In recent months, social media platforms like TikTok have spotlighted a trendy Starbucks hack to make your coffee taste like a Vietnamese iced coffee. However, increasingly, coffee enthusiasts are exploring authentic Vietnamese coffee flavors, such as the unique salt coffee or ca phe muoi, a beloved drink that originated in Hue. The Origin of Salt CoffeeFirst crafted at a small, humble café in Hue in 2010, salt coffee combines traditional Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk and a special salted cream topping, enjoyed either hot or iced. This creation comes from Ca Phe Muoi, where founders Ho Thi Thanh Huong and Tran Nguyen Huu Phong aimed to blend the bitterness of black coffee with the sweetness of condensed milk, enhanced by a touch of salt for a balanced, creamy taste.“We wanted to surprise people,” they shared. "Adding salt gave us a distinct identity, and it’s now a Hue specialty.” Locals and tourists alike have embraced this flavorful twist, making salt coffee a must-try experience for visitors to Hue.The Rise of Vietnamese Coffee CultureWith Vietnam’s coffee exports surging to $2.9 billion in early 2023, Vietnamese coffee is gaining popularity worldwide. Cafés in the U.S. and Europe now serve various Vietnamese coffee drinks, from egg coffee in Hanoi to coconut coffee in Saigon. Hue’s salt coffee, however, has become a symbol of Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture, even inspiring local Starbucks branches to launch their own version of ca phe muoi.Vietnam’s coffee tradition, rooted in the colonial introduction of robusta beans, has evolved with creative flavors and unique brewing styles. At the heart of this culture is the phin filter, used to make strong, rich coffee that’s perfect for adding condensed milk, egg yolks, or coconut milk. The appeal of these distinctive Vietnamese drinks is spreading, with 71% of Gen Z Americans surveyed by Mintel expressing interest in Asian-inspired coffee flavors. The Unique Flavor Profile of Salt CoffeeSalt coffee stands out due to its unique flavor profile. The combination of bitter black coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and salted cream creates a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. The salt enhances the sweetness of the condensed milk and balances the bitterness of the coffee, resulting in a creamy, smooth drink that is both refreshing and satisfying. How to Make Hue’s Salt CoffeeIf you’re intrigued by this unique drink and want to try making it at home, here’s a simple recipe:Ingredients:2 tablespoons of Vietnamese ground coffee2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk1/4 teaspoon of salt1/4 cup of heavy creamIce cubes (if making iced coffee)Instructions:Brew the Vietnamese coffee using a phin filter.In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream with salt until it thickens slightly.Pour the brewed coffee into a glass and add the sweetened condensed milk. Stir well.Top the coffee with the salted cream mixture.Add ice cubes if you prefer it iced.Enjoy your homemade Hue’s salt coffee!The Global Appeal of Vietnamese CoffeeVietnamese coffee, with its rich flavors and unique brewing methods, has captured the hearts of coffee lovers worldwide. The phin filter, a traditional Vietnamese coffee maker, allows for a slow drip process that extracts the full flavor of the coffee beans. This method, combined with the use of robusta beans, results in a strong, bold coffee that is perfect for various creative concoctions. The Popularity of Salt CoffeeHue’s salt coffee continues to expand, with Ca Phe Muoi offering bottled versions throughout Vietnam. As Vietnamese coffee garners global interest, salt coffee stands out as an authentic taste of Hue’s heritage, capturing the essence of a thriving coffee culture that’s as diverse as it is delicious. Vietnamese Coffee in the Global MarketThe global coffee market has seen a significant rise in the popularity of Vietnamese coffee. With its unique flavors and brewing techniques, Vietnamese coffee offers a refreshing alternative to traditional coffee drinks. The introduction of drinks like salt coffee, egg coffee, and coconut coffee has added a new dimension to the coffee culture, attracting a diverse range of coffee enthusiasts. The Future of Salt CoffeeAs the popularity of Vietnamese coffee continues to grow, the future looks bright for salt coffee. With its unique flavor profile and cultural significance, salt coffee is poised to become a staple in coffee shops worldwide. The continued innovation and creativity in Vietnamese coffee culture will undoubtedly lead to the discovery of new and exciting coffee drinks that will captivate the global market. Hue’s salt coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of Vietnam’s rich coffee culture and heritage. From its humble beginnings in a small café in Hue to its rising popularity worldwide, salt coffee has captured the hearts of coffee lovers with its unique blend of flavors. As Vietnamese coffee continues to gain global recognition, salt coffee stands out as an authentic taste of Hue’s heritage, offering a delicious and memorable coffee experience. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast looking to explore new flavors or a traveler seeking an authentic taste of Vietnam, Hue’s salt coffee is a must-try. Experience the creamy, balanced, and refreshing taste of this iconic drink and discover why it’s taking the world by storm.