Brought to Vietnam by the French in the mid-19th century, coffee has weathered historical waves and developed into a cornerstone of Vietnam's culinary heritage. Today, the phrase "going for coffee" not only encompasses the act of enjoying a cup of coffee but also intimate friendships when meeting or discussing business. The Michelin Guide reviews and selects 6 cups of coffee that represent the pinnacle of creativity in Vietnamese cuisine.
Iced Milk Coffee: Icon
Ca phe sua da is a true gem among Vietnamese coffees. This classic drink is made by slowly dripping ground coffee through a filter into a glass of sweetened condensed milk and ice. The combination of flavors, the rich bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the condensed milk, is what makes Ca phe sua da a hit with coffee lovers.
Originating on the bustling streets of Saigon, this iconic drink has made its way from roadside stalls to the menus of five-star restaurants. Today, ca phe sua da has become a staple of Vietnamese restaurants around the world, a beloved accompaniment to the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Silver and Gold: A Blend of Three Cultures
Crafted by the Chinese living in Cho Lon in the early 20th century, the café bac xiu emerged as a charming testament to the city's rich culture, blending influences from Chinese, Vietnamese and French traditions.
The old story goes that because the strong bitterness of black coffee and milk coffee was a challenge for women and children who were not used to its taste, the Chinese in Cho Lon came up with a creative solution. They modified the traditional milk coffee recipe, adjusting the ratio of coffee and milk to make it more palatable. Too much milk was too sweet, while too much coffee was too bitter, and the silvery taste was balanced.
Egg Coffee: Hanoi's Masterpiece
Egg coffee emerged as a beacon of innovation amid raw material shortages in the 1940s, when sugar and milk prices skyrocketed. Mr. Giang, founder of Hanoi’s Giang Cafe, switched to egg yolks, inspired by the appeal of cappuccino. This ingenious substitution created a golden creaminess on a rich coffee base, intertwining bitter notes with the smooth creaminess of eggs, subtly sweetened with honey.
Served in small cups, Vietnamese egg coffee is a sensory experience, kept warm by a bowl of hot water for added comfort. With a careful balance of ingredients, any hint of eggy taste is muted, creating a drink that is both enchanting and seductive.
Salt Coffee: A Unique Combination
Salt Coffee embodies the spirit of Vietnam’s evolving culinary scene, blending longstanding coffee traditions with 21st-century innovation. Originating in the ancient capital of Hue, this blend combines Robusta beans with a touch of salt, creating a bitter-sweet balance reminiscent of tantalizing salted caramel.
Served in layers, with condensed milk at the bottom, coffee in the middle and cream on top, Vietnamese salted coffee is a unique culinary adventure. It combines salty, sweet and bitter flavors in a harmonious way. When stirred together, the saltiness accentuates the rich flavor of the coffee while softening the bitterness and enhancing the sweet, creamy taste of the milk.
Coconut Coffee: A Tropical Tradition
This coffee is a testament to Vietnam’s love of coconut delicacies. Making a cup of coconut coffee involves a meticulous process. First, coconut milk is mixed with condensed milk and ice cubes until it reaches a velvety smoothness. Meanwhile, black coffee is shaken vigorously in a bottle until a light brown foam forms on the surface. Finally, the coffee is poured into a glass, followed by a slow flow of concentrated coconut milk, creating a visually appealing drink.
Iced Fruit Coffee: Modern
Bringing a new look to Vietnam's coffee culture, cold fruit coffee has quickly won the hearts of urban residents in bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
This innovation applies the traditional cold brew method, allowing 100% Arabica coffee to blend with the vibrant flavors of fruits or juices, such as orange, lychee or apricot, taking the experience to a new level for those looking for a refreshing respite from the tropical heat.
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