I would like to start this post by stating that this is not sponsored, I wrote it because I loved this class in Hoi An, Vietnam, and would like to share the experience with others. So, if you’re thinking about what to do while in Hoi An, making Vietnamese coffee is my recommendation.
When I first mentioned my intentions of going to Vietnam, so many people recommended going to Hoi An for the shops and boat rides! Although those things were great, I think the most underrated experience in Hoi An (In my opinion) was the coffee-making class.
Coffee is a staple in Vietnam. It’s notorious for its strong caffeine and amazing mixtures that aren’t common anywhere else. For example – egg coffee, which sounds odd at first but is actually an amazing, thick, dessert drink. Egg coffee is just one of the many amazing coffee concoctions they have though, and the many delicious coffee flavors were one of the reasons I fell in love with the country.
Hoi An is a tourist hot spot known for its beauty and proximity to Da Nang. If you look up what to do in Hoi An, you will often get recommendations for boat lantern tours (like in Tangled), the coconut boat spins, the nightlife, the beautiful beach, and cooking classes. Which, by the way, I do recommend doing all of these things. They are all amazing experiences and although they are quite overcrowded now, the activities do give you a sense of what life was like there some time ago. They are also, all amazing ways to fully integrate yourself into the traveler life in Vietnam! However, one activity that I didn’t find talked about enough was the coffee-making classes.
If you don’t like coffee, this may not be for you. If you do like coffee, I cannot recommend this enough. It’s an afternoon class that teaches you how to make 5 of the special Vietnamese coffee recipes, but they also add in the cultural significance, the history of their creations, and karaoke!
About the Company
This is the Google link of the company I went with for my coffee-making class: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AGFLroErHMP6HT8M8
My friend spontaneously signed me up for this class and it was one of the best things I did in Hoi An.
The company is a family-run business that focuses on the quality and unique recipes of its coffee. My initial reaction when we started was “This family really loves what they do” and I think that is the best first impression one can have. The team is an energetic group that cares for their coffee and is so happy to share their craft with those who want to learn.
They are also quick to turn on the karaoke machine – be warned!
Cost: 350k / 14.50 USD
Additionally, they have traditional lantern-making classes that go through the steps of frame production, painting, etc.
About The Coffee-Making Class
Vietnamese Coffee and Lantern making workshops offer a full experience in addition to their coffee recipes and mixology, and it was their collection of enthusiasm and history that I loved so much about this place.
They are so good at creating a funny, comfortable environment that energizes you as much as the coffee does. They provide humor, history, karaoke, and LOTS of coffee for you to make and try.
They take you through 5 different coffee recipes for you to make for yourself
Coffees made:
- Traditional Black Coffee
- Traditional White Coffee
- Egg Coffee
- Salt Coffee
- Vietnamese Coffee
The Full Class Step by Step
To start the tour, you are sat at a long table with everyone else taking the class, so you have a chance to meet and mingle. When the class officially starts, you are told to put on your professional coffee mixology apron.
Once you all have your official coffee-making attire on, you can begin.
Coffee 1 – Traditional Black Coffee
The first traditional black coffee is made with what they call a “phin“. This is a drip contraption that filters the coffee in the same fashion that a paper coffee filter works, but it is much more concentrated.
The phin was first introduced to Vietnam by the French in the 1800’s. Since then it has been fully adopted by the Vietnamese.
— WARNING — You have 5 cups of coffee to make, so beware of how much you drink of each so your heart doesn’t leap out of your throat from the adrenaline and caffeine.
Coffee 2 – Traditional White Coffee
Traditional white Vietnamese coffee is normal coffee mixed with condensed milk and some extra whipped black coffee to add the *jazz* on top. It is one of my favorite coffees ever. So simple and so perfect.
Did You Know
After the war with the French in the 1800s, French coffee culture stayed. However, fresh cow milk wasn’t as accessible to add to their coffee, so instead they introduced sweetened condensed milk, which lasts longer. It is this ingredient that changed the game for coffee in Vietnam. The milk addresses a thick and smooth feel to the coffee while not overpowering it.
Coffee 3 – Egg Coffee
Egg coffee is one of the famous specialties of Vietnam, created and perfected here. It’s more of a dessert than a coffee in my opinion. The whipped egg and coffee create a cream that tastes almost like tiramisu. The whipped ingredients make a foam so thick you need a spoon to eat it – but it’s also so much better than I expected egg coffee to taste like! It’s a must-try here and to learn to make it means you can wow other coffee enthusiasts at home too.
Coffee 4 – Salt Coffee
AKA the perfect mix of sweet and salty – or the hangover cure – you tell me after you try it.
Salt coffee is exactly what it sounds like. You start with a pinch of salt (which is all you need to get the full salt taste), make some drip coffee, and whip that puppy into shape (foam shape). If you have ever tried putting salt into your normal coffee at home, think of that but 10x better somehow. The mix of condensed milk, whipped coffee, and salt in one just blew me away.
Coffee 5 – Vietnamese Coconut Coffee
The coconut coffee is a joy in itself. The sweet coconut as a sweetener for coffee? Joyous, amazing, supreme. Every other word associated with those ones I would include in this description as well. I don’t even like coconut but mixed with the coffee? I was addicted…
Final Thoughts
Can you tell I liked the coffee here?
This class not only energized my life with caffeine overloads, BUT also my spirit with the teams smiles and instruction. They put joy into their craft and made jokes about everything they saw which honestly low-key inspired me to do the same. I don’t mean to sound mushy, I honestly just really enjoyed the atmosphere and the drinks, additionally, as the Vietnamese history and mix of culture. I would recommend it to all the coffee lovers out there looking for something to do in Hoi An.
Have a good time, many laughs and you get to walk out with new coffee recipes to make for yourself at home? It was a win-win for me.
Related posts
Vietnam is a beautiful country, filled with amazing sights, the kindest people and so many unique activities to do. If you’re interested in where to go or other adventures to embark on while you’re there, take a look at some of my other posts about the country:
- Beautiful Vietnam Gems: Ninh Binh
- A Unique Vietnam Experience in Phong Nha: The Dark Cave
- Discover The Duck Stop – A place to lead your duck army!
- The Ultimate Motorbike Adventure: The Ha Giang Loop – A must-do activity when in Vietnam
About the Author
Hi, I’m Shannon. A small travel lover with a laptop.
I’m an avid plane rider and backpacker, currently traveling between lots of working days. This year I am making travel my #1 priority, and I plan to document it as much as I can.
