite sensory journey.

Egg Coffee is typically served in small, charming cups, kept warm by a bowl of hot water, evoking a sense of coziness and comfort. The perfect balance of ingredients eliminates any trace of egginess, resulting in an enchanting and seductive drink that captivates all who sip it.

Egg Coffee

4 Salted Coffee

Salted Coffee is a unique and innovative drink in modern Vietnamese cuisine. Hailing from Hue, it combines robust Robusta coffee with a hint of salt, resulting in a balanced flavor profile that evokes the allure of salted caramel.

What sets Salted Coffee apart is its preparation and serving ritual. A layer of thick, creamy condensed milk is poured into the bottom of the glass, followed by a generous helping of hot coffee, and finally, a dollop of rich foam. When stirred, the salt blends with the bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the milk, creating a symphony of flavors that lingers on the palate.

Salted Coffee

5 Coconut Coffee

Coconut Coffee is a testament to the Vietnamese love affair with coconut-based delicacies. Each cup is crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Creamy coconut milk is blended with condensed milk and ice until it achieves a velvety smooth texture. Robust black coffee is vigorously shaken in a jar until a light brown foam forms on the surface. The coffee is then carefully poured into a glass, followed by the coconut milk mixture, creating a visually appealing and irresistible drink.

Coconut Coffee offers a rich, creamy experience with a subtle hint of coffee bitterness. It’s an ideal choice for those sweltering days when you need a refreshing pick-me-up.

Coconut Coffee

6 Chilled Fruit Coffee

On the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Chilled Fruit Coffee has emerged as a refreshing new trend, capturing the interest of the younger generation. This innovative creation builds on the traditional cold brewing method, infusing 100% pure Arabica coffee with fresh fruit or fruit juice, such as orange, lychee, or apricot. The result is an explosion of flavors that awakens the senses.

More than just a refreshing drink, Chilled Fruit Coffee is the perfect choice for those seeking a burst of energy to combat the tropical heat. The mild bitterness of coffee blends beautifully with the sweet and tangy notes of the fruit, creating a harmonious symphony that delights the taste buds and stimulates the palate.

Chilled Fruit Coffee

These six Vietnamese coffee creations, lauded by Michelin, showcase the integral role that coffee plays in Vietnam’s cultural and culinary landscape. With their rich flavors and unique cultural significance, these coffee drinks continue to captivate locals and international visitors alike, promising to enchant coffee aficionados for years to come.