Discover Vietnam’s Hidden Gem: Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối)
If you're a coffee lover looking for something truly unique, it’s time to explore Vietnamese Salt Coffee, or Cà Phê Muối. This bold and creamy drink offers a surprising harmony of sweet, bitter, and salty flavors that work together in perfect balance. It’s a lesser-known gem compared to the more famous Vietnamese drip coffee with condensed milk, but once you try it, it just might become your new favorite.
A Brief History of Salt Coffee in Vietnam
Salt coffee originated in Huế, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam. Locals believe it was first served in small, family-run cafes over a decade ago. While its exact origin remains a bit mysterious, its popularity grew steadily among Vietnamese youth and coffee enthusiasts who were intrigued by its flavor and story.
Unlike traditional coffee drinks, which usually aim to enhance sweetness or bitterness, salt coffee uses a pinch of salt to deepen and round out the flavor of robusta coffee, Vietnam’s primary coffee crop. The result? A drink that’s creamy, complex, and absolutely unforgettable.
What Does Salt Coffee Taste Like?
Salt coffee is a beautiful contradiction. The salt enhances the bitterness of the strong black coffee while balancing the sweetness of condensed milk and cream. You’ll get a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of savouriness, making each sip more interesting than the last.
How to Make Vietnamese Salt Coffee at Home
Making this drink is simple, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Here’s a basic recipe you can try at home.
📝 Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee (Robusta preferred)
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3 tablespoons condensed milk
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1 tablespoon fresh cream or whole milk
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A pinch of salt (around 1/8 tsp)
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Hot water
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Ice (optional, if you want it cold)
☕ Equipment:
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Vietnamese phin filter (or use a French press/espresso if unavailable)
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A glass or cup
🔧 Instructions:
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Brew the coffee
Add your ground coffee into a phin filter. Pour a little hot water to bloom the coffee for 30 seconds, then fill the filter. Let it drip for 5–7 minutes. You’ll get about 60ml of strong black coffee. -
Mix the cream base
In a separate glass, mix condensed milk, cream or milk, and the pinch of salt. Stir well until fully blended. -
Combine
Pour the hot coffee over the creamy salted mixture. Stir gently to combine. -
Serve hot or iced
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For hot: serve as is and enjoy!
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For iced: pour over a glass full of ice and enjoy the refreshing twist.
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Final Thoughts
Vietnamese Salt Coffee is a testament to the creativity and diversity of Vietnam’s coffee culture. Whether you're exploring it for the first time or sharing it with friends, this drink will definitely leave a lasting impression.
Next time you think of Vietnamese coffee, go beyond egg coffee and try salt coffee—a salty-sweet surprise from Huế that tells a story in every sip.
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