Coffee Culture in Vietnam: A Deep Dive into Central Vietnam's Unique Coffee Scene

Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, known for its robust coffee culture that reflects both tradition and innovation. From the vibrant street-side cafés in Hanoi to hipster coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City, coffee is woven into the fabric of everyday life. However, Central Vietnam, including Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, offers a unique coffee experience that balances both local traditions and new trends.

This article explores the coffee culture of Central Vietnam, showcasing how the region’s love for coffee reflects both authentic Vietnamese practices and its own modern twists.

A Quick Look at Vietnamese Coffee Culture

Coffee was first introduced to Vietnam by the French during the 19th century, and since then, it has evolved into an important part of Vietnamese daily life. Vietnam’s coffee scene is characterized by:

Robusta beans: Known for their bold, bitter flavor and high caffeine content.
Traditional Brewing Techniques: The most famous method involves the phin filter, which produces a slow drip coffee with a rich taste.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Instead of fresh milk, condensed milk is used, giving Vietnamese coffee its signature sweet richness.

Central Vietnam’s Coffee Scene: Unique and Evolving

Central Vietnam offers a blend of traditional Vietnamese coffee styles and modern café trends. It’s also known for its relaxed vibe—whether you’re by the beach in Da Nang, in the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or at a quiet riverside café in Hue, coffee is enjoyed slowly, offering the perfect opportunity to connect with others or enjoy the scenic surroundings.

1. Coffee in Da Nang – A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Da Nang’s coffee scene caters to both locals and expats, with an eclectic mix of traditional street-side stalls and trendy coffee shops.

Beachside Cafés: Many cafés in Da Nang offer beautiful sea views, such as Nắng Coffee and 36 Coffee Studio. These spots are ideal for sipping an iced cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with milk) while enjoying the sound of the waves.
Trendy Coffee Shops: Cong Caphe, a chain known for its retro military-themed interiors, offers a cozy spot to connect with other travelers. For a modern twist, head to The Espresso Station or 6 on Six Café, where you can find hand-poured coffees and specialty drinks.
Bac Xiu Coffee: A regional favorite, Bac Xiu is a lighter, milkier version of the traditional cà phê sữa đá, perfect for hot afternoons by the beach.

Social Tip: Da Nang’s cafés are popular among remote workers and expats, so it’s easy to meet people while enjoying a coffee break.

2. Coffee in Hoi An – Tradition in Every Sip

Hoi An is known for its picturesque Old Town and slow pace of life, making it the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace.

Riverside Cafés: Many cafés, such as The Cargo Club and Faifo Coffee, offer rooftop seating with stunning views of the ancient town and Thu Bon River.
Coconut Coffee: Unique to the area, coconut coffee (cà phê dừa) is a refreshing blend of iced coffee and coconut milk, perfect for Hoi An’s tropical weather.
Traditional Phin Coffee: At local spots like Reaching Out Tea House, you can experience the art of brewing your own coffee with a phin filter in a tranquil, socially-conscious environment.
Coffee and Lantern-Making Workshops: Some cafés, like The Espresso Station, offer lantern-making workshops, combining two quintessential Hoi An experiences: coffee and craftsmanship.

3. Coffee in Hue – A Taste of Heritage

Hue, the former imperial capital, has a more laid-back and refined coffee culture, reflecting the city’s royal heritage and artistic sensibilities.

Garden Cafés: Hue’s coffee shops often have lush garden settings, offering peaceful escapes from the city’s historic sites. Hue Café Roastery is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối): Hue is known for its salt coffee, a unique drink where a pinch of salt enhances the coffee’s natural flavors. This intriguing blend creates a smooth, savory-sweet taste that’s unique to the region.
Book Cafés: Cafés like Nook Café & Bar combine art, books, and coffee, attracting students and young locals looking for a quiet place to work or chat.

Popular Vietnamese Coffee Drinks to Try in Central Vietnam

Cà Phê Sữa Đá: Iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk.
Cà Phê Đen Đá: Black iced coffee, strong and bold.
Cà Phê Trứng: Egg coffee, a creamy concoction made with whipped egg yolk.
Cà Phê Dừa: Coconut coffee, perfect for hot weather.
Bac Xiu: A milkier version of cà phê sữa đá.
Cà Phê Muối: Salt coffee, a specialty of Hue that balances sweetness with a hint of salt.

Coffee Culture Beyond the Cafés: Social Rituals and Traditions

In Central Vietnam, coffee is not just a drink—it’s a social experience. Many locals enjoy gathering at street-side stalls, sitting on tiny plastic stools while chatting over their morning coffee. Afternoons and evenings are also popular coffee times, especially at outdoor cafés along the rivers or near the beaches.

Cafés are not just places to drink coffee—they are community hubs where people gather to socialize, work, or relax. In places like Da Nang and Hoi An, backpackers, remote workers, and locals mingle, creating a friendly and open atmosphere.

The Rise of Specialty Coffee in Central Vietnam

In recent years, Vietnam’s coffee culture has expanded to include specialty coffee. With growing interest in Arabica beans (often grown in the Central Highlands) and modern brewing techniques, many cafés now offer hand-poured coffees, cold brews, and espresso-based drinks alongside traditional favorites. This evolution is particularly visible in Da Nang, where younger locals and expats embrace the specialty coffee

and third-wave coffee movement, blending modern techniques with Vietnamese traditions. This trend can be found in specialty cafés like 43 Factory Coffee Roaster and The Espresso Station, which experiment with Arabica beans grown in the Central Highlands and use methods like pour-over, AeroPress, and siphon brewing.

Final Thoughts: Savor the Unique Coffee Culture of Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam’s coffee culture offers a diverse and social experience, where tradition meets innovation. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment over a phin coffee in Hue, socializing at a beach café in Da Nang, or sipping coconut coffee in Hoi An’s Old Town, coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a cultural ritual that brings people together.

For travelers, immersing yourself in the coffee scene of Central Vietnam offers an authentic way to connect with locals and fellow travelers, while exploring the diverse flavors of the region. Be sure to try the local specialties like salt coffee in Hue and coconut coffee in Hoi An to get a true taste of what makes Central Vietnam’s coffee culture so unique.