Vietnamese coffee wins over French consumers
Amid global cold-coffee-drink trends like the Espresso tonic, Vietnamese coffee has proved its enduring allure.
French customers visit “PHIN MI” to savour coffee rich in Vietnamese flavour. (Photo: VNA)

Paris (VNA) – With its distinctive flavour, unique brewing method, and a culture deeply woven into everyday life, Vietnamese coffee is steadily winning the hearts of French consumers, particularly among the younger generation.

In a recent feature on the Vietnamese beverage, 20Minutes – one of France’s largest and most widely read newspapers – highlighted how a cup of ‘ca phe sua da’ (iced coffee with condensed milk), brewed from robust Robusta beans using the traditional Vietnamese filter (phin), has become a favourite coffee for many French customers. More than just an energising coffee, it carries with it a story of culture and identity.

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter and the leading producer of Robusta beans, which contain nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica. For years, however, much of Vietnam’s Robusta was blended into industrial mixes without any clear reference to its origins. This inspired Kim Nga and Martin, founders of the “PHIN MI” brand, to introduce Vietnamese coffee to the French public as a standalone beverage, rich in character and authenticity.

The hallmark of this rising brand is its 'phin' brewing method – a compact metal filter with roots in French colonial coffee makers. Hot water poured over coarsely ground beans slowly drips through the filter over five to seven minutes, creating an experience described as slow, serene, and almost meditative. The result is a bold, full-bodied cup of coffee whose flavour can vary depending on the barista’s touch.

According to co-founder Kim Nga, Vietnamese coffee is traditionally brewed strong and bitter, showcasing Robusta’s defining traits. Yet to suit the diverse tastes of French drinkers, many Vietnamese cafés in France, including PHIN MI, now adopt a gentler, more balanced style. Just enough condensed milk is added to produce creamy, chocolatey glasses of iced or hot "ca phe sua" – palatable even to those unaccustomed to coffee.

Vietnamese coffee (Photo: VNA)

Beyond "ca phe sua da", Parisians have shown keen interest in inventive variations such as "ca phe trung" (egg coffee) – with its frothy egg cream likened to a “Vietnamese tiramisu” – and "ca phe cot dua" (coconut coffee), rich, nutty and full of flavour notes. Customers can also try versions with black sesame, salted cream or plant-based milk, offering a wide spectrum of flavours.

As the article points out, what sets Vietnamese coffee apart is not only the taste but also the culture behind it. In Vietnam, coffee drinking is a daily ritual, inseparable from the rhythms of street life. Brought to Paris, this tradition makes Vietnamese coffee more than a trendy beverage – it is a cultural bridge, sparking curiosity and resonance among French patrons.

Amid global trends such as cold coffee drinks like the Espresso tonic, Vietnamese coffee has proved its enduring allure. With its blend of tradition and creativity, identity and integration, it is gradually carving out a place alongside the espresso – Europe’s long-standing coffee icon./.

See Also

Vietnam promotes safe reproductive health for youth amid rising teen pregnancies

With adolescent pregnancy remaining a pressing social issue in Vietnam, the country is implementing a series of activities under the theme “No teenage pregnancy – for your future and happiness” to raise awareness among young people about responsible sexual behaviour, rights to reproductive healthcare, and the importance of safe contraceptive methods, in response to World Contraception Day (September 26).

Hanoi buzzes through night ahead of National Day parade

The grand parade is more than just a - it is an occasion for the Vietnamese people to reflect on a historic journey marked by hardship and pride, and reaffirm their resilience, aspiration for peace, and determination to build a strong, modern Vietnam.

Six hundred ao dai flow together in national flag spectacle

In a moving tribute to the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (2 September), nearly 600 women of the capital donned the traditional ao dai and came together to form the Vietnamese national flag at the August Revolution Square in front of the Hanoi Opera House. The performance created a dazzling spectacle that stirred deep emotions among spectators.