If you are planning to make salted Vietnamese coffee, it helps to know what to expect before your first sip. Salt may sound unusual in coffee, but in this drink it does something special. A small amount of salt softens bitterness, enhances sweetness, and makes the coffee taste smoother and more balanced. Instead of tasting salty, the drink becomes richer and creamier, with a flavor similar to sweet cream and caramel.
Key Takeaways
- Salted Vietnamese coffee is a modern twist on traditional Vietnamese coffee that uses a lightly salted cream topping to balance bitterness and enhance sweetness.
- A small pinch of salt does not make the drink taste salty. Instead, it smooths out strong Robusta coffee and brings forward chocolate and caramel notes.
- The drink is easy to make at home with a phin brew, condensed milk, and a simple salted cream made from heavy cream, condensed milk, and salt.
What Is Salted Vietnamese Coffee?
Salted Vietnamese coffee is a modern variation of traditional Vietnamese coffee that adds a lightly salted cream or foam on top of strong brewed coffee. The base is still the same bold Vietnamese-style coffee made with a phin filter, but the topping changes everything.
Why Adding Salt Works
Salt acts as a natural flavor enhancer. In coffee, even a very small amount:
- Reduces harsh bitterness
- Brings out chocolate and caramel notes
- Makes sweetness taste rounder and softer
- Creates a more velvety and balanced flavor
How to Make Salted Vietnamese Coffee
Salted Vietnamese coffee is simple to make at home. Here is what you will need:
Ingredients
For the coffee:
- 2–3 tablespoons Vietnamese coffee (Robusta recommended)
- Hot water
For the salted cream:
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whipping cream
- 1–2 teaspoons condensed milk (or simple syrup for a lighter version)
- A pinch of salt (start small)
- Optional: splash of milk for thinner foam
Equipment
- Phin filter
- Spoon
- Cup or glass
- Small bowl for whipping the cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brew the coffee
- Add 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of your cup (optional if you want a sweeter drink).
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of ground Vietnamese coffee to your phin.
- Bloom with a small splash of hot water for 20–30 seconds.
- Fill the phin with hot water and let it drip for about 4–5 minutes.
2. Make the salted cream
- In a small bowl, combine:
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1–2 teaspoons condensed milk
- A pinch of salt
- Whip lightly until it thickens into a soft, pourable foam.
(You are not making whipped cream — it should stay creamy.)
3. Assemble the drink
- Pour the brewed coffee into your serving glass.
- Spoon or pour the salted cream on top.
- Taste and adjust:
- Add more salt for deeper flavor.
- Add more condensed milk for extra sweetness.
Serve hot for a comforting drink or over ice for a refreshing version.
If you’re planning to serve this brew for more people, learn how to make Vietnamese coffee in bulk.
How Salted Vietnamese Coffee Compares to Other Vietnamese Coffee Drinks
Salted Vietnamese coffee may be a newer variation, but it fits naturally into the family of Vietnamese coffee styles. Here’s how it differs from the classics:
Traditional Vietnamese Coffee vs Salted Cream Coffee
- Traditional Vietnamese coffee uses sweetened condensed milk at the bottom of the cup. It creates a caramel-like sweetness and thick, creamy texture.
- Salted Vietnamese coffee, on the other hand, adds a layer of lightly salted cream on top. Instead of caramel sweetness, you get a smoother, softer sweetness with a subtle savory note that rounds out bitterness.
Egg Coffee vs Salted Coffee
Vietnamese egg coffee is rich, dessert-like, and custard-thick. It uses whipped egg yolk and condensed milk to create a sweet, velvety foam that tastes almost like melted tiramisu.
Salted coffee is much lighter. The salted cream sits on top like a silky foam, not a custard, and the salty-sweet balance brings out deeper coffee notes without overwhelming them.
Coconut Coffee vs Salted Coffee
Vietnamese coconut coffee blends strong coffee with coconut cream or coconut condensed milk. It tastes tropical, sweet, and dessert-like.
Salted version is less sweet and focuses more on enhancing the natural coffee flavor. The salt highlights chocolate and caramel notes rather than adding new flavors.
FAQ
Why add salt to Vietnamese coffee?
Salt reduces bitterness and enhances sweetness. It brings out deeper flavors in the coffee, making the drink smoother and more balanced without tasting salty.
Can you make salted Vietnamese coffee without cream?
Yes. You can add a tiny pinch of salt directly to the coffee for bitterness control, but the drink won’t have the creamy texture or flavor of salted milk foam. The cream layer is what makes this version special.
How much salt should you add?
Start with just a small pinch. Too much salt will overpower the drink. A pinch is enough to balance bitterness and brighten sweetness.
Does salted coffee taste sweet or savory?
Salted Vietnamese coffee tastes sweet and creamy, not salty. The salt enhances sweetness rather than turning the drink savory.