authenticated by
Share

Coffee
Iced milk coffee is not just a drink, but a unique culture. Learn about coffee drinking styles from Hanoi to Saigon.
Dec 25, 2024 · 3 min read
According to the Michelin Guide, in Vietnam, coffee is not just a drink, but also a ritual. Let's explore with iGuide.ai some interesting things about drinking iced milk coffee in Vietnam!
In its latest article, the Michelin guidebook said that thanks to the French introduction in the mid-19th century, coffee in Vietnam has overcome historical fluctuations to become one of Vietnam's valuable culinary heritages.
Nowadays, the phrase "going for a coffee" not only means enjoying coffee, but also shows a close friendship between friends or a habit before starting work. The Michelin guide calls iced coffee with milk "a precious gem" among the coffees in Vietnam. This traditional drink is made from ground coffee, hot boiling water, sweetened condensed milk, then mixed with ice.
"The combination of the bitterness of coffee and the rich sweetness of condensed milk creates an impressive taste for diners," the guide explains. From the bustling streets of Hanoi and Saigon, this iconic drink has spread everywhere, from sidewalk cafes to 5-star locations, according to Michelin.
Nowadays, iced milk coffee has become a popular drink in Vietnamese restaurants around the world. In Vietnam, the way of enjoying coffee in the South and the North also has its own interesting styles: When entering a shop, with the same type of drink, Saigon people call it iced milk coffee, while Hanoi people call it brown coffee, in which Hanoi brown coffee is often richer and stronger than Saigon iced milk coffee.
Hanoians often sip a cup of coffee in the morning, slowly and calmly, because for them, enjoying coffee is an art, containing a long story. While sipping hot coffee, they listen to the sound of the northeast wind gently shaking the deep tiled roof and the rows of ancient trees. Hanoians who are connoisseurs of coffee have a common opinion about a standard cup of "hot brown": "It must be filter coffee with a ratio of 2 coffee and 1 condensed milk to produce a thick mixture with a clear flavor. The roasted and ground coffee must be new, fresh and up to standard. The way to brew the coffee must be strong, with a slightly bitter taste to be delicious."
While Saigonese can enjoy coffee anywhere, from sidewalks to luxury cafes, Hanoians often choose quite simple cafes. It could be an old-town style cafe or a sidewalk cafe. To help you fully experience the taste of coffee in Hanoi, iGuide lists some interesting addresses below:
1. Nang Tuong Coffee: No. 6 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
2. Thai Coffee: 27 Trieu Viet Vuong, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
3. 39 Ta Hien Coffee: No. 39 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
4. Giang Cafe: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
5. Lam Coffee: 92 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
6. Nhi Coffee: No. 2 Hang Ca, Hang Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
7. Dinh Cafe: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
8. Nhan Cafe: 39D Hang Hanh Alley, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
9. Tho Coffee: No. 117 Trieu Viet Vuong, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
10. Old Quarter Coffee Garden: 11 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
We hope you enjoy the full flavor of coffee in Vietnam. Thank you for choosing iGuide.ai to accompany you on your exciting experiences!
Keep reading
Log in to leave a comment. Log in
Be the first to comment.
React to this story