If Hanoi is renowned for egg coffee and Saigon is famous for iced milk coffee, Hue captivates with salt coffee. This kind of coffee in Hue has been present in the city for more than 13 years, affirming its place in the hearts of coffee lovers. For tourists, salt coffee is a novel variation worth trying during their trip to the imperial city of Hue.
1. Salt coffee - The signature drink in Hue
Vietnamese salt coffee was said to have been introduced by a couple from Hue in 2010. Over the past ten years, this typical coffee in Hue has become one of the most favorite Vietnamese coffee among locals and tourists alike.
So, how to make salt coffee in Hue? True to its name, it is made with coffee, milk, and salt. Hue salt coffee is brewed in a traditional Vietnamese filter called ‘phin’, placed on top of the cup, to which condensed milk and fermented fresh milk is added at the bottom.
A good cup of salt coffee requires a balanced ratio between all ingredients. You can add ice and a pinch of salt, stir well, and enjoy. The creamy texture of the coffee with a light brown color will delight all your senses.
At the first sip, you will feel the faint bitterness of coffee, the greasy taste of milk, and the mild taste of salt. The best way to enjoy salt coffee in Hue is in small sips.
2. Best places to try salt coffee in Hue
Most Hue cafes serve salt coffee, especially the following:
2.1. Ca Phe Muoi
- Address:
- 10 Nguyen Luong Bang St., Hue City
- 142 Dang Thai Than St., Hue City
- Opening hours: 6:30 am - 11:30 am; 1:30 pm - 10:00 pm
- Prices: 20,000 VND - 30,000 VND per cup
Ca Phe Muoi is said to be the first shop to introduce salt coffee in Hue, celebrated for its finest salt coffee in the city. The salt coffee here offers an original blend of sweetness, bitterness, and a touch of saltiness. Apart from this exceptional brew, Ca Phe Muoi also serves other delightful beverages such as lemonade and salted lemonade. For over 13 years, this Hue coffee shop has affirmed its position as the best place to dip in a cup of salt coffee in the imperial city.
2.2. Nha 87
- Address: 87 Le Huan St., Hue City
- Opening hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Prices: 25,000 VND - 32,000 VND per cup
Nha 87 is a famous place to taste the best coffee in Hue, renowned for its airy space and scenic views of the Imperial City and bustling streets. The unique blend of creamy milk, bold coffee, and subtle saltiness offers an exceptional coffee experience in Hue. Besides, this Hue cafe serves other delicious coffees and trending beverages like espresso, bac xiu, homemade yogurt, bubble milk, and peach tea.
2.3. Bali Coffee
- Address: 115 Le Huan St., Hue City
- Opening hours: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Prices: 12,000 VND - 30,000 VND per cup
Another not-to-be-missed place to enjoy salt coffee in Hue is Bali Coffee. Bali Coffee attracts coffee enthusiasts with its signature brew, where the amount of milk and salt are perfectly balanced. The salt coffee here leaves a memorable aftertaste, tempting diners to indulge further. The shop features a nostalgic rustic space and offers a view of the Imperial City. Dipping in a cup of coffee while observing the slow pace of life in Hue is a must for peaceful souls.
>>> Explore the captivating world of Vietnam drip coffee!
2.4. Laph Coffee
- Address: 4 Truong Dinh St., Hue City
- Opening hours: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
- Prices: 16,000 VND - 45,000 VND per cup
Laph Coffee, a beloved location among young patrons, is renowned for its remarkable salt coffee in Hue. It boasts a rich flavor with a combination of robust coffee and a touch of cream and salt. The menu also offers a variety of other beverages including cappuccino, black coffee, hot tea, and matcha.
2.5. Tan Cafe
- Address:
- 14 Pham Hong Thai St., Hue City
- 25 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Hue City
- 86 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Hue City
- Opening hours: 6:30 am - 10:00 pm
- Prices: 39,000 VND - 59,000 VND per cup
Tan Cafe is renowned for its distinctive salt coffee Hue, harmoniously balancing the bold coffee flavors without being too salty. The shop's design is inspired by the subsidy era, offering an open space adorned with vintage ceramic tiles, rustic leather seats, and weathered walls. With its tranquil ambiance, Tan Cafe attracts many locals and tourists to relax and enjoy coffee in Hue.
>>> Read more about egg coffee to understand why it has captured the hearts of coffee enthusiasts!
3. Other amazing places to enjoy a cup of coffee in Hue City
Below are some other recommended places to enjoy coffee in the ancient capital of Hue:
- Mat Biec Coffee Shop: This coffee shop has gained popularity after being featured in a movie of the same name. The menu offers teas, coffees, and other basic beverages.
- Midori Sweet: This is an ideal place to enjoy coffee in Hue with a quiet and airy space. The shop attracts diners with pastries and drinks like coffee, fresh juices, rice tea, etc.
- HANOK: This shop's design is inspired by traditional Korean architecture. Its distinctive menu features red apple tea, persimmon green tea, rice punch, etc. Guests can also rent hanbok clothes for photoshoots.
- T Roaster: This is a great place to enjoy traditional coffee in Hue, where beans are hand-roasted. The menu includes cold brew, mocha, cappuccino, latte, tea, and yogurt.
- Vy Da Xua Cafe: This cafe boasts a serene ambiance that exudes the essence of Hue's royal heritage. Apart from coffee, you should indulge in the specialty teas here.
- Mot Inspiration: If you are looking for a quiet and beautiful cafe shop, don't miss out on this place. The main beverages offered here are tea, coffee, and fruit juices.
- 1976 Cafe: Designed with a nostalgic vintage style, this shop is an ideal corner to take photos and enjoy coffee in Hue. The menu features cappuccino, latte, tea, fruit juices, etc.
To gain more insight into the local culture, travelers should visit some remarkable attractions in Hue, such as Hue Imperial City, Khai Dinh Tomb, Mausoleum Of Emperor Minh Mang, Tu Duc Tomb, Tomb of King Thieu Tri, Thien Mu Pagoda, Bach Ma National Park, Lang Co Beach, etc.
After exploring Hue, consider extending your Central Vietnam trip to Da Nang and Hoi An to admire stunning beaches, impressive bridges, eye-catching lantern streets, and more.
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Enjoying a cup of coffee in Hue is a must-do for tourists when visiting this poetic imperial city. Hue salt coffee stands out as a signature brew that offers a taste like no other. With many charming coffee shops, Hue is a paradise for tourists to explore different coffee blends and soak up the slow pace of the city.
