{"id":269,"date":"2026-04-19T01:48:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T16:48:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/?p=269"},"modified":"2026-04-19T01:48:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T16:48:27","slug":"vietnam-coffee-buy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/vietnam-coffee-buy\/","title":{"rendered":"Vietnam Coffee Recommendations Part 2 \u2014 What Local Guides Buy and Don't Buy"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\ubca0\ud2b8\ub0a8<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The third floor of Dong Xuan Market. It is a floor rarely visited by tourists. As you ascend the stairs, sacks of coffee beans line both sides of a narrow passageway. Hand-labeled on the burlap sacks, prices vary from 80,000 to 300,000 VND per kilogram. A sweet scent, like dried flowers, mingles with the smell of earth, stinging my nose. No one speaks to me. The merchants here already know that I am not someone they know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first year I came to Vietnam, I also bought coffee in a pretty tin can at the airport duty-free shop. With its gold lid and picturesque label, it looked perfect as a gift. When I got home and opened it, it was filled with finely ground powder. There was no indication of when it was roasted or where the beans came from. I took a sip, put the rest in a drawer, and threw it away three months later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To travelers asking for Vietnamese coffee recommendations, I always ask the same question in return: \u201cDo you want something with pretty packaging, or something delicious?\u201d It is not that the two preferences never overlap. However, if there is one thing I have learned in my 10 years living here, it is that there is generally an inverse correlation between the cost of packaging and the taste of the coffee in Vietnam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Why Recommending Vietnamese Coffee Is Difficult \u2014 Packaging Hides the Truth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Vietnamese coffee market is divided into two tiers. One is souvenir coffee targeting tourists, and the other is daily coffee consumed by locals. The two markets differ in price, distribution channels, and even the standards for evaluating taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\ubca0\ud2b8\ub0a8<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Packaging is crucial for coffee in tourist areas. It features ethnic minority patterns, traditional Vietnamese motifs, and sizes suitable for gifting. In fact, I have occasionally purchased and tested coffee products sold in hotel lobbies or souvenir shops. Most of them were solid coffee\u2014so-called "coated beans" where coffee beans are coated with vegetable fat and flavorings. They taste sweet and rich, but lack the complex, authentic flavor of coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coffee shops frequented by locals often do not offer takeout. You either have to fill it up in your own container or the owner will tie it up in a plastic bag for you. You have to ask to find out the roasting date. It is difficult to find a shop if you do not know one. That is the reason I am writing this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason it is difficult to recommend Vietnamese coffee from a traveler's perspective is the proliferation of "widget coffee." Instant coffee mixes from well-known brands like G7, Nescaf\u00e9, and King Coffee can be purchased anywhere. They taste decent and are inexpensive. However, when you take these as gifts, the recipient's reaction falls somewhere between "Thank you" and "I could buy this at a Korean convenience store, too.".<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

My annual list of recommended Vietnamese coffees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These are items I have purchased repeatedly over the past 10 years. I organized them based on their characteristics and how to find them, rather than brand names. Brands may disappear or quality may change, but the criteria below remain constant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\ub2ec\ub78f<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Da Lat Single Origin Arabica<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Da Lat Plateau in Lam Dong Province is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters. It is one of the few regions in Vietnam where Arabica coffee can be properly cultivated. The beans from this region have acidity and fruity notes. They are so distinct from Indonesian Arabica that you might wonder why they are so different, even though they are both Vietnamese coffee. You can purchase them in 100-gram units at La Viet Coffee or the main branch of Ph\u00fac Long in downtown Da Lat. When I take them to Seoul, friends who run home cafes particularly love them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ch\u00e0m Coffee chain small-scale roastery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small-scale specialty roasteries are on the rise in the Tay Ho district of Hanoi, near Da Nang Old Town, and on Phan Xich Long Street in Ho Chi Minh City. What they all have in common is that they print the roasting date on the bag. They also specify the ratio of Robusta to Arabica blends. A bag (200 grams) costs between 80,000 and 150,000 VND. If you buy the beans and take them back to Korea, the flavor remains intact for about two weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trung Nguy\u00ean Legend coffee beans, not the souvenir line<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trung Nguyen is Vietnam's largest coffee brand. The problem is that even Trung Nguyen has separate products for tourists and locals. You need to look for the white bags in the coffee bean section of supermarkets, rather than the gift sets in gold packaging. Look for the ones labeled 'C\u00e0 ph\u00ea h\u1ea1t' (beans). Among these, 'Robusta Blend No. 2' features a strong earthy aroma and the characteristic bitterness of Robusta. When brewed using the phin drip method, it is Vietnam itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are traveling to the Ha Long Bay region and are interested in coffee shopping, please contact us via Kakao Channel, and we can advise you on good places to visit during your layover in Hanoi. Go to Kakao Channel Inquiry<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Things I Never Buy \u2014 The Trap of Pretty Packaging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is also a list derived from experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elephant drawing tin barrel coffee<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can be found anywhere, from airport duty-free shops to souvenir stores. Prices range from 100,000 to 250,000 VND. They look pretty and seem like good gifts. However, almost all of them are ground coffee with added flavorings. They lack a roasting date or only display a "Best Before" date. There is also no indication of the origin of the beans. Local Vietnamese coffee enthusiasts do not purchase these products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cafe chain coffee bean gift set<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same goes for souvenirs from chain stores like Highlands Coffee or The Coffee House. The beans from established brands are blended to produce a standardized taste. They lack distinctive character. If you return to Korea and compare them to Starbucks beans, it is difficult to notice a significant difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beware of the Weasel Coffee flooding the market<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is the Vietnamese version of Luwak coffee, which refers to beans that have passed through the digestive system of a weasel. Authentic weasel coffee is rare and expensive. However, the Weasel Coffee 99% sold in tourist areas is a counterfeit product made with artificial flavorings. This is an issue that the Vietnam Consumer Protection Agency has warned about multiple times. It carries a high risk to purchase as a gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Vietnamese Coffee Recommendations by Region \u2014 Where You Buy Is More Important Than What You Buy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vietnamese coffee has different characteristics depending on the region of origin. Types of Vietnamese Coffee Part 1<\/a>Although the historical background of Robusta and Arabica was covered, knowing the origin is much more practical when actually purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hanoi \u2014 Home of Robusta<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hanoi's coffee culture is Robusta-based. It is rich and intensely bitter, and is traditionally consumed mixed with condensed milk. When buying coffee in Hanoi, it is best to purchase freshly roasted beans from cafes in the alleys of the Tay Ho district. You should head to local residential areas rather than the tourist area around Hoan Kiem Lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Da Lat \u2014 The Holy Land of Arabica<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have the opportunity to visit Da Lat, buying locally is by far the best option. There are places that sell directly from farms, and shops selling beans roasted within a week line the city's coffee street. If you want Arabica with vibrant acidity and fruity notes, Da Lat is the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ho Chi Minh \u2014 Modern Specialty Scene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ho Chi Minh City has the most developed specialty coffee scene. Featuring designer cafes, precision brewing equipment, and single-farm beans, you can enjoy coffee of a quality comparable to cafes in Itaewon, Seoul, for 200,000 to 250,000 VND. The same applies to purchasing beans. However, it is always better to buy them downtown rather than at the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Airport \u2014 The Last Resort<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are short on time and can only buy it at the airport, you should look for a store at Ph\u00fac Long or Trung Nguy\u00ean Legend. Choose beans sold at a place that operates as an actual caf\u00e9, rather than a souvenir stand for tourists. At the very least, be sure to check the roasting date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Local Guide's Practical Shopping Tips \u2014 You Can Find Them Even at Supermarkets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For travelers who find it difficult to visit tourist attractions or specific alleys, I have compiled a separate list of recommended Vietnamese coffee options available at supermarkets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\ud558\ub178\uc774<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

VinMart, Big C, Co.opMart<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These three chains can be found anywhere in the country. Things to look for in the coffee corner:
\u2013 Is the roasting date (Ng\u00e0y rang) on the envelope?
\u2013 Mark 'C\u00e0 ph\u00ea h\u1ea1t' (whole beans) or 'C\u00e0 ph\u00ea xay' (ground)
\u2013 Whether to specify Robusta \/ Arabica ratio<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any brand of product that meets these three criteria is decent. Brands such as M\u00ea Trang, Ph\u00fac Long, and Arabica Vietnam are available in supermarkets and offer stable quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One more thing: Valve packaging over vacuum packaging<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some coffee bags have a small circular valve on the side. This is a gas release valve. Since freshly roasted beans release carbon dioxide, a bag with this valve is a sign that fresh beans are being used. Conversely, products that are vacuum-sealed without a valve have been left unused for the gas to escape after roasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are planning an itinerary combining Ha Long Bay and Hanoi while traveling in Northern Vietnam, you can include a coffee shopping course in your private tour. Please contact us via Kakao Channel.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

If you want to drink Vietnamese coffee in Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have successfully brought the coffee beans, the remaining issue is brewing. To achieve the same taste as a local caf\u00e9, you need a Phin dripper. Stainless steel Phins can be purchased at local supermarkets for 30,000 to 50,000 VND. If they are too bulky to carry, they are also sold at duty-free shops or convenience stores at Hanoi Airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do not have a phin dripper, you can substitute it with a French press. Vietnamese coffee is often coarsely ground and typically brewed strong, so it pairs well with a French press. Be careful when brewing with an espresso machine, as this can result in an excessively bitter taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find Longevity (eagle mark) brand condensed milk at Vietnamese grocery stores in Korea or on Coupang. With this and a cup of Robusta Blend, the morning from a Hanoi alley comes right into your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Complete Guide to Preparing for a Trip to Northern Vietnam<\/a>Reading this together will also help you plan your local travel and shopping routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more about the background of Vietnamese coffee Vietnam Tourism Authority Official Website<\/a>You can also refer to materials related to Vietnamese food culture at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Next episode preview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Part 3, we cover how to brew Vietnamese coffee yourself. From using a phin dripper to making egg coffee (C\u00e0 ph\u00ea tr\u1ee9ng) at home, we present authentic local caf\u00e9 recipes. It is a way to preserve memories of your trip to Vietnam for a long time with just a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

I reside in Ha Long Bay and simultaneously work as a tour guide, operate a travel agency, and make local investments. For private tour consultations and travel inquiries, please refer to the ' in the top menu\u2018Tour Inquiry<\/a>\u2018Please use '.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What a 10-Year Resident Guide Buys Every Year and What They Never Buy. What Lies Behind Pretty Packaging, and How to Find Real Coffee at Local Supermarkets.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":274,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[119],"tags":[125,121,128,126,124,123,127],"class_list":["post-269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-119","tag-125","tag-121","tag-128","tag-126","tag-124","tag-123","tag-127"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vietnam-coffee-buy-main-scaled.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=269"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":278,"href":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269\/revisions\/278"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietgil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}