5 Vietnamese Coffee Brewing Methods You Should Try

Vietnam is the world's second-largest exporter of coffee, dominated by the robust Robusta bean. Over the decades, Vietnamese coffee culture has developed a highly distinct character, featuring slow brewing methods and indulgent additions like condensed milk, whipped egg, or salted cream.

1. The Traditional Phin Filter (Cà Phê Phin)

The Phin filter is a small metal chamber that sits directly on top of a glass. Coffee grinds are placed inside, pressed lightly with a gravity damper, and hot water is poured over. The coffee drips slowly—drop by drop—into condensed milk. This slow drip is a meditative ritual, prompting coffee drinkers to slow down and enjoy the passing time.

2. Hanoi Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

Created in Hanoi in the 1940s during a milk shortage, egg coffee substitutes condensed milk with whipped egg yolks, sugar, and honey. The result is a thick, custard-like foam floating on top of strong black Robusta coffee. It is sweet, creamy, and resembles a coffee-infused tiramisu dessert.

3. Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối)

Originating from the historic city of Hue, Salt Coffee combines bold Vietnamese coffee, condensed milk, and a layer of lightly salted whipped cream. The salt plays an essential role: it cuts through the bitterness of the robusta beans and balances the heavy sweetness of the condensed milk, bringing out a smooth caramel-like flavor.

4. Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Cốt Dừa)

A modern favorite, this drink features a slushy-like mixture of coconut cream, condensed milk, and ice, blended together and poured over a shot of strong Vietnamese coffee. It is the ultimate tropical refreshment for Saigon's hot afternoons.

5. Savora's Egg Coffee Martini

At Savora, we bring coffee culture into the evening. Our signature Egg Coffee Martini infuses cold-brewed Vietnamese Robusta with premium vodka and coffee liqueur, topped with a velvety, hand-whipped sweet egg yolk foam dusted with cacao. It is the perfect bridge between afternoon tradition and night-time sophistication.