Salt Coffee: Vietnam’s Culinary Innovation Goes Global

Vietnam, renowned for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant cultural tapestry, has also become a global hub for coffee aficionados seeking unique and flavorful brews. Among the diverse array of Vietnamese coffee concoctions gaining international acclaim, salt coffee – or ca phe muoi – stands out as a testament to the country’s innovation and bold flavors.

A Taste of Tradition: Ca Phe Muoi Origins
Tucked in the old city of Hue, a little and understated café started a drink revolution in 2010 by developing salt coffee. This creative mix was created to counter the bitter notes of coffee with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk by combining the strong tastes of Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk and a topping of salted cream.

Ho Thi Thanh Huong and Tran Nguyen Huu Phong, co-owners of the pioneering Ca Phe Muoi café, recount their journey to CNN Travel, highlighting how their unique creation quickly captivated locals and tourists alike. Initially met with curiosity and skepticism, salt coffee gradually won over patrons with its harmonious blend of flavors, becoming a staple in Hue’s vibrant coffee scene and beyond.

Global Appeal and Expansion
Driven by its increasing appeal, salt coffee has evolved from its modest beginnings to be embraced throughout Vietnam, from chic restaurants to busy street-side cafes. Outside of Vietnam, salt coffee has attracted interest in other countries, therefore impacting patterns in coffee consumption all around. Even Starbucks in Vietnam has joined the frenzy and launched its version of ca phe muoi to suit changing customer preferences.

Diverse Vietnamese Coffee Traditions
While salt coffee has emerged as a standout, Vietnam offers a myriad of distinctive coffee variations that reflect its cultural diversity and historical influences. One such renowned creation is egg coffee, originating from Hanoi, which blends frothy egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk atop a robust coffee base. For those craving a tropical twist, coconut coffee – ca phe cot dua – provides a refreshing blend of coffee and coconut milk, perfect for cooling off in Vietnam’s tropical climate.

Growing Global Interest
Beyond its distinctive tastes, Vietnamese coffee appeals to its complex tapestry of customs and experiences. Mintel, a worldwide market research group, claims that consumers outside Asia—especially Gen Z in the US—are growingly interested in Asian-inspired coffee beverages. Offering customers a real flavor of Vietnam’s coffee culture, this trend has encouraged the expansion of Vietnamese coffee houses and chains all around the US and Europe.

The Legacy of Ca Phe Muoi
As Huong and Phong continue to innovate and expand their café’s offerings, they take pride in the legacy of salt coffee as a beloved symbol of Hue’s culinary identity. Beyond its gastronomic appeal, salt coffee embodies Vietnam’s spirit of creativity and resilience, encapsulating centuries-old traditions with a modern twist.

Embrace the Flavors of Vietnam
Whether you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of Hue or exploring Vietnamese cafes in your city, salt coffee invites you to embark on a sensory journey. With each sip, you experience the fusion of bold coffee flavors, velvety textures of condensed milk, and the subtle enhancement of salt – a symphony of tastes that celebrates Vietnam’s cultural heritage and global influence.