The essence of the Asian coffee culture, or rather the essence of the Zen feeling has been revealed

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 09. 05. 11:43

Vietnam gave the world such gastronomic favorites as pho soup, bánh mì sandwich, bún chả and, of course, Vietnamese coffee. The latter has become an exciting new player in the offer of several restaurants in Budapest, so we can experience how Asian coffee culture is different compared to European. For example, they are not in a hurry, they don’t necessarily drink coffee for a quick energy boost, rather the focus is on living the moment and talking in cafes. Elevating the drinks to an almost dessert level is also important: they don’t skimp on creaminess or sweetness.

The basis of Vietnamese coffee culture: robusta

In 1857, courtesy of a French priest, the first coffee plant arrived in Vietnam, but it was of the arabica type and the weather conditions were not favorable for its cultivation. Not so in the case of robusta, with which they quickly achieved success. Later, of course, the Vietnam war set back the coffee industry, which was able to recover around the 90s. Today, Vietnam is the second largest exporter of coffee in the world, but they are the first in the robusta variety!

Patience, make coffee

It is therefore no coincidence that there are many coffee shops throughout the country, and making them has become a ritual.

“Dripping Viet coffee, the so-called phin, is an almost relaxing operation, and gives a special plus to coffee drinking: they are not in a hurry, they don’t just open the black one, but wait in the cafes for the stimulating morning drink to be prepared at their table, which thanks to the sweetened condensed milk it becomes dessert. Some call it Zen coffee.”

– Nguyen Thuy Phuong is credited with putting together the drink offerings of several Asian restaurants in Budapest, which already include the authentic and new-wave coffee specialties of Vietnamese coffee culture.