Discover Vietnamese Salt Coffee: A Must-Try on Your Vietnamese Package Tours

What Makes Salt Coffee Special in Vietnam?

Ca phe muoi—Vietnam’s soul in a cup! This iconic Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe was born in 2010 in the poetic city of Hue, where a small garden café dared to blend bold robusta coffee with a pinch of sea salt and creamy whipped topping. The result? A harmonious balance of bitterness, sweetness, and savory richness—a true flavor symphony rooted in the heart of Vietnam specialty coffee tradition.

But in Vietnam, coffee is never just about taste—it’s a ritual. Locals don’t rush; they linger, sipping slowly as the phin filter drips, drop by drop. Whether it’s early morning or golden sunset, the Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe turns each gathering into a moment of pause, connection, and shared delight—just the way it’s done in every humble café across the country.

So how does salt coffee stand apart? While egg coffee is sweet and velvety and traditional drip coffee leans strong and sugary, ca phe muoi strikes a unique chord. That gentle dash of salt enhances rather than masks, letting the quality of Vietnam specialty coffee beans shine through. It’s soothing, unexpected, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need (2025 Edition)

Core Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

This isn’t just a drink—it’s a coffee experience deeply rooted in Vietnamese culinary art. To truly honor the tradition behind the Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe, start with quality ingredients that let the flavor shine:

• Vietnamese Robusta (or Arabica blend) – This is the heart of the recipe. Robusta beans, known for their bold body and rich crema, are perfect for a deep, satisfying brew. You can also explore a Robusta-Arabica blend if you prefer a smoother cup. Don’t forget—this is a chance to celebrate Vietnam specialty coffee, so choose beans roasted with care.
  
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds creamy sweetness and balances out the salt beautifully. It’s also a classic staple in Vietnamese coffee culture.
• Whipping Cream or Plant-Based Alternative – This is where the magic happens. Whipped with a touch of salt, this forms the iconic creamy layer that defines every proper Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe.
• Sea Salt (not table salt!) – A small pinch goes a long way. Sea salt enhances complexity without harshness. Say no to iodized salt—it disrupts the balance!
• Optional Extras:
  • Sugar – For those who like it sweeter.
  • Milk – For layering or adjusting texture.
  • Ice – Salt coffee is stunning over ice, especially in warm weather.
    

Recommended Tools for Brewing Like a Pro

Even the finest beans need the right stage. Here’s your 2025 toolkit for mastering the Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe:

• Traditional Phin Filter – The signature brewing device of Vietnamese coffee. It’s compact, simple, and creates a slow, thoughtful brew that drips character into every cup.
• French Press (Alternative) – A great modern substitute if you don’t have a phin. Just ensure your grind size is medium-coarse.
• Hand Whisk or Electric Frother – This is crucial for whipping that signature salted cream layer. Want café-level foam? Go electric.
• Glass Cup for Presentation – Salt coffee is a drink of layers—flavor and beauty alike. A clear glass lets you see the transformation.

Recipe 1: Traditional Salted Vietnamese Coffee

Ingredients & Measurements

• 25g Vietnamese Robusta (or Arabica blend from any Vietnam specialty coffee brand)
• 25ml sweetened condensed milk
• 200ml heavy cream or whipping cream
• 5g sea salt
• 100ml boiling water (around 95°C)
• Ice (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Phin filter (or French press)
• Spoon & glass cup
• Hand whisk or frother
• Scale or measuring spoon
  

Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions

1. Brew the Coffee: Rinse your phin with hot water. Add 25g of ground coffee, tamp lightly, and pour 45ml of boiling water to let it bloom. After 30 seconds, fill up the phin and let it drip (takes about 5–7 minutes). You’ll get a strong, full-bodied Vietnamese base.
2. Prepare the Salted Cream (Cold Method): In a separate bowl, whip 200ml cream with 5g sea salt until soft peaks form. This luscious layer is the star of the show—smooth, silky, and just a little savory.
3. Combine the Magic: Add 25ml sweetened condensed milk to your brewed coffee. Gently top with the salted cream, letting it float for that beautiful layered effect.
4. Serve Hot or Iced: Hot? Serve straight.
   Craving cool refreshment? Pour over ice and watch it swirl. Either way, this Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe delivers pure pleasure in every sip!

Café-Quality Tips

• Use fresh ground robusta for that signature kick—check out Vietnam specialty coffee brands for top beans.
• Chill your cream before whipping for better texture.
• Use a clear glass to showcase those dreamy layers!

Recipe 2: Shakerato-Style Salt Coffee (For Coffee Adventurers)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Vietnamese coffee grounds (Robusta or Robusta-Arabica blend)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 30ml condensed milk
• 40ml heavy cream
• Ice cubes
• Optional: sugar, cinnamon, or vanilla extract
  

What You’ll Need

• Phin filter or espresso machine
• Cocktail shaker or mason jar
• Measuring cup
• Clear serving glass

Shake Up Your Routine – Step-by-Step

1. Brew Strong Coffee: Use a phin or espresso machine. You’ll want about 60ml of intensely brewed coffee. Let it cool slightly.
2. Whip the Creamy Topping: In a small bowl or cup, whisk 40ml cream with 1/4 tsp sea salt until fluffy but pourable.
3. Shake It Up: In a shaker, combine the coffee, 30ml condensed milk, and a handful of ice. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until frothy and chilled.
4. Layer Like a Pro: Pour the shaken coffee into your glass. Gently float the salted cream on top. For extra flair, dust with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder.

Must-Try Salt Coffee Cafés Across Vietnam (2025 Edition)

Northern Vietnam – Hanoi

RIZA Coffee

• Address: 78 Tran Hung Dao Hoan Kiem District Hanoi
• Price: 39,000 VND ($1.50 USD)
• Why Visit: A cozy, nostalgic vibe. Their salt coffee is smooth, slightly sweet, and loved by locals.

L.a.caphe

• Address: 44 Phung Hung Hoan Kiem District Hanoi
• Price: 45,000 VND ($1.80 USD)
• Why Visit: Sleek and stylish interiors with a modern take on the Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe—creamy, bold, and balanced.

12 Tong Dan Café

• Address: 12 Tong Dan Hoan Kiem District Hanoi
• Price: ~35,000–40,000 VND
• Why Visit: A small but charming café tucked in the Old Quarter. Locals swear by their foam quality!

Central Vietnam – Hue & Da Nang

Salt Coffee Hue – The Original

• Address: 10 Nguyen Luong Bang Hue City
• Price: 20,000–25,000 VND ($1 USD)
• Why Visit: This is the birthplace of the Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe! The original blend is simple yet unforgettable.
  

Giao Cafe

• Address: 18 Chi Lăng, Huế City
• Price: ~30,000 VND
• Why Visit: Vintage-style décor with a rich, creamy version of salt coffee. A favorite among both tourists and locals.

N Coffee – Da Nang

• Addresses:
  • 155 Tran Phu
  • 227 Dong da
  • 31 Tan Da, Da Nang
• Price: ~28,000–35,000 VND
• Why Visit: A local chain known for consistent flavor and friendly service. Their salt coffee hits that perfect balance of bold and creamy.

Xom Noi Cafe

• Address: 123 Truong Nu Vuong Hai Chau District Da Nang
• Price: ~25,000 VND
• Why Visit: Local charm, quick service, and a whipped cream layer that’s velvety and just salty enough.

Southern Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Po Café

• Addresses:
  • 115B Nguyen Hue District 1
  • 104 Bui Dinh Tuy Binh Thanh District
• Price: ~45,000–55,000 VND
• Why Visit: A trendy café loved by Gen Z. Their version of the Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe is bold, frothy, and highly Instagrammable.

Hue Café Roastery

• Address: 25 Xuan Thuy Thao Dien District 2 HCMC
• Price: ~49,000 VND
• Why Visit: A true gem for vietnam specialty coffee lovers. They roast their beans in-house, and their salted coffee is a creamy masterpiece.

Chu Long Salt Coffee

• Branches:
  • 168 Cong Hoa Tan Binh District
    
  • 12 Nguyen Hue District 1
  • 25 Le Van Luong District 7
• Price: ~25,000–30,000 VND
• Why Visit: Affordable, fast, and consistently good. A great grab-and-go option for busy Saigon coffee fans.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Salt Coffee at Home

Choose the Right Salt: Not All Crystals Are Equal

When crafting the perfect Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe, the salt you use really matters. Table salt? Too harsh. Go for:

• Sea Salt – The top choice! It’s natural, gentle, and dissolves smoothly into cream.
  
• Pink Himalayan Salt – Offers a touch of mineral complexity and beautiful aesthetics.
  
• Kosher Salt – A decent option, but its larger flakes can be tricky to blend into cream unless finely ground.

 Robusta or Arabica? Let the Beans Speak

The heart of your Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe is always the coffee itself. And here’s the insider scoop:

• Vietnamese Robusta: Strong, bold, and loaded with caffeine. This is the traditional choice and the best match for that creamy, salted topping.
• Arabica Blends: Smoother and more fragrant—great if you want a gentler, more dessert-like finish.

To experience true depth, try beans from Vietnam specialty coffee roasters. They know exactly how to roast for this unique flavor pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even pros stumble! Avoid these classic pitfalls when preparing your Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe:

• Too much salt – It’s a flavor enhancer, not a seasoning. Start with a pinch and taste before adjusting.
• Over-whipped cream – You want soft peaks, not stiff frosting. Over-whipped cream won’t float or blend properly.
• Flat coffee – Use freshly ground beans. Pre-ground or stale coffee kills the aroma and depth that makes salt coffee shine.

Conclusion

The Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe isn’t just a drink—it’s a cultural experience waiting to unfold right in your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a sprinkle of creativity, you can craft a cup that’s rich, creamy, and uniquely Vietnamese. So go ahead—try it, tweak it, and savor every sip! And if you’re craving more, explore the rich world of Vietnam specialty coffee and discover just how extraordinary your daily brew can become.

FAQs about Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe (2025)

1. What is Vietnamese Salt Coffee, and how is it different from other Vietnamese coffees?

Vietnamese Salt Coffee (Ca phe muoi) is a unique brew that combines strong Vietnamese coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and a lightly salted cream topping. What sets it apart is the balance of savory and sweet, creating a creamy, bold, and slightly salty flavor that enhances the natural richness of the coffee.

Unlike egg coffee, which uses whipped egg yolk, or classic phin drip coffee, which focuses solely on sweetness and strength, the Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe introduces a new flavor dimension that highlights the depth of vietnam specialty coffee beans.

2. Can I make Vietnamese Salt Coffee without a phin filter?

Yes! While using a traditional Vietnamese phin filter is ideal for authenticity, you can absolutely make a great version of the Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe using a French press, espresso machine, or moka pot. The key is to use fresh, bold coffee—preferably a Vietnamese robusta or robusta-arabica blend from a trusted vietnam specialty coffee roaster.

3. How salty should Vietnamese Salt Coffee be?

Great question! It’s all about balance. The salt isn’t meant to overpower the drink—it enhances the flavors. Most recipes call for just a pinch (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt per serving), enough to cut the bitterness and elevate the sweetness without tasting overly salty. Always taste and adjust!

4. Is Vietnamese Salt Coffee available outside of Vietnam?

Yes! While it’s most authentic in Vietnamese cafés (especially in Hue, Hanoi, and Saigon), many specialty coffee shops around the world are now adding their own takes on this drink. And if you can’t find it near you—good news—you can always make it yourself with our step-by-step Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe!

5. Can I make it vegan or lactose-free?

Absolutely! For a vegan version of the Vietnamese Salt Coffee Recipe, swap out the whipping cream for coconut cream or oat whipping cream, and use sweetened condensed coconut milk (now available in many Asian grocery stores). The flavor is still rich and satisfying—and it adds a nice tropical twist!

6. What kind of coffee works best for salted coffee?

The best option is Vietnamese robusta or a robusta-arabica blend with low acidity and high body. These beans bring out the full potential of the salted cream topping. Look for trusted brands or support local roasters specializing in vietnam specialty coffee for the most flavorful result.