Vietnamese coffee has long been defined by its signature phin filter drip and bold, bittersweet flavour. But while tradition remains at its core, a new generation of coffee lovers is taking Vietnamese brews in exciting, unexpected directions. From coconut cream to espresso fusion, these modern twists are reimagining what Vietnamese coffee can be without losing the soul of the original.
Tradition Meets Innovation
The phin filter, with its slow, deliberate drip, is iconic. It represents patience, ritual, and depth. However, as global tastes evolve and café culture becomes more experimental, Vietnamese coffee is quietly transforming. Young baristas in Saigon, Hanoi, and beyond are blending old-school methods with new-world creativity, and the results are nothing short of delicious.
Take coconut coffee (ca phe dua), for example. Originally popularised in Hanoi, this refreshing twist combines strong robusta coffee with creamy coconut milk or frozen coconut cream for a tropical, dessert-like drink perfect on hot days. Or consider egg coffee (ca phe trung) — once a humble Hanoi invention, now a global favourite, featuring whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk atop rich coffee, creating a creamy, custard-like experience.
Espresso Meets Ca Phe
Modern cafés are also fusing Western techniques with Vietnamese ingredients. Cold brew, nitro coffee, and espresso-based drinks are finding a Vietnamese edge. Think: Vietnamese-style lattes made with robusta shots and condensed milk, or iced espresso tonics with a dash of palm sugar syrup and lime.
Even the beans are getting attention. Artisanal roasters now offer single-origin Vietnamese robusta and arabica beans with curated flavour notes—the emphasis on quality is shifting perceptions of Vietnamese coffee from commodity to craft.
How Saigon Brew Blends the Old and New
At Saigon Brew, we embrace the time-honoured traditions and fresh ideas reshaping Vietnamese coffee. Our ready-to-drink Vietnamese Iced Coffee is our take on the ca phe sua da that captures the authentic flavour of robusta brewed the Vietnamese way—bold, smooth, and sweet enough—but reimagined for a modern lifestyle.
We're inspired by the creativity coming out of Vietnam’s new wave coffee scene, and we’re always exploring how to bring that spirit to what we do. Whether experimenting with new flavours, as in our Vietnamese Iced Latte, or celebrating the timeless beauty of the phin brew with our Vietnamese Long Black, Saigon Brew is about staying true to our roots while welcoming what’s next.