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Vietnam is a major contributor to the world's coffee trade. Every year, the nation exports huge quantities of coffee beans, particularly robust coffee beans which are used to create instant coffee and similar products. Here's what you need to know about the Vietnamese coffee found in restaurants, cafes, and shops across the country.

The History of Coffee in Vietnam

The coffee bean is a relatively recent addition to Vietnamese agriculture. It was introduced by the French in the 19th century, and while the political climate prevented it from being produced on a large scale for many years, it finally became a major cash crop starting in the 1990s. Today, Vietnamese coffee is known for its high caffeine content, strong bitter flavor, and characteristic dark roast adopted from French techniques.

How Vietnamese Coffee Is Made

restaurantsWhether it’s made in a restaurant or at home, Vietnamese coffee is brewed one cup at a time. To make it, you fill a small metal filter with coffee grounds. The filter fits over the mouth of a coffee cup. Then you pour water over the grounds.

Cà Phê Sữa

This style of Vietnamese coffee combines strong, rich coffee flavors with sweet, creamy condensed milk. It's made by pouring a little sweetened condensed milk into the bottom of the coffee cup before placing the filter over the top and letting fresh coffee drip into it. Cà phê sữa is served either hot or iced in Vietnamese restaurants.

Cà Phê Trứng 

Condensed milk appears in this concoction too, but this time a raw egg yolk is the real star. It adds an even creamier consistency to the coffee as well as a layer of richness that sets it apart from coffee drinks flavored with milk or cream.

Bac Xiu

Bac xiu uses condensed milk as well, but it also incorporates coconut milk. It isn’t as sweet as other varieties of Vietnamese coffee, but the coconut adds another layer of flavor. If it’s hot outside, it can even be made with coconut-flavored frozen yogurt.

 

 

Whether you're looking for a delicious cup of creamy coffee or Vietnamese food for dinner, visit Mamasan's in Rochester, NY. Combining the flavors of Vietnam and Thailand since 1984, they offer many of the most popular dishes from southeast Asia such as pho and noodle dishes. They also pride themselves on their variety of health-conscious options. To make a reservation, call (585) 461-3290, or view their menu online.

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