5 Indian cafés brewing Vietnamese coffee with love

The fuel that powers a Vietnamese morning is none other than the globally beloved Vietnamese coffee. Picture this—a cup entailing the smokey flavour of robusta beans combined with the sweetness of condensed milk, presenting a unique, complementing flavour.

According to Foodspark, millennials are spending 13% of their income in restaurants and bars, fuelling the rise of experiential dining. This cultural shift has opened the floodgates for global cuisines to find new homes across the world. Percolating supremely, Vietnamese cuisine has emerged as a promising favourite, thanks to its piquant flavours that find the perfect balance in sweet and sour, accompanied with pungent aromas. While classics like Pho and Banh Mi remain atop as crowd-pleasers, the brew has emerged as a more accessible, ubiquitous variation to reach the Indian palette. 

WHY VIETNAMESE COFFEE 

What sets it apart is not only its preparation in condensed milk but the bold, smooth flavour profile owing to the robusta beans, that contain twice as much caffeine as the arabica counterparts. Offering a chocolate and nutty flavour palette, Vietnamese coffee is as versatile as it gets. From artisanal coffees to convenient cold brews, each cup is low acidic and 60% less fatty than arabica, boasting a higher amount of antioxidants. Its discerning, potent flavour owes much to its method of preparation—a slow drip through a metal filter known as a phin.

Traditionally, a Cà Phê Sữa Đá entails hot water poured over coffee grounds, which is then combined with sweetened evaporated milk and served over ice. On the other hand, the black, non-milk rendition is called Cà Phê đá. Add a bit of coconut milk and you have Cà phê dừa. Whisk up an egg yolk with the milk for extra foam and it becomes a Cà phê trứng. How about a bit of salt? Try Cà phê muối. The litany goes on, with each variation offering a new layer.

Riding the waves of the coffee revolution at the fore, Vietnamese coffee continues to be poured in cups, filling up one stack, one city at a time. The cuisine may sometimes get lost in translation, but the coffee always speaks fluently. For a true taste of Vietnam in your city, here’s our pick to stop by any of these Indian cafes and sip a good cup of joe.

BEST INDIAN CAFÉS TO ENJOY VIETNAMESE COFFEE

1. Suay, Bengaluru 

A microcosm of Vietnam, nestled amidst the buzz of J.P. Nagar. The earthy, minimalist shop sways its patrons in intrigue and tradition through its live brews. Fostering a sense of community, Suay is all about indulging in the little things, be it the verdant ambiance or the rightly brewed coffee. 

2. Perch, Delhi

All about fresh experiences, flavourful narratives and perfect brews, the coffee bar is so good that it invites one to indulge without any guilt. Offering an assortment of crafted coffees on a spectrum, the Vietnamese coffee here is a standout, embodying the romance of its ambiance like no other. 

3. Genre, Delhi

Part record bar, part cultural haven, Genre offers an immersive experience for both audiophiles and epicureans. With a curated vinyl collection to accompany every cup, the Vietnamese is a common favourite, served with a fresh track everytime. 

4. Blue Tokai, Pan-India

A staple for coffee lovers across India, Blue Tokai nails the Vietnamese brew with comforting precision. Balanced, smooth, and true to its roots, their take on this classic is one that always delivers. 

5. Maverick & Farmer, Goa and Bengaluru

Eclectic and inventive, Maverick & Farmer is a coffee lab disguised as a café. Revered for its experimental menu, this spot has turned its Vietnamese coffee into a cult favourite among caffeine connoisseurs—bold, fragrant, and wholly unforgettable.

From the streets of Hanoi to the lanes of Bengaluru and Delhi, the Vietnamese is for anyone chasing authenticity or experimentation. Take a cup to indulge in your share of culture, caffeine and conversation.