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| The coffee workshop attracts many foreign visitors. Photo: Thu Cuc |
Rich in flavor
In the cool, green setting of a garden house by the riverside, a group of foreign visitors nod in interest while attentively listening to Nguyen Thi Thu Cuc, founder of Hue Experience, as she shares the history of coffee. From its introduction to Vietnam to the emergence of the phin filter and the creativity of Vietnamese people in combining coffee with local ingredients, each story forms a vivid piece of the larger picture of Vietnamese coffee beans.
Cuc said, “I have been connected to coffee since my family moved to Dak Lak to make a living. From that passion, along with the desire to share Vietnamese coffee culture with international friends, I devoted myself to building this workshop”.
While most foreign visitors are familiar with the light acidity of arabica, in Vietnam, robusta beans are roasted with butter, sometimes with a touch of fish sauce, creating a bold bitterness and a distinctive chocolate-like aroma.
Cuc explained: “From this type of bean, the workshop takes visitors on a journey to explore four signature coffee styles: phin coffee, salt coffee, egg coffee, and coconut coffee. Each is not just a drink, but is also tied to a specific region and its own story in the history of Vietnamese coffee”.
Under her guidance, visitors begin by learning to use the traditional phin filter, patiently waiting for each drop of coffee to fall. Then, as they explore the flavors of salt coffee, egg coffee, and coconut coffee, participants take on the role of baristas, measuring each spoon of sugar, each milliliter of milk, and even each gram of salt, while listening to stories about the regions where these unique coffee styles originated.
Appealing
At the workshop, each visitor can personally brew a cup of rich, aromatic black phin coffee with its characteristic strong bitterness. This is followed by tasting the harmony between bitterness and the smooth, creamy foam of egg coffee, or the refreshing, nutty richness of coconut coffee.
Cuc added: “The workshop also fully conveys the story and flavor of salt coffee, a unique creation of Hue. From this sun-and wind-swept land, the blend of salty, sweet, and bitter notes with a creamy layer creates a drink with depth, embodying the distinct character of the Ancient Capital”.
After nearly a year in operation, Hue Experience coffee workshop has quickly become an attractive stop for international tourists.
Excited to try the process firsthand, Ms. Nancy Hennis Smith, from the United States, shared: “I’m used to machine-brewed coffee, so experiencing Vietnamese coffee preparation directly was truly special. From measuring each spoon of coffee, pouring hot water, waiting for the drops to fall from the phin, to whipping egg yolks… every step requires patience and precision. The experience is not only relaxing but also incredibly rewarding when I finally taste the coffee I made myself”.
Meanwhile, Jack Sterling, from the United Kingdom, was completely won over by salt coffee. Surprised after his first sip, he said: “For me, the combination of the strong bitterness of coffee, the richness of milk cream, and a hint of sea salt creates an explosive sensory ‘kick.’ I never expected salt coffee to be so excellent and well-balanced. Along with the coffee, I also learned about the people of Hue, their lifestyle, and the beauty of the former capital-this has truly been a wonderful experience!
Beyond turning aromatic robusta beans into distinctive cups of coffee, the Hue Experience workshop also serves as a bridge for cultural exchange. By spreading the appeal of Vietnamese coffee culture through its flavors, aromas, and stories, the workshop also helps promote the beauty of the former imperial capital to visitors from afar.