Vietnamese people enjoy both tea and coffee, two drinks that represent different sides of the country’s culture. So do Vietnamese people like to drink coffee or tea? The answer is actually both. Tea reflects centuries of tradition and hospitality, while coffee represents modern urban life and social connection. Together, these beverages shape daily routines in homes, cafés, and street corners across Vietnam.
Visitors exploring Vietnamese beverage culture quickly notice how deeply these drinks are woven into social life. From quiet cups of tea shared with family to lively coffee conversations in bustling cafés, each drink carries its own rhythm and meaning. A great place to experience this balance between tradition and modern café culture is Tonkin Coffee, where guests can enjoy authentic Vietnamese tea and coffee alongside creative contemporary drinks.
Why Tea Has Been a Traditional Drink in Vietnam
Tea has been part of Vietnamese culture for more than a thousand years. Historically, tea drinking symbolized respect, mindfulness, and hospitality.
In many households, tea is still served to guests as a welcoming gesture. Offering tea before a conversation begins reflects politeness and cultural etiquette.
Tea as a Symbol of Hospitality
When visitors arrive at a Vietnamese home, it is common for the host to prepare tea before anything else. This ritual shows warmth and respect toward guests.
Traditional tea gatherings are often calm and reflective. Families may sit together in the morning or evening, slowly sipping tea while discussing daily life.
Popular Types of Vietnamese Tea
Vietnam produces several well-known tea varieties:
- Green tea
- Lotus tea
- Jasmine tea
- Herbal tea blends
Why Coffee Became So Popular in Vietnam
While tea represents tradition, coffee reflects Vietnam’s modern lifestyle.
Coffee arrived in Vietnam during the French colonial period in the 19th century. Over time, Vietnamese farmers developed a strong coffee industry, and the country eventually became one of the largest coffee producers in the world.
Today, coffee culture is especially vibrant in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Cafés serve as meeting places where friends chat, students study, and professionals work.
Vietnamese Coffee Culture in Daily Life
Unlike quick coffee habits seen in many Western countries, coffee drinking in Vietnam often happens slowly.
People gather at cafés to:
- meet friends
- work remotely
- hold casual business meetings
- relax during breaks
This social aspect is why coffee shops are found on nearly every street corner.
Many visitors first encounter Vietnamese cold coffee, a refreshing drink made by combining strong brewed coffee with ice and often sweetened condensed milk. Its bold flavor and smooth sweetness have made it one of the most recognizable drinks in the country.
What Makes Vietnamese Coffee Unique
Vietnamese coffee stands out because of its intense flavor and distinctive brewing style.
Coffee is typically brewed using a small metal filter called a phin, which slowly drips coffee into a cup. This method produces a rich, concentrated brew.
The Role of Robusta Beans
Vietnam mainly grows Robusta coffee beans, which are stronger and more bitter than Arabica beans. This gives Vietnamese coffee its powerful taste and higher caffeine strength.
Many travelers often ask about caffeine is in vietnamese coffee, because the bold flavor of Robusta beans naturally results in a stronger caffeine kick compared with many other coffee varieties.
Signature Vietnamese Coffee Drinks
Vietnamese cafés have created many iconic drinks that blend strong coffee with unique ingredients.
Some favorites include:
- Egg coffee
- Coconut coffee
- Salt coffee
- Milk coffee with condensed milk
These drinks combine bold coffee with creamy textures or unexpected flavors.
Enjoying Vietnamese Coffee and Tea the Tonkin Way
Experiencing Vietnamese beverages is not only about the drink itself but also about the atmosphere, culture, and story behind each cup. At Tonkin Coffee, guests can explore Vietnamese coffee and tea in a space that blends tradition, creativity, and modern café culture.
A Café Inspired by Vietnamese Heritage
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Tonkin Coffee is designed to reflect the charm of traditional Vietnamese culture. The interior combines Indochine-inspired decor with elements of Vietnamese folk heritage such as traditional hats, masks, and rustic textures. The warm lighting, wooden details, and cozy seating create an atmosphere where visitors can slow down and truly enjoy their drinks.
The philosophy behind Tonkin Coffee focuses on creating more than just a café. Each cup represents a journey through Vietnamese coffee culture, highlighting both the bold flavors of local beans and the creativity of modern brewing styles.
Three Unique Tonkin Coffee Locations
Visitors can explore the Tonkin coffee experience at three distinctive locations in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, each offering a slightly different ambiance:
- Tonkin Egg Coffee – 1 Lê Thị Riêng, Bến Thành Ward
- Tonkin Specialty Coffee – 91 Lý Tự Trọng Street, Bến Thành Ward
- Tonkin Garden Cafe – 135/50 Trần Hưng Đạo Street
Each location is open daily and designed to provide a relaxed environment where guests can enjoy authentic Vietnamese beverages.
Signature Vietnamese Coffee Creations
Tonkin Coffee highlights many iconic Vietnamese coffee drinks, allowing visitors to discover the depth and creativity of the country’s coffee culture.
Some of the most popular drinks include:
Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)
A famous Vietnamese specialty combining strong coffee with creamy whipped egg yolk foam, creating a dessert-like texture.
Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối)
A unique drink that blends bold coffee with a touch of sea salt, resulting in a surprisingly smooth and balanced flavor.
Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Dừa)
A refreshing tropical drink that mixes robust coffee with creamy coconut milk and coconut flakes.
Vietnamese Black Coffee (Cà Phê Đen)
A pure and intense Vietnamese brew known for its strong aroma and bold flavor.
Vietnamese White Coffee (Bạc Xỉu)
A sweeter, milk-forward coffee drink that offers a smooth introduction to Vietnamese coffee flavors.
These drinks showcase the creativity that has made Vietnam one of the most exciting coffee destinations in the world.
Espresso and International Coffee Styles
Alongside traditional Vietnamese drinks, Tonkin Coffee also serves a selection of espresso-based beverages for visitors who enjoy global café classics.
Options include:
- Espresso
- Americano
- Latte
- Cappuccino
- Mocha
These drinks combine international brewing techniques with Vietnamese coffee beans, creating a unique fusion of global and local coffee traditions.
Plant-Based Coffee Options
For guests seeking dairy-free alternatives, Tonkin Coffee offers a variety of plant-based drinks that maintain the rich taste of Vietnamese coffee.
Popular choices include:
- Vietnamese oatmilk coffee
- Oatmilk latte
- Oatmilk cappuccino
These drinks provide a smooth, creamy texture while offering a vegan-friendly way to enjoy coffee.
Refreshing Vietnamese Tea Selections
Tea lovers can also discover creative tea drinks inspired by Vietnamese ingredients and citrus flavors.
Some refreshing options include:
- Vietnamese oolong tea with salted lemon
- Vietnamese oolong tea with salted kumquat
- Vietnamese hibiscus tea with salted lemon
- Vietnamese hibiscus tea with salted kumquat
These drinks combine traditional tea bases with vibrant fruit notes, creating a refreshing balance that complements the café’s coffee menu.
Visit Tonkin Coffee Today!
Tonkin Specialty Coffee
- Add: 91 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 086 799 0125
Tonkin Garden Cafe
- Add: 135/50 Tran Hung Dao St, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 087 992 4691
Tonkin Egg Coffee
- Add: 1 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 0815 841 909
Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Tonkin Specialty Coffee is one of the best coffee shops to experience authentic Vietnamese flavors. From the iconic egg coffee and refreshing coconut coffee to bold Vietnamese coffee and the unique salt coffee, every sip is a journey into tradition. For non-coffee lovers, our Vietnamese matcha offers a gentle alternative. Pair your drink with a freshly baked banh mi or a buttery croissant, and savor the true taste of Vietnam in a setting inspired by folk culture and Indochine charm.