How to Make Authentic Vietnamese Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối) at Home

Vietnamese salt coffee, or "cà phê muối", is a unique and innovative coffee drink that originated in Huế, Vietnam. Unlike traditional Vietnamese coffee, this beverage incorporates a pinch of salt in the cream topping to enhance the natural sweetness and richness of the coffee while balancing its bitterness. In this guide, we’ll explore what is Vietnamese salt coffee, provide a detailed Vietnamese salt coffee recipe, and teach you how to make Vietnamese salt coffee at home using high-quality ingredients.

What is Vietnamese Salt Coffee?

Vietnamese salt coffee is a delicate fusion of strong Vietnamese coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and a salted cream topping. The salt enhances the coffee’s sweetness, reduces bitterness, and creates a rich, creamy experience.

This drink became popular in Hue, Vietnam in the early 2010s when a local café introduced it as an experimental twist on traditional Vietnamese coffee. Since then, it has gained widespread recognition among coffee enthusiasts both in Vietnam and internationally.

Vietnamese Salt Coffee Ingredients

For the Coffee:

• 2 tbsp coarsely ground Vietnamese coffee (Robusta recommended)

• 4 oz (120ml) hot water (195°F–205°F / 90°C–96°C)

For the Salted Cream Topping:

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

• 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk

• A pinch of fine sea salt

Equipment:

• Vietnamese coffee maker (phin filter)

• Glass or cup

• Whisk or milk frother

How to Make Vietnamese Salt Coffee

Step 1: Brew the Coffee

1. Prepare the Phin Filter: Place the phin filter over a glass. Add coarse ground Vietnamese coffee and level it gently.

2. Pre-Infuse the Coffee: Pour a small amount of hot water over the grounds to bloom the coffee. Wait 30 seconds.

3. Brew the Coffee: Slowly pour the remaining hot water over the coffee, cover with the lid, and let it drip for 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Salted Cream

1. Combine heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and salt in a bowl.

2. Whisk vigorously or use a milk frother until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.

3. Taste and adjust salt levels as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Drink

1. Pour the brewed coffee into a serving glass.

2. Gently top with the salted cream.

3. For an iced version, add ice cubes before pouring the salted cream.

4. Enjoy by sipping the coffee through the salted cream layer.

Why Add Salt to Coffee?

Adding salt to coffee is a time-honored trick that enhances flavor complexity and provides a smoother drinking experience. Here’s why it works:

Enhances Sweetness & Reduces Bitterness

• Salt naturally suppresses bitterness, allowing the sweet, caramelized notes of coffee to shine.

• This is especially beneficial for dark-roasted and Robusta coffee, which can sometimes taste overly bitter.

Balances Flavors for a Smoother Experience

• The addition of salted cream in Vietnamese salt coffee (cà phê muối) creates a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and bold coffee flavors.

• This results in a creamy, well-rounded taste with lingering umami depth.

Mimics Natural Mineral Content in Coffee-Growing Regions

• Some specialty coffee experts believe that adding salt mimics the natural mineral composition of high-altitude coffee-growing soils, helping to enhance the perception of coffee’s natural flavors.

• A small amount of salt can highlight fruity, nutty, or chocolatey notes, depending on the bean variety.

💡 Pro Tip: Adding a pinch of salt directly to your coffee grounds before brewing can significantly reduce bitterness and acidity, making for a smoother cup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Vietnamese salt coffee?

A: Vietnamese salt coffee (cà phê muối) is a unique sweet and salty coffee drink from Huế, Vietnam. It features:
☕ Strong Vietnamese coffee (typically Robusta-based)
🧂 A rich, salted cream topping
🍬 Sweetened condensed milk for a touch of sweetness

The salted cream enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness, balances bitterness, and creates a creamy, velvety mouthfeel.

💡 Fun Fact: Salt coffee was originally created by a small café in Huế, and it has since become a beloved Vietnamese specialty!

Q: How do I make Vietnamese salt coffee at home?

A: Making cà phê muối at home is simple:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp Vietnamese coffee (preferably Robusta beans)

• 120ml (4 oz) hot water

• 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk

• 3 tbsp heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)

• ¼ tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1️⃣ Brew the coffee – Use a phin filter for the most authentic taste, or substitute with French press or espresso.
2️⃣ Prepare the salted cream – Whip heavy cream, sea salt, and a little condensed milk until slightly thickened (but not stiff).
3️⃣ Assemble the drink – Pour brewed coffee over condensed milk in a glass.
4️⃣ Top with salted cream – Gently layer the salted cream on top of the coffee.
5️⃣ Stir or sip as desired!

💡 For an iced version, add ice cubes before pouring in the salted cream.

Q: What are the key Vietnamese salt coffee ingredients?

A: The essential ingredients for authentic Vietnamese salt coffee include:

• Vietnamese coffee beans (preferably Robusta for boldness)

• Heavy cream or whipping cream (for a creamy texture)

• Sweetened condensed milk (for balanced sweetness)

• Sea salt (for enhanced flavor contrast)

💡 Alternative ingredients: Coconut cream and oat milk can be used for a dairy-free version.

Q: Can I make Vietnamese salt coffee without a phin filter?

A: Yes! While a phin filter is the traditional method, you can use:

• French press – Use a 1:12 coffee-to-water ratio for a strong brew.

• Espresso machine – Pull a double shot of espresso as a substitute.

• AeroPress – Brew a concentrated cup using a fine mesh filter.

💡 For the most authentic experience, use a phin filter to achieve the slow-drip method that intensifies the coffee’s boldness.

Q: Can I make Vietnamese salt coffee dairy-free?

A: Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version, try these substitutions:

• Coconut cream instead of heavy cream – Adds a natural sweetness and tropical twist.

• Oat milk or almond milk – Lighter alternatives for a plant-based option.

• Coconut condensed milk – A perfect replacement for dairy-based condensed milk.

💡 Tip: Using coconut cream not only makes it dairy-free but also enhances the drink’s richness.

Q: Is Vietnamese salt coffee served hot or cold?

A: Traditionally, Vietnamese salt coffee is served hot, but it can also be enjoyed iced.

• Hot version: Brew coffee, layer with salted cream, and serve immediately.

• Iced version: Fill a glass with ice cubes before adding coffee and salted cream.

💡 Both versions provide a delicious contrast of bold coffee and creamy, salty sweetness!

Experience Authentic Vietnamese Salt Coffee with Bazan Coffee

At Bazan Coffee, we believe that creating the perfect Vietnamese salt coffee begins with choosing only the finest beans. Whether you're brewing at home or enjoying a traditional cup at a café, the quality of your beans is key to capturing the authentic flavor of Vietnamese coffee. With Bazan’s premium, specialty-grade beans, you’ll enjoy a rich, bold, and smooth cup that brings the true essence of Vietnam’s coffee culture to life.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

When it comes to crafting the best Vietnamese salt coffee, the beans you choose are crucial. Bazan’s Fine Robusta – Krong Nang offers a bold, full-bodied flavor profile that stands out in every cup. Unlike typical Robusta beans that can be bitter or harsh, our Fine Robusta is carefully grown and processed to provide a smoother, more refined flavor profile, making it the perfect choice for your Vietnamese salt coffee.

Why Choose Fine Robusta – Krong Nang?

• Grown at 650m in Krong Nang, Dak Lak: The rich volcanic soil of this region adds depth and complexity to the coffee, making it ideal for brewing robust Vietnamese salt coffee.

• 72-Hour Natural Anaerobic Fermentation: This unique process unlocks deep caramelized sweetness, smooth textures, and a creamy body, perfect for a rich, full-flavored coffee.

• Bold & Full-Bodied: With higher caffeine content than many Arabica beans, Fine Robusta – Krong Nang delivers a strong, energizing coffee that will satisfy lovers of intense flavors.

If you seek a bold, rich coffee with deep caramelized sweetness, Fine Robusta – Krong Nang is the perfect match for your Vietnamese salt coffee.

Not Just Robusta – The Best of Both Worlds

For a more balanced Vietnamese salt coffee, Bazan’s Special Vietnam Blend is the perfect choice. This expertly crafted blend combines the lively acidity of high-altitude Arabica beans with the full-bodied richness of Fine Robusta, delivering a smooth, complex flavor profile that’s ideal for your salt coffee experience.

Why Choose Special Vietnam Blend?

• A Fusion of Arabica & Fine Robusta: The lively acidity of Arabica beans, combined with the rich body of Robusta, creates a smooth and complex cup of coffee.

• Tasting Notes of Pineapple & Floral Aroma: These fruity and caramel notes provide natural sweetness and depth, enhancing the flavor profile of your Vietnamese salt coffee.

• Versatile Brewing: Whether you’re brewing traditional Vietnamese salt coffee or making espresso, Special Vietnam Blend is perfect for any method.

If you're looking for a well-balanced coffee with fruity complexity and natural sweetness, Special Vietnam Blend will elevate your coffee experience.

For a More Refined Vietnamese Coffee: Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat

For a more delicate and aromatic Vietnamese salt coffee, Bazan’s Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat offers a refined option. Grown in the cool climate of Da Lat, this coffee provides bright acidity and floral complexity, perfect for those who enjoy a lighter yet flavorful cup.

Why Choose Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat?

• Grown at 1,550m in Cau Dat, Da Lat: The cool climate and mineral-rich soil create the ideal conditions for producing high-quality Arabica beans.

• Fully Washed Processing: This method ensures a clean, vibrant cup with floral and caramel undertones, perfect for a refined Vietnamese salt coffee.

• Complex Tasting Notes: Layers of bell pepper, spices, and caramel create a sophisticated flavor profile, enhancing your coffee ritual.

If you prefer a bright, complex coffee with floral and spicy notes, Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat is the ideal choice for your Vietnamese salt coffee.

Which Coffee Should You Choose for Your Vietnamese Salt Coffee Ritual?

• For a bold, full-bodied espresso with deep caramelized sweetness → Fine Robusta – Krong Nang

• For a smooth, balanced espresso with fruity complexity → Special Vietnam Blend

• For a refined, bright espresso with caramel and spicy notes → Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat

You’re Just One Brew Away from a Better Day

Crafting the perfect Vietnamese salt coffee starts with choosing the right beans. Whether you’re brewing a single cup or preparing a batch for friends, Bazan Coffee ensures that every sip delivers exceptional flavor and quality.

Shop Bazan Coffee Today and Brew the Best Vietnamese Salt Coffee!

Explore our premium selection of specialty-grade Vietnamese coffees and elevate your coffee ritual. Don’t settle for ordinary coffee - discover the rich, complex flavors of Vietnam’s finest with Bazan Coffee. Your perfect Vietnamese salt coffee is just one click away!