Vietnamese iced milk coffee, black coffee, egg coffee, and yogurt coffee have been listed among the 63 best coffee drinks in the world by TasteAtlas — must-try beverages when visiting Vietnam.
On February 6, the world-renowned culinary website TasteAtlas released its list of the 63 most delicious coffee drinks globally, and Vietnamese iced milk coffee (Cà phê sữa đá) proudly secured the 8th position. In addition, three other Vietnamese coffee drinks — black coffee, egg coffee, and yogurt coffee — were also highlighted as unique and authentic beverages worth experiencing.
Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee (Cà phê sữa đá)
Vietnamese iced milk coffee is a refreshing and flavorful Vietnamese coffee drink made by combining strong brewed coffee, condensed milk, and ice. Traditionally, the coffee used is robusta beans, known for their bold and bitter flavor.
The coffee is brewed using a traditional metal drip filter (phin), allowing each drop to slowly fall into the glass below. Once the coffee is ready, sweetened condensed milk is added, then the mixture is stirred well and poured over ice. The drink is usually served in a tall glass, offering a perfectly balanced taste — rich, smooth, and pleasantly sweet.
For those who prefer a stronger flavor, you can also order this Vietnamese coffee drink without milk, known simply as “cà phê đá.”
Read more: Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk recipe
Traditional Black Coffee (Cà phê đen)
Black coffee holds a special place in Vietnamese culture. Introduced by the French in the mid-19th century, coffee quickly became an integral part of daily life in Vietnam. Today, the country ranks among the largest coffee producers in the world and is a leading exporter of robusta coffee beans.
This traditional Vietnamese coffee drink is brewed using the phin method without any added ingredients — no milk, no sugar — just pure, concentrated coffee. The result is a strong, aromatic, and slightly bitter drink that perfectly represents the spirit of Vietnamese coffee culture.
Foreign visitors often call it “Vietnamese coffee”, as it captures the essence of local brewing traditions and the robust flavor of Vietnam’s signature coffee beans.
Read more: 2 delicious and creamy Vietnamese coconut coffee recipes
Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng)
Egg coffee is one of the most iconic and creative Vietnamese coffee drinks, famous for its rich and velvety texture. The beverage is made from strong black robusta coffee, whisked together with egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk.
The egg yolks and milk are whipped for around ten minutes until fluffy and then lightly heated to form a creamy, custard-like mixture. Hot coffee is poured into the cup first, followed by the whipped egg layer on top, creating a beautiful contrast and an irresistibly smooth, sweet flavor.
This unique drink originated in Hanoi in the 1950s, when milk was scarce and egg yolk became a creative substitute. Today, egg coffee remains one of the most distinctive Vietnamese coffee experiences loved by both locals and international travelers.
Yogurt Coffee (Sữa chua cà phê)
Among all Vietnamese coffee drinks, yogurt coffee is perhaps the most surprising — yet it’s widely popular across the country. The drink combines brewed black coffee (usually from a phin) with yogurt, condensed milk, and crushed ice.
In some variations, a small amount of lime juice is added to balance the sweetness with a touch of tanginess. The ingredients are either stirred together or blended until smooth and creamy. Sometimes, condensed milk and yogurt are mixed first with ice, and the coffee is poured on top to create a beautiful layered look.
This refreshing Vietnamese coffee drink is especially favored on hot summer days, offering a delightful mix of tart, sweet, and bitter notes that perfectly complement each other.
Read more: Top 5 Best Vietnamese Coffee Brands Loved Worldwide
From the rich creaminess of Vietnamese iced milk coffee, the bold simplicity of black coffee, the dessert-like charm of egg coffee, to the cool, refreshing twist of yogurt coffee — each Vietnamese coffee drink tells a story about Vietnam’s creativity, culture, and love for coffee.
Whether you’re wandering through the old streets of Hanoi or relaxing at a seaside café in Da Nang, trying these iconic coffee drinks is one of the best ways to experience the authentic flavor of Vietnam.
