Hue’s Salted Coffee: A Sip of Tradition, A Taste of the World

The salted coffee “born” in Hue

Nestled in the heart of Hue, a humble coffee shop has sparked a global fascination. What began as an experiment by a young couple has now become one of Vietnam’s most talked-about beverages. Salted coffee, a unique blend of bitterness, sweetness, and a touch of salinity, has not only captured the attention of locals but has also drawn visitors from around the world.

The origin of this now-famous drink traces back to Salted Coffee Shop, a small café tucked away near Hue’s historic citadel. Established over a decade ago by Ho Thi Thanh Huong and Tran Nguyen Huu Phong, the shop was never intended to revolutionize Vietnam’s coffee culture. However, an innocent question from curious customers—“Do you serve salted coffee?”—led the couple on a journey to craft a drink that would eventually gain international recognition.

Salted coffee is a delicate balance of robust Vietnamese coffee, creamy condensed milk, fermented fresh milk, and a pinch of salt. It took Ms. Huong over a year of experimentation to perfect the recipe. Every element, from the roasting of the coffee beans to the fermentation of the milk, was refined through trial and error. The result is a beverage that surprises first-time drinkers with its unexpected depth and lingers in memory long after the last sip.

In 2024, the drink reached a new level of fame when CNN featured it as one of Vietnam’s must-try culinary experiences. The article sparked a surge of interest, drawing travelers from across the globe to Hue, eager to taste the original salted coffee. Tourists like Ike Tort from Australia described the experience as unparalleled, noting that even after tasting variations of salted coffee in other parts of Vietnam, none compared to the one served in its birthplace.

Despite its international appeal, Mr. Phong and Ms. Huong have resisted the temptation to expand beyond Hue. Numerous offers for partnerships and franchises have come their way, but they remain firm in their belief that salted coffee belongs to Hue alone. For them, it is not just a drink—it is a part of the city’s identity, much like Hue’s famous mussel rice or beef noodle soup.

Visitors who make the journey to the small café often find themselves immersed not just in the rich taste of salted coffee but in the experience itself. The shop, with its quiet garden setting, offers a rare moment of tranquility, where conversations are hushed, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingers in the air.

For those who have tasted Hue’s salted coffee, it is more than just a drink. It is a memory, a story, and a reason to return. In preserving its exclusivity, Mr. Phong and Ms. Huong have ensured that salted coffee remains a symbol of Hue—one that invites the world to come and discover its magic, one sip at a time.

Web: https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/en