Salt Coffee in Hue: A Unique Blend of Flavor and Culture

When it comes to Vietnamese coffee, Hanoi boasts its famous egg coffee and Saigon its iconic iced milk coffee. But in the former imperial city, Hue captivates with its signature Salt Coffee. A truly unique blend of robust Vietnamese coffee, creamy condensed milk, and a surprising touch of salt, Salt Coffee in Hue offers a taste experience unlike any other.

This distinctive brew isn’t just a trend; it has been a beloved part of Hue’s coffee culture for over 13 years, firmly establishing its place in the hearts of locals and a must-try for curious travelers. For coffee enthusiasts visiting the poetic city of Hue, experiencing this novel variation is an essential part of your journey.

The Origins and Enduring Charm of Salt Coffee in Hue

The story of Vietnamese Salt Coffee traces its roots back to Hue, believed to have been first introduced by a local couple around 2010. Over the past decade, this distinctive coffee in Hue has blossomed into one of the most favored Vietnamese coffee variations, cherished by both residents and tourists alike. Its subtle complexity and intriguing flavor profile have solidified its status as the signature drink of the city.

How Is Salt Coffee Made? The Perfect Balance

True to its name, Hue Salt Coffee is artfully crafted from a precise combination of coffee, milk, and, of course, salt. The brewing process adheres to traditional Vietnamese methods:

1. Phin Brew: Strong Vietnamese coffee is slowly brewed using a traditional ‘phin’ filter, placed directly atop your cup.
2. Creamy Base: At the bottom of the cup, a rich mixture of condensed milk and a unique component – fermented fresh milk – awaits. This is what gives Hue’s salt coffee its signature creamy texture.
3. The Pinch of Salt: A carefully measured pinch of salt is added, subtly enhancing the sweetness and bold coffee flavor without making it overtly salty.

For the perfect cup, achieving the right balance between these ingredients is key. Once brewed, you can add ice if desired, give it a good stir, and savor the experience. The creamy consistency, combined with its characteristic light brown hue, is a delight for all your senses. At the first sip, you’ll encounter the faint bitterness of the coffee, followed by the rich, greasy taste of the milk, all beautifully complemented by a mild hint of salt. The best way to truly appreciate Salt Coffee in Hue is to enjoy it in small, contemplative sips.

Besides Salt Coffee in Hue, you can be interested in other hue dishes, such as hue crispy pancke, grilled pork salad noodle, clam rice, grilled lemongrass pork skewers,..

Best Places to Try Salt Coffee in Hue

While most cafes in Hue now serve salt coffee, some establishments are particularly renowned for their exceptional brews. Here are our top recommendations to experience the finest Salt Coffee in Hue:

1. Ca Phe Muoi (The Original)

• Addresses:
  • 53C Dong Da St., Hue City
  • 31 Tan Da St., Hue City
  • 254 Tran Phu St., Hue City
  • 542 Trung Nu Vuong St., Hue City
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 11:30 AM; 1:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Prices: 20,000 VND – 30,000 VND per cup

Widely regarded as the first shop to introduce Salt Coffee in Hue, Ca Phe Muoi (meaning “Salt Coffee” in Vietnamese) remains celebrated for crafting the city’s finest version. Their original blend perfectly balances sweetness, bitterness, and that distinctive touch of saltiness. For over 13 years, this iconic Hue coffee shop has affirmed its position as the best place to savor a true cup of salt coffee in the imperial city. Beyond their signature brew, they also offer other delightful beverages such as lemonade and salted lemonade.

2. Nha 87

• Address: 87 Le Huan St., Hue City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Prices: 25,000 VND – 32,000 VND per cup

Nha 87 is a popular spot to enjoy excellent coffee in Hue, particularly renowned for its airy ambiance and scenic views of the Imperial City and bustling streets. Their unique blend of creamy milk, bold coffee, and subtle saltiness offers an exceptional salt coffee experience. This Hue cafe also serves a variety of other delicious coffees and trending beverages, including espresso, bac xiu, homemade yogurt, bubble milk, and peach tea.

3. Bali Coffee

• Address: 115 Le Huan St., Hue City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Prices: 12,000 VND – 30,000 VND per cup

Another unmissable destination for enjoying salt coffee in Hue is Bali Coffee. This charming spot attracts coffee enthusiasts with its signature brew, praised for its perfectly balanced proportions of milk and salt. The salt coffee here leaves a memorable aftertaste, tempting patrons to indulge further. The shop features a nostalgic, rustic space and offers a view of the Imperial City, making it an ideal place to sip coffee while observing the slow, peaceful pace of life in Hue.

4. Laph Coffee

• Address: 4 Truong Dinh St., Hue City
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Prices: 16,000 VND – 45,000 VND per cup

Laph Coffee is a beloved spot among younger patrons, renowned for its remarkable salt coffee in Hue. It boasts a rich flavor profile, combining robust coffee with a delightful touch of cream and salt. Beyond their signature salt coffee, the menu also offers a variety of other beverages including cappuccino, black coffee, hot tea, and matcha.

5. Tan Cafe

• Addresses:
  • 14 Pham Hong Thai St., Hue City
  • 25 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Hue City
  • 86 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Hue City
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Monday – Saturday)
• Prices: 39,000 VND – 59,000 VND per cup

Tan Cafe is renowned for its distinctive salt coffee Hue, harmoniously balancing bold coffee flavors without being overly salty. The shop’s design draws inspiration from the subsidy era, offering an open space adorned with vintage ceramic tiles, rustic leather seats, and weathered walls. With its tranquil ambiance and unique decor, Tan Cafe attracts many locals and tourists seeking relaxation and an authentic coffee in Hue experience.

Beyond Salt Coffee: Other Amazing Cafes in Hue City

While Salt Coffee is a highlight, Hue’s coffee scene extends further, offering a diverse array of charming cafes for every taste. Here are some other highly recommended spots to enjoy a different kind of coffee in Hue:

• Mat Biec Coffee Shop: Gained popularity after being featured in a movie of the same name. Offers teas, coffees, and basic beverages.
• Midori Sweet: An ideal place for a quiet and airy coffee experience, also known for its pastries, fresh juices, and rice tea.
• HANOK: Inspired by traditional Korean architecture, this unique shop features red apple tea, persimmon green tea, and rice punch. Guests can even rent hanbok for photoshoots.
• T Roaster: A great place for traditional coffee in Hue, specializing in hand-roasted beans. Their menu includes cold brew, mocha, cappuccino, latte, tea, and yogurt.
• Vy Da Xua Cafe: Boasts a serene ambiance that exudes the essence of Hue’s royal heritage. Beyond coffee, they are known for specialty teas.
• Mot Inspiration: A quiet and beautiful cafe offering tea, coffee, and fruit juices.
• 1976 Cafe: Designed with a nostalgic vintage style, this shop is an ideal spot for photoshoots while enjoying coffee in Hue, with a menu featuring cappuccino, latte, tea, and fruit juices.

Hue’s Culinary Delights: More Than Just Coffee

While Salt Coffee offers a unique taste of Hue’s vibrant beverage culture, your culinary adventure in the city doesn’t have to stop there! Beyond this iconic brew, prepare to be delighted by the rich and diverse flavors of Hue dishes, such as:

• Hue Crispy Pancake (Bánh Khoái): A savory, crispy delight often served with a special dipping sauce.
• Grilled Pork Salad Noodle (Bún Thịt Nướng): Fresh noodles topped with tender grilled pork and vibrant herbs.
• Clam Rice (Cơm Hến): A quintessential Hue specialty – spicy, flavorful rice mixed with tiny clams and aromatic herbs.
• Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers (Nem Lụi): Fragrant, succulent pork skewers best enjoyed wrapped in rice paper with fresh greens.

Exploring these local delicacies truly completes the authentic Hue experience, showcasing why this city is a culinary paradise!

Why Salt Coffee is a Must-Try in Hue

Enjoying a cup of coffee in Hue, particularly its signature Salt Coffee, is truly a must-do for tourists visiting this poetic imperial city. Hue Salt Coffee stands out as a unique brew that offers a complex and delightful taste experience found nowhere else. With its rich history and many charming coffee shops specializing in this unique blend, Hue is a paradise for coffee lovers to explore different flavors and soak up the city’s unhurried pace.

Enhance Your Hue Experience: Join a Hue Food Tour!

Want to explore the real taste of Hue, including its vibrant food scene and potentially more local coffee insights?

Join our Hue Street Food Tour by Cyclo or Hue Cooking Class with Hue Food Tour – top-rated on TripAdvisor, Viator, Cruise Critic, and more!

What You’ll Experience:

• ✅ Learn to cook authentic dishes like Hue beef noodle soup (Bún bò Huế).
• ✅ Taste over 10 traditional Hue foods, including Hue crispy pancake (Bánh Khoái).
• ✅ Discover hidden food gems with knowledgeable local guides.
• ✅ Gain cultural insights behind every unique recipe.

We guarantee an unforgettable journey into Hue’s vibrant food scene – delicious, fun, and authentic! Create unforgettable memories for you and your family.