What is Salt Coffee Vietnam?
Salt coffee Vietnam, or cà phê muối, is a unique Vietnamese creation that originated in Hue, a city known for its culinary creativity. Unlike traditional Vietnamese coffee, it combines coffee and a creamy foam layer with a delicate hint of salt flavor.
The result is a surprising harmony of taste – bold yet smooth, with salt enhancing the coffee’s natural sweetness while reducing its bitterness, which reflects the Vietnamese philosophy of blending contrasting flavors to achieve balance.
Over time, salt coffee has become a popular choice for both locals and visitors wanting to try something unique in Vietnamese coffee culture.
Where to Try Salt Coffee Vietnam?
Hue might be the birthplace of salt coffee, but this delicious beverage has spread its charm throughout Vietnam. As a local who’s explored countless coffee shops, I’ve compiled a list of the best places to experience authentic salt coffee.
Top 5 Authentic Salt Coffee Vietnam Shops in Hue
1. Tan cafe
- Address 1: 14 Pham Hong Thai, Hue city
- Address 2: 25 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Hue city
- Address 3: 86 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hue city
- Address 4: 10 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Da Nang City.
- Price: 30,000 – 40,000 VND. ($1.18 – $1.54)
- Opening hours: 6:00 – 22:00.
Tan Cafe is a luxurious coffee shop with an open space, classic tiled floors, black leather chairs, and rough walls. This creates a nostalgic atmosphere for visitors. Tan Cafe attracts customers of all ages, from young students to older generations. The quiet ambiance makes it an ideal place to relax and enjoy Hue’s specialty, salt coffee.
2. Thành Cafe
- Address 1: 24 Van Cao, Xuan Phu, Hue city.
- Address 2: 328 Phan Boi Chau, To 13, Hue city.
- Price: 30,000 – 55,000 VND. ($1.18 – $2.16)
- Opening hours: 6:30 am – 10:00 pm.
Thành Cafe in Hue offers a spacious indoor and outdoor seating area. The indoor space has a dark ambiance, while the outdoor area is airy and open.
Thanh Cafe is designed with elegant tones and materials from wood and tiles. The space is quiet, with a traditional look. Customers can sit at a table or at the bar, watching the staff prepare drinks.
3. Nguyen Luong Bang Salt Coffee Shop.
- Address 1: 10 Nguyen Luong Bang, Hue city.
- Address 2: 142 Dang Thai Than, Hue city.
- Price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND. ($0.79 – $1.18)
- Opening hours: 6:30 am – 10:00 pm.
Nguyen Luong Bang Coffee Shop in Hue was the first place to sell salt coffee in Hue city 13 years ago. It is now the most famous place for salt coffee. The shop offers a spacious indoor and outdoor seating area. The indoor space has a dark ambiance, while the outdoor area is airy and open.
The coffee is brewed traditionally using a filter. Once the coffee is poured over condensed milk, creamy foam layer, and salt, simply stir and enjoy. This original Salt Coffee Vietnam recipe perfectly balances the sweet and creamy taste of condensed milk, the bitter flavor of the coffee, and a salty touch.
4. Laph coffee
- Address: 04 Truong Dinh, Hue city
- Price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND. ($0.79 – $1.54)
- Opening hours: 6 am – 10 pm
Laph coffee is a popular open-air coffee shop, especially among young people who love salted coffee. It’s busiest in the mornings and evenings, particularly on cool days.
To handle the crowds, Laph Coffee has invested in high-capacity coffee machines. The shop is also decorated with art and has a neat layout.
5. Giao Cafe
- Address: 118 Chi Lang, Phu Cat, Hue City.
- Price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND. ($0.79 – $1.54)
- Opening hours: 6:30 – 22:00.
Located in a convenient location in Hue city, Giao Cafe is one of the salt coffee shops favored by young people. The coffee shop has a quiet feature of the ancient capital with a porch, flower floor, and brick yard.
Top 5 famous salt coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City
1. Hue Cafe Roastery
- Address: 67B Xuan Thuy Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, HCMC.
- Price: 30,000 – 45,000 VND. (~ $1.45)
- Opening hours: 6:30 am – 10 pm
Hue Cafe Roastery offers a unique coffee experience with a distinctive Central flavor. The space of the shop is imbued with Hue style with ancient features and tranquility. This famous salt coffee shop in Saigon is like a miniature Hue city in the heart of the city.
The staff here are very attentive and enthusiastic, always willing to help when you need it. With a wonderful space imbued with the dreamy Hue and rich, unique flavors. And of course, you can’t miss this famous salt coffee shop in Saigon, right?
2. Muối coffee – Nice Take Away Salt Coffee Vietnam
- Address: 111 Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, 2 Ward, District 3, HCMC.
- Price: 40,000 – 50,000 VND. (~ $1.96)
- Opening hours: 6:30 am – 10:30 pm
Muoi Coffee is a local favorite for those seeking the true taste of Hue’s salt coffee. If you prefer to explore, consider taking your coffee to-go. Muoi Coffee is conveniently located near Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, making it the perfect spot to grab a drink and stroll through the vibrant market.
3. Người tám chuyện House – Storyteller Saigon
- Address: 26 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC
- Price: 70,000 – 80,000 VND. (~ $2.50)
- Opening hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Nestled in an old apartment building, Người tám chuyện House is a unique coffee shop offering stunning views of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Its peaceful and serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for reflection and relaxation.
The shop’s signature salt coffee is a must-try. It offers a distinct flavor profile, reminiscent of traditional Hue-style salt coffee. Whether you’re seeking a quiet moment or a picturesque backdrop for your photos, Người tám chuyện House is a hidden gem worth discovering.
4. Coffee Hut
- Address: 5 Truong Quyen Street, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC
- Price: 50,000 – 60,000 VND. ($1.96 – $2.36)
- Opening hours: 8 am – 9 pm
Coffee Hut is a popular coffee shop in Saigon, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Its serene atmosphere and comfortable seating make it an ideal spot for studying, working, or simply relaxing.
Indulge in their signature salt coffee, a unique blend of rich coffee, creamy milk, and a touch of salt. Or explore their diverse menu, which includes other Vietnamese coffee specialties like egg coffee and coconut coffee. Each sip is a delightful experience that will leave a lasting impression.
5. Cà Phê Muối Chú Long – Uncle Long’s Salt Coffee
- Some addresses in the center of HCMC:
– 68 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
– 301 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3
– 194 Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Ward 10, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
– 6B International Square (Turtle Lake), Ward 6, District 3
- Price: 15,000 – 25,000 VND. ($0.59 – $1)
- Opening hours: 5 am – 10 pm
Uncle Long’s Salt Coffee is a beloved local chain in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a unique and authentic Vietnamese coffee experience. With numerous branches scattered throughout the city, including a prime location on the bustling Nguyen Hue Walking Street, it’s easy to find a shop to satisfy your craving.
What sets Uncle Long’s Salt Coffee apart is its signature salt coffee, a delightful blend of strong coffee, sweet condensed milk, and a touch of salt. This unique combination creates a rich and complex flavor that is both familiar and refreshing. The coffee is not only delicious but also incredibly affordable, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
How to make Salt Coffee Vietnam at home?
Ingredients for making salt coffee:
– Coffee: 25g
– Salt: a little
– Cocoa: 1 spoon
– Vegetable cream: 40ml
– Fresh milk: 10ml
– Condensed milk: 30ml
– Boiling water: 100ml
– Ice cubes: as desired
Making Salt Coffee Vietnam step-by-step
After preparing all the ingredients, you can make salt coffee following the steps below:
Step 1: Make coffee
Start by putting 25g of coffee powder into the filter. Use a spoon to stir the powder and press it down gently with the filter. Next, pour about 25ml of boiling water into the filter. Cover it and wait for 2 minutes. Pour out the first coffee, then add 50ml of boiling water to the filter. Wait until all the coffee drips out.
Step 2: Prepare the salted cream
Take a clean cup and add 50ml of whipping cream, 20ml of condensed milk, and 3g of salt. Next, use an egg beater to mix them for about 20 seconds. Check if everything has mixed well. If not, beat for a few more minutes until it is smooth.
Step 3: Make salt coffee
Finally, add 20ml of condensed milk to the brewed coffee. Then, slowly pour the whipped salted cream on top to finish your salted coffee. The gentle aroma combined with the bitterness of coffee, a little saltiness from the salt and the fatty flavor of the milk cream will surely make you fall in love.
Salt coffee is more than just a drink, it represents a creative twist on traditional Vietnamese coffee culture. So, as you explore Vietnam’s vibrant cities and charming cafes, let salt coffee be your gateway to discovering the unexpected and embracing the Vietnamese culture one sip at a time!
And why stop there? Let Kiss Food Tour be your guide to uncovering Saigon’s diverse and vibrant culinary scene. From hidden gems to iconic street food, we’ll take you on an unforgettable journey that showcases the essence of Vietnam’s food culture. Join us today and experience Saigon like never before!
