Vietnam runs on coffee. If you’re here, you probably already know that. But ordering it like a tourist is a surefire way to get the side-eye from the locals. Here’s how to do it right.
The Basics: What You Need to Know
Vietnamese coffee isn’t just coffee. It’s a ritual. The default is strong, dark, and often sweetened with condensed milk. If you want to blend in, start with these essentials:
- Vietnamese coffee is brewed with a phin filter - a small metal drip contraption that sits on top of your cup.
- Condensed milk is the standard sweetener. If you don’t want it, you need to specify.
- Ice is often added unless you ask otherwise. Hot coffee exists, but it’s less common.
Essential Coffee Phrases
Cà phê đá
[kaː˨˩ fe˧˧ ʔɗaː˧˦]“Iced coffee”
The classic. Strong black coffee with ice. If you don’t specify anything else, this is what you’ll get.
Cà phê sữa đá
[kaː˨˩ fe˧˧ sɨə˦ˀ˥ ʔɗaː˧˦]“Iced milk coffee”
Coffee with condensed milk and ice. The default sweet option.
Cà phê đen
/kaː fɛ ɗɛn/“Black coffee”
Just black coffee, no milk. Specify 'đen đá' for iced, 'đen nóng' for hot.
Cà phê sữa nóng
/kaː fɛ sɨə nɔŋ/“Hot milk coffee”
Hot coffee with condensed milk. Less common, but available.
Ít đường
/it ɗɨəŋ/“Less sugar”
Use this if you want less condensed milk. 'Không đường' means no sugar at all.
Advanced Orders for Coffee Nerds
Once you’ve got the basics down, level up with these:
- Cà phê bạc xỉu: A lighter, milkier version of cà phê sữa, often with more milk than coffee.
- Cà phê trứng: Egg coffee - a Hanoi specialty with a whipped egg yolk topping.
- Cà phê dừa: Coconut coffee, a sweet, creamy blend popular in the south.
Pro tip: If you’re in a rush, say 'làm nhanh' (make it fast). But honestly, just enjoy the slow drip.
How to Actually Order
Here’s a script to sound like you’ve been doing this for years:
- Walk in. Nod at the staff.
- Say: 'Cho tôi một cà phê sữa đá, ít đường.' (Give me an iced milk coffee, less sugar.)
- Wait. Don’t hover. Sit down.
- When it arrives, sip slowly. Look contemplative.
That’s it. You’re now a pro. For more regional coffee culture, check out our guide on Thai coffee culture.
