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Salted coffee: The unexpected flavor that’s taking over the world

05/02/2025

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Salted coffee, a specialty from Hue, Vietnam, has captured the hearts of coffee lovers. This blend combines Vietnamese coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and a creamy salted topping. Served hot or iced, it offers a unique flavor that is now a favorite across Vietnam.

1. What is salted coffee?
2. What is the origin of salted coffee?
3. Why put salt in coffee?
4. Best places to try salted coffee in Vietnam
5. How to make salted coffee at home?

1. What is salted coffee?

Salted coffee, as the name suggests, is made from three main ingredients: coffee, milk, and salt. It has three distinct layers. The base is sweetened condensed milk, followed by a creamy salted layer, and topped with freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee.

Hue salted coffee is brewed using a traditional Vietnamese filter called a “phin.” The coffee drips slowly into the salted cream, so you will need to wait a bit for it to brew. Once it is ready, you stir it to blend all the flavors. The combination of bold coffee, sweet milk, and salty cream creates a delicious drink, a must-try of Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture.

Salted coffee Vietnam is a delicious fusion of flavors (Source: Collected)

2. What is the origin of salted coffee?

If Hanoi is known for egg coffee and Ho Chi Minh City for Vietnamese iced coffee, Hue is the birthplace of salted coffee. This beverage first appeared in 2010. Its distinctive flavor quickly gained popularity, becoming a favorite across Vietnam.

The very first cafe to serve salted coffee was a small shop at 10 Nguyen Luong Bang Street in Hue. This shop remains highly regarded for its authentic taste. As demand grew, the cafe opened a second location at 142 Dang Thai Than Street. To reach even more coffee lovers, it began bottling its signature salted coffee. Today, you can find this drink in other cities throughout Vietnam.

3. Why put salt in coffee?

Adding salt to coffee might seem unusual, but it offers surprising benefits that you will appreciate. One of its key advantages is reducing bitterness. While many people use sugar or milk to soften the taste, salt works even better. The sodium in salt neutralizes bitter notes and prevents sour flavors. This makes the coffee smoother and more enjoyable to drink. Salt also enhances coffee’s natural flavor, highlighting the richness of the coffee and creating a well-balanced taste. If you are trying to cut back on sugar, a pinch of salt is a healthier alternative.

Salted coffee in Vietnamese style enhances the natural flavor of the brew (Source: Collected)

More on: Vietnamese drip coffee: A local’s guide

4. Best places to try salted coffee in Vietnam

4.1. Gat Tan Coffee

Location:
- 114 Tran Vu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- 2B Van Cao Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7 am – 11 pm
Hotline: 033 627 5626

Gat Tan Coffee is a must-visit for enthusiasts of salted coffee in Hanoi. This shop’s salted cream coffee stands out with its rich, creamy flavor that delights you from the first sip. In addition to salted coffee, Gat Tan Coffee offers a variety of tea-based drinks and light snacks, giving you plenty of options to enjoy. The lake view adds to its charm, making it a perfect spot for taking photos or unwinding with a salted coffee in Hanoi.

4.2. PO CAFÉ

Branch 1
- Location: 8th floor, 42 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8 am – 10 pm
- Hotline: 037 597 8325
Branch 2
- Location: 160/27 Bui Dinh Tuy Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7 am – 10 pm
- Hotline: 086 611 0624

PO Café brings a twist to salted coffee. The flavor strikes a perfect balance, blending the boldness of Vietnamese coffee with the subtle saltiness that complements the creamy texture. This shop’s spacious ambiance also enhances your visit. You can choose between the air-conditioned indoor seating or the cozy outdoor area. Large windows fill the space with natural light, making it an ideal spot for working, chatting with friends, or simply enjoying your coffee.

Come to PO Café to enjoy Vietnam salted coffee (Source: Collected)

4.3. Muoi Coffee

Location: 111 Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 6:30 am – 10:30 pm
Hotline: 034 929 5906

If you are still searching for salted coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, Muoi Coffee is another excellent choice. This shop may be small, but it is thoughtfully designed to create a cozy atmosphere. It is a perfect place for enjoying a quiet moment alone or catching up with friends. The salted coffee here offers a rich and smooth flavor. The friendly staff also adds to its appeal. Whether you need a morning boost or a relaxing evening treat, Muoi Coffee is sure to delight you.

4.4. Ca Phe Muoi

Branch 1
- Location: 10 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue
- Opening hours: 6:30 am – 11:15 am | 2 pm – 10 pm
Branch 2
- Location: 142 Dang Thai Than Street, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue
- Opening hours: 6:30 am – 12 pm | 1:30 pm – 10 pm
- Hotline: 076 701 1999

Ca Phe Muoi is a must-visit spot for experiencing coffee in Hue. It is where salted coffee was born, boasting a history of over 10 years and preserving its traditional brewing methods. The coffee here is a balance of sweet creaminess, bold bitterness, and a hint of salt that enhances every sip. The shop itself exudes an old-world charm with a simple yet inviting ambiance. You can relax in the breezy garden area or enjoy the cozy indoor space with its vintage décor and muted tones.

Seekers of salted coffee in Vietnam should try the rich brew at Ca Phe Muoi (Source: Collected)

4.5. Tan Cafe

Locations:
- 14 Pham Hong Thai Street, Vinh Ninh Ward, Hue
- 25 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Phu Nhuan Ward, Hue
- 86 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Phu Hau Ward, Hue
- 10 Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
Opening hours: 6:30 am – 10 pm
Hotline: 077 716 7610

When it comes to the best places for salted coffee in Vietnam, you should not miss out on Tan Cafe. The coffee here delivers a delightful mix of sweetness, saltiness, and the robust taste of Vietnamese coffee. The shop’s design reflects Vietnam’s subsidy period, blending nostalgia with warmth. Its open space features vintage ceramic tiles, rustic leather seating, and weathered walls, adding a timeless charm. Tan Cafe is a favorite among both locals and tourists in Hue and Da Nang.

4.6. Tam Trinh Coffee

Location: Provincial Road 725, Hamlet 4, Lam Ha District, Lam Dong Province
Opening hours: 7 am – 6 pm
Hotline: 088 66 77 119

Tam Trinh Coffee is located along one of the most scenic roads in Lam Dong, surrounded by wild sunflowers. Its salted coffee stands out with a blend of a slightly salty topping and a specialty coffee that has a rich bitterness. Complementing its unique flavors, the shop’s modern design combines wooden interior, natural light, and lush greenery. Here, you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of Elephant Waterfall and the peaceful surroundings near Linh An Pagoda.

Tam Trinh Coffee is renowned for its smooth Vietnamese salted coffee (Source: Collected)

4.7. Hue Salt Coffee – N Cafe

Locations:
- 53C Dong Da Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
- 31 Tan Da Street, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang
- 254 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
Opening hours: 6:30 am – 10 pm
Hotline: 038 556 7050

Hue Salt Coffee – N Cafe is another famous spot for a true salted coffee, each sip leaving a lingering aftertaste. The shop has convenient locations and spacious seating, offering a comfortable atmosphere for both gatherings and solo visits. With affordable pricing and excellent coffee, N Cafe is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Explore: Coffee shop in Vietnam: Top 12 destinations for the best cup in your trip

5. How to make salted coffee at home?

If you want to enjoy salted coffee at home, here is a simple salted coffee recipe you can follow to make a delicious cup:

Step 1: Rinse the coffee filter with boiling water. This helps balance the temperature and allows the coffee grounds to bloom evenly, enhancing the aroma.
Step 2: Add 30 grams of coffee and 6 grams of salt to the filter. You can adjust the amount of salt to suit your taste. Mix the coffee and salt thoroughly. Gently press the filter lid to ensure the coffee drips evenly.
Step 3: Slowly pour boiling water over the filter. Wait as the coffee drips into your cup.
Step 4: Add sweetened condensed milk to the brewed coffee. Stir the mixture well and enjoy your salted coffee.

Tips for making the best salted coffee:

Always mix the coffee and salt thoroughly for a smooth and balanced flavor.
Use an aluminum filter for brewing and a ceramic cup for serving. These help maintain the coffee’s rich taste and aroma.

Enjoy a delicious cup of salted coffee at home (Source: Collected)

Salted coffee is more than just a drink; it is a cultural experience. Originating from Hue, this beverage has captured attention worldwide. Its balance of sweet, creamy, and salty flavors offers an unforgettable taste experience. Whether you are enjoying it at a local shop in Vietnam or making it at home, salted coffee offers a combination of flavors that is worth trying.

While salted coffee is a highlight, Vietnam’s culinary scene extends far beyond. From the fresh seafood of Phu Quoc to the street foods in Nha Trang and the traditional dishes of Hoi An, there is no shortage of flavors to explore.

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