How Vietnam’s Coffee Culture Blends Tradition With Bold Innovation

A milk shortage birthed Hanoi’s legendary egg coffee. Now, Vietnam’s cafés are reinventing tradition—one bold, creamy sip at a time.

, and Administrator

2026 January 8 . 10:02 AM

1 min read

How Vietnam’s Coffee Culture Blends Tradition With Bold Innovation

Vietnam, the world’s second-largest coffee producer, has a rich coffee culture filled with unique creations. From Hanoi's famous egg coffee to the latest coconut coffee trend, many innovations emerged from necessity, blending tradition with creativity.

Coffee first took root in northern Vietnam before thriving in the Central Highlands, now the heart of the industry. The government’s push in the 1990s transformed Vietnam into a top producer, specialising in robusta beans.

One of the most iconic drinks, egg coffee, was born in 1946 at Café Giảng in Hanoi. Founder Nguyễn Văn Giảng, facing milk shortages under French rule, whipped egg yolk into coffee as a substitute. The creamy, rich drink became a local favourite and remains a symbol of Vietnamese ingenuity. Traditional Vietnamese coffee is often brewed with a phin filter, a small metal dripper. Instead of fresh milk, many shops use sweetened condensed milk, a habit dating back to colonial-era scarcity. Another variation, salt coffee, originated in Huế, where a café owner added a pinch of salt to balance the bitterness. Recently, coconut coffee has gained popularity. This new twist combines coconut milk with condensed milk, offering a tropical flavour to the classic brew.

From egg coffee to coconut blends, Vietnam’s coffee scene reflects both history and innovation. The country’s rise as a major producer and its distinctive drinks continue to shape its global reputation. These traditions, rooted in resourcefulness, remain central to Vietnamese café culture today.