Vietnamese coffee tasting
Immersion in culture of second largest coffee producer in world
What it is and why
Coffee tasting in Vietnam is journey by tastes which vary from highland soft arabica from Da Lat to brutal, saturated robusta from province of Dak Lak. In professional workshops they will offer not just cup, but whole ritual: from choice of roast to correct brewing in metal filter-phin.
You will learn secrets of preparation of legendary Cà Phê Trứng (egg coffee), which originates from Hanoi, and learn to distinguish quality beans from fakes with aromatizers. Many activities pass directly on farms or terraces with view on plantations, where can see process of drying and fermentation of berries.
Where to do it in Vietnam
Points on the map are real places where this activity can be done. Numbers in the list match the markers.
- Coffee plantations of Da LatDa Lat
Center of Vietnamese coffee: best arabica varieties and farms with panoramic view.
- Old quarter of HanoiHanoi
Birthplace of egg coffee and classic cafes with small stools.
- Buon Ma Thuot — coffee capitalDak Lak
Main industrial region of robusta, here best coffee museums of country.
- Coffee shops of Hoi AnHoi An
Mixing of traditions and modern Specialty-coffee shops in atmosphere of old town.
Tips
- If you want to try real taste, order coffee "den" (day) — black, without sugar and condensed milk.
- Avoid coffee from street carts if not sure in purity of ice; in decent coffee shops ice is always industrial production.
- Buy beans directly on coffee farms in Da Lat — there they give to try 5-7 varieties before purchase.
- Morning coffee with view on lake or rice fields — ideal beginning of day in Vietnam.
Caution
- Vietnamese coffee is very strong due to high content of robusta, do not drink more than two cups in row if you have sensitive heart.
- Be careful with very cheap ground coffee on markets — often this is mixture with corn or soy.