All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More >
Vietnamese coffee is a unique and flavorful drink that stands out from other coffee types around the world. Known for its bold flavors and smooth texture, Vietnamese coffee often involves a blend of robusta beans and sweetened condensed milk. This creates a rich, creamy beverage that can be enjoyed hot or iced.
When selecting Vietnamese coffee, it’s important to consider the type of beans used, the roast level, and the brewing method. The blend of beans, usually robusta, affects the flavor and strength of the coffee. The roast level can vary from medium to dark, impacting the overall taste. Lastly, the brewing method, typically using a phin filter, will also influence the final result.
Taste, strength, and quality were our top priorities as we reviewed various Vietnamese coffees. We spent countless hours trying out different brands to find the best Vietnamese coffee for enjoying at home.
Keep on reading and find out which coffee brands from Vietnam we love!
Straight to the Point
Two Vietnamese coffee brands stood out in our brew trials. The first authentic coffee I really enjoyed was the Chestbrew Moon Bear Coffee. A close second in terms of awesome flavor was the Saigon Phin Daklak this coffee swept me back to the streets of Hanoi – definitely worth checking out.
Best Vietnamese Coffee Brands For 2024
Here is our curated list of the best Vietnamese coffee (in no particular order). We have tested these products to ensure they deliver authentic flavors and quality.
Trung Nguyen Premium Vietnamese Coffee
This coffee has a rich, robust flavor that will delight any coffee lover, making it one of the best coffee experiences.
Trung Nguyen’s Premium Vietnamese Coffee Blend is perfect if you’re looking for a coffee that packs a punch. The flavor is full-bodied and bold, with delightful hints of chocolate that aren’t overpowering. The aroma is fragrant and inviting, making every cup a pleasure to drink.
We’ve tried brewing it using a few of our favorite methods, but we found that it works great with a drip filter, French press, or even cold brew. The beans are roasted carefully to bring out the unique flavor and aroma, and you can taste the quality in every sip. If you’re a fan of strong coffee, then you will love this blend.
On the flip side, the high caffeine content might be a bit too much for those who prefer milder coffees. Also, we noticed that sometimes the cans arrive dented. Despite this, we believe it’s worth the investment for its rich taste and versatility.
What We Love
- Rich, bold flavor.
- Hints of chocolate.
- Versatile brewing methods.
Take Note
- Highly caffeinated (could be a pro if you enjoy extremely strong coffee).
- Can get dented during shipping.
- May be pricier than other vietnamese coffee brands.
Chestbrew Moon Bear Coffee
Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese iced coffee or a hot brew, these bold beans will enhance your coffee experience.
From the moment we received the Chestbrew Moon Bear coffee beans, the excitement was real. The aroma that filled the room as we opened the package was a blissful introduction to what was to come.
Brewing a cup, we were immediately struck by its deep, rich flavor. The coffee has an unmistakable boldness that stands out. Preparing it as an iced coffee was a delight, and even for a standard drip coffee, it shined.
The smooth finish ensures that each sip is pleasant, a characteristic of many premium coffee products. Despite the intense kick, which may be too strong for some, it serves as a perfect start to our day. The convenience of home delivery made it a go-to choice, though it may be a tad pricey compared to other brands.
Overall, if you’re aiming to elevate your coffee game with a unique, strong, and smooth cup, the Chestbrew Moon Bear coffee won’t disappoint.
What We Love
- Energizing bold flavor.
- Versatile brewing options.
- Smooth finish.
Take Note
- A bit too strong for some tastes.
- Can be pricier than other brands.
- Limited availability in stores.
Nguyen Coffee Supply – Truegrit Robusta
This coffee is a great choice for those who enjoy a strong, high-caffeine brew with a unique taste.
Truegrit Robusta from Nguyen Coffee Supply certainly packs a punch. With twice the caffeine of other beans, this medium roast keeps us energized throughout the day. The flavors are rich and include hints of scotch, grapefruit zest, and bitter melon.
This coffee is grown in Vietnam and roasted in Brooklyn, maintaining a balance of traditional and modern methods. We appreciate that the beans are roasted without any additives or oils, allowing the true flavors to shine through.
Our experience with brewing this coffee with a phin filter was mixed. The grind size seemed finer than necessary, making it tricky to avoid a muddy taste.
Despite this, the robust flavor and direct trade benefits make it worth considering, especially if you love a strong cup.
What We Love
- High caffeine content for an energetic boost.
- Unique flavor with notes of scotch and grapefruit.
- Direct trade supports local Vietnamese farmers.
Take Note
- Not as strong as some might prefer for Vietnamese coffee brewing.
- Inconsistent grind size can affect brewing methods.
- A bit pricier than other options.
Saigon Phin Daklak (Vietnamese Coffee)
This coffee is a great choice for those who love robust and flavorful Vietnamese coffee.
The first thing we noticed about Saigon Phin Daklak is its rich, robust flavor. It’s perfectly suited for making drip coffee using a gravity phin filter. The ground size is just right, ensuring a smooth brewing process every time.
Despite its complex taste, some might find it a bit more bitter than they’re used to. It has a good bite, which many coffee enthusiasts appreciate. For us, the bitterness was balanced and added to the overall flavor profile.
One thing to consider is the price. It’s slightly higher than some other brands, but we found it comparable to premium offerings in specialty stores.
If you’re seeking a genuine Vietnamese coffee experience, Saigon Phin Daklak is a solid choice.
What We Love
- Rich and robust flavor.
- Perfectly suited for drip coffee using a phin filter.
- Low acidity.
Take Note
- Slightly more bitter than some may expect.
- Price is a bit high compared to other brands.
- Not as strong as some might prefer.
Birdee Vietnamese Coffee Bean – Bold Eagle
A great choice for lovers of strong, authentic Vietnamese coffee.
We enjoyed the bold taste of Birdee Vietnamese Coffee. The blend of Robusta beans delivers a strong flavor that brings back memories of sipping coffee in Vietnam. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a robust cup, especially when used in an espresso machine.
The versatility of this coffee is impressive. It works well with various coffee makers, from drip filters to modern machines. We found that adding condensed milk made it taste just like traditional Vietnamese iced coffee, which is a treat for any coffee lover.
However, there are a few downsides. The bag’s narrow opening makes it tricky to scoop the coffee out. Also, some bags may have a less fresh aroma. While we found it brewed best in an espresso maker from our testing, other methods might not capture its full flavor potential – just something to keep in mind.
What We Love
- Rich, bold flavor.
- Versatile use in different coffee makers.
- Really reminds you of Vietnam.
Take Note
- Bag opening is narrow.
- Be careful, some bags may not be fresh.
- Best flavor in espresso makers.
Vietnam Specialty Coffee Buying Guide
Choosing the perfect Vietnamese coffee can seem daunting with all the options out there. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
Let me break it down into simple steps so you can easily navigate the world of Vietnamese coffee like a pro.
Vietnamese Coffee Beans
The type of coffee beans you choose lays the foundation for your brew’s flavor profile. Generally, you’ll be deciding between robusta and arabica beans.
Robusta beans are known for their bold, intense flavor and higher caffeine kick. If you’re looking for a coffee that’ll really wake you up in the morning, robusta is your go-to.
On the other hand, arabica beans offer a smoother, more mellow taste with lower caffeine levels – perfect for those who prefer a gentler start to their day.
Choose Your Roast Level
Once you’ve settled on your bean, it’s time to think about the roast level. This crucial step determines just how intense or mild your coffee will taste.
Light roasts deliver a brighter, fruitier flavor that really lets the bean’s natural notes shine through. Medium roasts strike a nice balance between bold and smooth.
And if you’re a fan of deep, rich flavors, you’ll want to opt for a dark roast that brings out the coffee’s decadent chocolatey or caramel notes.
Grind Size – The Phin Filter’s Best Friend
For those of you aiming to brew the perfect phin coffee (Vietnamese drip style), pay close attention to the grind size. A medium-coarse grind is ideal for allowing the water to slowly extract all those delicious flavors through the phin filter.
Too fine, and your brew might end up over-extracted and bitter. Too coarse, and you risk under-extraction, resulting in a weak, flavorless cup.
But get that grind just right, and you’re in for a real treat!
Don’t Forget About Coffee Freshness
You know that amazing aroma that hits you when you first open a fresh bag of coffee? That’s the smell of pure bliss, my friends, reminiscent of the scent in a bustling coffee shop. And it’s a surefire sign that you’ve got some seriously fresh beans on your hands.
To ensure maximum freshness (and flavor), always check the roast date on the bag. The fresher, the better!
Sealed, valve bags are also a great option as they allow the release of CO2 while preventing oxygen from seeping in and causing staleness.
Packaging Should’nt Be Overlooked
Speaking of freshness, the packaging plays a crucial role in preserving those delightful flavors until you’re ready to brew. Opt for sturdy, resealable bags or valve bags that lock in the freshness after opening, or better still, transfer your coffee to a suitable coffee bean storage container for even better freshness for longer periods of time.
There’s nothing worse than opening up a bag of stale, lackluster coffee.
Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for choosing proper packaging that keeps your beans tasting their best.
Is Ethical Sourcing Of Coffee A Concern For You?
While flavor is undoubtedly important, many coffee lovers also care about where their beans come from and how they’re sourced.
If you’re one of them, look out for Fair Trade or organic coffee certifications.
Fair Trade ensures that the farmers who grew your coffee were paid fair wages and had safe working conditions. Organic certification means your beans were grown without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals.
It’s a win-win: you get to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while supporting ethical and sustainable practices.
Price – You Get What You Pay For (Sort Of)
Let’s be real – we all love a good deal. But when it comes to coffee, you often get what you pay for in terms of quality. That said, there are still some fantastic affordable options out there, especially for your daily brew.
If you’re looking to splurge on something extra special for a particular occasion, it may be worth shelling out a bit more for a premium, small-batch coffee.
But for your everyday fix, don’t be afraid to go with a more budget-friendly pick. Just be sure to read those reviews first!
Additional Tips When Buying Vietnamese Coffee Brands
- Sample packs are a great way to explore different roasts and flavors without committing to a full bag.
- Read customer reviews! They can provide invaluable insight into a coffee’s taste, quality, and roaster practices.
- Consider trying small-batch coffees from local roasters. They’re often incredibly fresh and packed with flavor, which is typical of the best Vietnamese coffee brands in and around Vietnam.
There you have it, folks!
With these key points in mind, you’re ready to navigate the world of Vietnamese coffee like a total pro.
Must Buy
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Wrapping Up
There you have it – everything you need to know to find the perfect Vietnamese coffee for your taste buds. Whether you crave a bold, eye-opening robusta blend or prefer the smooth flavors of arabica, there’s a Vietnamese coffee out there for you.
Don’t forget to consider the roast level, grind size, and freshness for the ultimate brew. And if ethical sourcing is important to you, look for Fair Trade and organic certifications.
At the end of the day, choosing a Vietnamese coffee is all about finding those rich, authentic flavors that’ll transport you right to a Saigon cafe.
So go ahead and start exploring – your taste buds will thank you.
From my experience, any of the top brands I covered, like Trung Nguyen, Chestbrew, or Saigon Phin, will give you an amazing Vietnamese coffee experience at home.
What’s your favorite? Drop a comment below.
