The Art of Salt Coffee: A Celebration of Vietnamese Craftsmanship
At Phin, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a journey through Vietnam’s rich landscapes, traditions, and ingenuity. Salt Coffee (Cà Phê Muối), a modern masterpiece that embodies our philosophy: respect for tradition, commitment to quality, and a dash of coastal inspiration.
Salt Coffee: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Salt Coffee might seem unexpected to some, but in Vietnam, where bold contrasts define the culinary landscape, it’s a natural evolution. Originating in Hue, this drink emerged as a creative response to balancing Robusta coffee’s intensity. A whisper of salt tempers bitterness, while creamy sweetness rounds out the experience. At Phin, we’ve elevated this concept, using our single-origin beans to craft a version that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.
But this isn’t just about the drink—it’s about the beans behind it.
The Foundation: Robusta
Vietnam’s Coffee Scene: Bold, Sweet, and full of character
Let’s spill the beans on Vietnam’s coffee culture—where tradition meets bold flavors and a little ingenuity goes a long way. Here’s why your coffee routine could use a Vietnamese twist:
Silver Medal, Gold Ambitions ☕🥈
Vietnam isn’t just a coffee producer—it’s a global heavyweight. As the world’s second-largest coffee grower, we’re quietly roasting our way to the top. Think of it like this: Brazil might lead the pack, but Vietnam’s the one adding the extra shot of daring to your cup.
Robusta: The Bold Heart of Vietnamese Coffee 💥
While Arabica beans charm with their floral notes, Robusta is Vietnam’s star. Strong, earthy, and unapologetically intense, it’s the bean that fuels street-side coffee stalls and lazy afternoons alike. (Fun fact: Vietnam grows over 90% of the world’s Robusta. We don’t do half-measures.)
The Phin Filter: Slow, Steady, and Perfect ☕⏳
No buttons, no screens—just a humble phin filter. This tiny metal wonder brews coffee drip by drip, turning patience into a caffeinated art form. It’s not just a tool; it’s a ritual that says, “Good things take time.”
In Vietnam, humble tools like the phin filter became icons. And Robusta? It’s the underdog bean that said, “Watch me.”
So next time you sip a Vietnamese brew, remember: you’re not just drinking coffee. You’re tasting hustle, sunshine, and a dash of “hold my phin, watch this” energy.
Need us? We’ll be here, sipping salt coffee and plotting world caffeination. 😉
Another fun fact: Over 1.5 million tons of coffee leave Vietnam yearly. At Phin, we’re proud to serve the ones that stay.
Salt Coffee’s soul lies in its coffee base, and for us, that starts with Vietnamese Robusta. Grown in the Dalat Highland, our beans are from smallholder farms committed to sustainable practices. Robusta’s bold, chocolatey notes and earthy depth make it ideal for cutting through salt and sweetness.
Our Roasting Process:
- Slow & Steady: We roast in small batches to preserve each bean’s character.
- Precision Profiles: For Salt Coffee, we use a medium-dark roast to highlight cocoa undertones without overwhelming bitterness.
- Freshness First: Beans are roasted weekly and ground in-house for peak flavor.
This attention to detail ensures every sip of Salt Coffee carries the essence of Vietnam’s terroir.
Crafting the Perfect Salt Coffee: A Recipe Rooted in Quality
While Salt Coffee’s magic lies in its simplicity, each ingredient matters. Here’s how we do it:
Ingredients (Serves 2):
- 50g Luave milk foam powder (for a velvety texture)
- 100ml milk
- 1g fine sea salt
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 10ml condensed milk
- 1 shot Phin Lab Robusta espresso (freshly ground and brewed)
- Ice
- Cocoa powder (for garnish)
Method:
- Whip the Foam: Combine milk foam powder, fresh milk, salt, brown sugar in a blender (or you can use a hand-mixer). Whip for 10 minutes until smooth, airy, and glossy.
- Brew the Base: Brew a robust shot of Robusta espresso. Stir in 10ml of condensed milk.
- Layer & Serve: Fill a glass with ice, pour the espresso mixture over it, then gently spoon the salted foam on top. Dust with cocoa powder.
The result? A harmonious blend of bitter, sweet, salty, and creamy—each layer telling a story of Vietnamese craft.
Here’s a Video Guide!
If you’d prefer a visual walkthrough, here’s a video of the entire process for making our Salt Coffee! It’s a great way to follow along step-by-step. Enjoy!
Beyond the Recipe: The Phin Lab Difference
As a roastery, we control every step, from bean selection to brewing:
- Direct Farmer Relationships: We partner with Dalat Highland growers, ensuring fair wages and sustainable practices.
- Roasting Mastery: Our team tailors profiles for each brew method, whether it’s espresso, phin drip, or cold brew.
- Innovation Within Tradition: While we honor classics like Cà Phê Sữa Đá, we’re unafraid to experiment (hello, Cold Brew Creative Mix & Peanut Butter Ice Coffee).
At Phin Coffee Hoi An, Salt Coffee isn’t just a menu item—it’s an invitation to slow down. Sip it in our garden, where vines and rustling leaves frame views of the Old Town’s ancient rooftops. Watch our baristas grind, brew, and whip with the same care that defines our roastery.
Why Choose Us?
- Freshness Guaranteed: Coffee roasted weekly, never stale.
- Transparency: Ask about our beans’ journey from farm to cup.
- Ambiance: A tranquil escape after exploring Hoi An’s bustling streets.
At Phin Lab, we’re proud to be part of Vietnam’s coffee legacy, one that values quality, community, and creativity.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a curious traveler, we invite you to taste the difference that care, time, and tradition make. Come for the Salt Coffee, stay for the story behind every bean.
Find Us:
📍 Phin Coffee Restaurant: 132/7 Tran Phu, Hoi An Old Town
📍 Phin Lounge: An Bang Beach, Cam An, Hoi An
⏰ Open daily from 8AM
P.S. Explore our retail shelves for freshly roasted beans—take a piece of Phin Lab Roastery home with you.