Vietnamese coffee is one of the most sought-after types of coffee in the world. Given the country’s dominance in the coffee industry — Vietnam is the world’s second largest exporter of coffee beans — it is clear that folks around the globe are interested in using Vietnamese beans as their go-to coffee. However, while Vietnamese coffee’s popularity is unquestionable, one question remains: what does Vietnamese coffee taste like?
Like any type of coffee, the flavor of Vietnamese coffee is primarily determined by the variety of coffee beans used. Both Arabica and Robusta beans — which each have their own unique flavor profiles, levels of caffeination, and levels of acidity — are grown throughout Vietnam. While both varieties can be used to make traditional Vietnamese coffee recipes, each bean has its own unique strengths in regard to flavor.
Robusta coffee has maintained dominance over the Vietnamese coffee industry ever since French colonizers introduced the variety in the 19th century. Noted for having a higher level of acidity than Arabica beans, Vietnamese Robusta coffee is a medium-dark roast with notes of dark chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel. Robusta coffee does have a natural sweetness to it, but it's stronger acidity is what makes the variety perfect for pairing with sweetened condensed milk in Cà Phê Sữa Đá. To taste the smooth and bold profile that put Vietnamese Robusta coffee on the map, try Omni Bev’s Highland Premium Robusta Roasted Coffee.
While their Robusta counterpart has historically been the dominant coffee variety grown in Vietnam, Arabica coffee beans have gained popularity in recent years, in part due to the micro-climates present throughout the country optimal for the beans’ growth. Vietnamese Arabica coffee is a medium full-bodied roast with rich and lively notes of chocolate, vanilla, and caramel. Lower in acidity, Vietnamese Arabica is also known for its smoothness, making the bean variety perfect for coffee amateurs and fanatics alike. To try out the rich and lively profile of Vietnamese Arabica coffee for yourself, check out Omni Bev’s Highland Premium Arabica Roasted Coffee.
Vietnamese Arabica and Robusta beans, however, do not need to be enjoyed exclusively on their own. Omni Bev’s Signature Blend Vietnamese Roasted Coffee perfectly balances Vietnamese Arabica and Robusta beans to create a coffee blend with a low acidity level and a round, mellow flavor rooted in notes of chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel. The combination of the two bean varieties makes this blend perfect to enjoy on its own hot or iced, or in your favorite coffee recipe.
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