When Did Vietnam’s Coffee Culture Begin?

In 1857, coffee was introduced to Vietnam by French missionaries. At the time, to the Vietnamese, coffee was an unfamiliar and luxurious drink enjoyed only by the French. However, thanks to the country’s favorable soil and climate, coffee plants were cultivated widely and became more accessible. As prices dropped, the habit of drinking coffee gradually took root within Vietnamese communities. Over the years, this aromatic beverage — slightly bitter yet rich in aftertaste — has captured the deep affection of the Vietnamese people.

“Vietnam’s Coffee Culture – Rich in Warmth and Human Connection”

In Vietnam, coffee is an inseparable part of daily life. Many people start their mornings with a steaming cup of coffee and end a long, tiring day with a leisurely coffee chat among friends. Here, coffee is not only savored by the sensitive touch of the tongue but also felt deeply in the warm, lively beat of the heart.

For many, coffee is a savior — its caffeine bringing alertness and focus. When the early afternoon slump hits, office workers don’t hesitate to order a cup, instantly reviving their energy. We turn to coffee in every mood and moment: when we’re sad, happy, tired, or full of life. This beloved drink is woven into the fabric of our spiritual life, present everywhere, at any time

While many countries prefer to sip coffee inside upscale cafés, most Vietnamese people have a soft spot for street coffee. No fancy setting is needed — just a simple table with a few plastic chairs is enough. People gather on the sidewalk, holding a cup of aromatic, slightly bitter coffee, sharing everyday stories. The lively street atmosphere, with the constant flow of motorbikes and cars, seems to spill over to those huddled around the coffee filter. Faces light up, conversations flow easily, and there’s no formality — only warmth and openness.

Sometimes strangers become friends over a cup of coffee on a beautiful day. Vietnamese people do occasionally visit “fancy” coffee shops, but overall, they prefer a humble street-side cup that costs only $0.60 – $1.20 — a small price for the comfort and human connection it brings. Laughter rings out as people joke with each other, and even the café owners join in the fun, chatting away with customers as if they’ve known them forever

For Vietnamese people, coffee is more than just a drink — it’s an invitation, the start of a meeting. We often say to someone, “Let’s grab a coffee sometime.” Such a simple phrase, yet it can open the door to deeper relationships.

When feeling shy about asking, “Shall we go on a date?”, many Vietnamese turn it into a warmer, more casual “How about a coffee?”. It feels effortless, friendly, and genuine.

Vietnam’s coffee culture is so unique that no matter where you go in the world, you can never quite recreate the feeling of sipping coffee in Vietnam.