How To Make Vietnamese Salt Coffee?

Vietnamese salt coffee is a variation of this traditional strong brew, which is already quite distinct with the use of Robusta coffee beans and sweetened condensed milk. In the salt coffee version, a touch of salt is added, typically to the frothy whipped cream on top. Continue reading to learn why and how you should do it. 

A guide on how to make Vietnamese salt coffee

Here is how you can make Vietnamese salt coffee:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese coffee grounds (typically robusta)
• Sweetened condensed milk (0.5-1 oz)
• Boiling water
• Heavy cream (3-4 oz)
• A pinch of sea salt
• Ice (For iced variation)

Instructions:

1. Prepare salty topping: In a bowl, whip the heavy cream and salt until it gets soft peaks.

2. Add condensed milk: In your glass, add 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. 

3. Prepare the coffee: Using a Vietnamese drip filter (phin), add the coffee grounds. Place the filter over a glass where your condensed milk is. Pour a little boiling water into the filter to allow the coffee grounds to bloom for about 30 seconds. Then, fill the filter with boiling water and allow the coffee to drip slowly into the glass.

4. Mix well: After the coffee brewing is done (this might take several minutes), mix condensed milk and coffee. 

5. Add ice (optional step): If you want to make cold Vietnamese salt coffee, now it is time to add ice to the glass with coffee and condensed milk. 

6. Add salty topping: Add the mix of heavy cream and salt on the top of your coffee, no matter if it is with ice or hot. 

💡 Want to try really unique brews? Check out different types of Vietnamese coffee. There is even one with avocado. 

Where did Vietnamese salt coffee originate from?

Vietnamese salt coffee comes from Hue, which was the national capital until 1945, but to this day, we are not sure who was the person who decided to add salt to the coffee. 

Whoever it was, it was a good decision because we can enjoy this unusual combination today.  

Why should you add salt to Vietnamese coffee?

Adding salt to Vietnamese coffee, as with other foods and beverages, can bring about some interesting changes in flavor. For example:

• Enhancing sweetness: While it may sound counterintuitive, a pinch of salt can enhance perceived sweetness.

• Balancing bitterness: Salt can counteract or balance some of the bitterness in Robusta coffee beans. This results in a smoother taste.

• Complex flavor profile: By adding salt, especially to the frothy topping or directly into the coffee, it can create a more complex flavor profile. The contrast between the sweet condensed milk, the bitter coffee, and the touch of saltiness adds layers of flavor.

• Enhanced aroma: Salt can enhance the aroma of the coffee, making it even more inviting and aromatic.

What other flavors can you add?

If you are looking for more ways to play with the flavors, here are some ingredients you can add along with the salt:

• Spices: Even if it is not a part of the traditional recipe, you can add cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to elevate the coffee flavor. 
• Vanilla: A drop of vanilla extract or a scraped vanilla bean can add depth and sweetness.
• Chocolate or cocoa: Mix in some cocoa powder or melt a piece of dark chocolate into the hot coffee for a mocha-like twist.

Final thoughts

Adding salt to your Vietnamese coffee will bring the best from the strength of Robusta coffee beans and the sweetness of condensed milk. A pinch of salt won’t make your coffee taste less sweet. It will make it taste much better and smoother.