Cà phê sữa đá, It’s What’s Should Be Up In Your Cup

Cà phê sữa đá, It’s What’s Should Be Up In Your Cup

Coffee is LIFE in Vietnamese culture which is why it’s no wonder that Cà phê sữa đá is the one drink that 90 million people can’t live without.

Vietnamese coffee is the drink 9 million people can't live without

 (Image Courtesy of FlickrRachele Carretti)

The entire city buzzes with happily caffeinated folks from dust until well after dawn. You need only to step into the streets to find young, old and everyone in between sitting at outdoor cafes set up for the day on their small colorful plastic chairs, sipping  on Cà phê sữa đá chatting and people watching along the bustling and dusty streets accompanied by the soundtrack of speeding and honking scooters whizzing by.

To travel there and see for your own eyes makes it easy to understand how their passion has helped to make them the second largest exporter of coffee, after Brazil.

That being said there are literally thousands of cafe’s in Saigon and without a doubt the most popular drink ordered is the traditional Cà phê sữa đá or Vietnamese Iced Coffee.

At its simplest, this deliciously caffeinated drink is made with coarsely ground Vietnamese coffee individually brewed with a small metal Vietnamese filter called a phin cà phê. The coffee then takes it time slowly releasing drops of hot coffee into a cup filled up with about 2-3 tablespoons (more if you like your coffee on the sweeter side) of creamy thick sweetened condensed milk.  Dark roasted, whole bean Vietnamese coffee works best. Whole beans should be coarsely ground and then immediately used to make your Vietnamese coffee. This provides the freshest cup. In general, it is difficult to find a Vietnamese whole bean coffee but there are a few brands available.

The drink that 90 million people can't live without

 (Image Courtesy of FlickrRachele Carretti)

Once the brewing is done, which you’ll know either by noticing the drips of coffee have stopped or by lifting the metal lid off the filter and seeing that all the water has passed through, all that’s left to do is stir and pour that yummy goodness over ice and enjoy!

For those coffee lovers out there who just happen to be totally intrigued and ready to try a cà phê sữa đá right now let us remind you that there’s no need to immediately open a new tab and book a ticket to Vietnam.

All you need to do is hit up your local Vietnamese restaurant as I’m pretty sure they’ll be serving them up.  For those who don’t have that option no worries because you know ChestBrew has your cà phê sữa đá craving back.

Watch our how-to video before you head on over to Amazon and grab yourself a bag or 2 of our Moon Bear Signature Roast, which makes an outstanding Vietnamese Iced Coffee.  While you’re there go here to order your very own cà phê phin (metal filter) and get set with condensed milk and ice in hand to savor the delicious taste of the most popular coffee in Vietnam.

After all, can you really doubt the opinion of nearly 90 million people?

HERE’S A QUESTION…

Have you ever tried Vietnamese iced coffee?

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The Best Cafes in Saigon You Need to Know About Now (Pt.3, Kujuz)

The Best Cafes in Saigon You Need to Know About Now (Pt.3, Kujuz)

If there’s one thing to know about Saigon it’s that the place and the people are coffee crazy. 

THE BEST CAFES IN SAIGON YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NOW (PT.3)

The culture thrives on its caffeine and fact is when it comes to producing their coffee game is strong. This leads to an abundance of the best cafes in Saigon that literally line the streets, alleyways and shops throughout the city.

The struggle to find coffee doesn’t exist In Vietnam. A good thing by all accounts if you happen to be a coffee lover.  But because there are so many cafes in Saigon some of the more unique places can easily be missed.

Keeping that in mind there is definitely a coffee spot for everyone no matter what you might be into.  You’ll find cafes with themes built around fashion, art and coffee and places that offer a more cool calm and collected coffee vibe.

For the curious traveler who loves to delve into the creatively unexpected may we suggest a place away from the beaten path of the busy city streets?

By all accounts, if the answer is yes then KuJuz Café in Central Saigon in an absolute must for you.

It’s not your typical Saigon café but it’s totally worth the trip.

Let’s get the logistics straight first, to grab some java and a dose of culture at KuJuz café head on over to 5 Trần Quý Khoách, Tân Định, 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.

I admit when our cab driver first dropped us off I was a little confused because the area seemed a world away from what I knew of Saigon. The typically beautifully chaotic, narrow and dusty streets had disappeared miles back and were replaced by smooth and quiet roads.  It was almost too quiet and desolate but when the promise of good coffee is nearby you never retreat. Never.

Once out of the taxi my eyes fell on a cafe conceived for creative minds. Situated in a small, self-contained area where warehouses have been converted into artsy shops, galleries and boutiques I almost felt like I was in back LA.  There was a definite “up and coming” vibe to this area.  It seemed like a place that in a few years would be swarming with tourists and locals alike. For now though it was hidden gem that had been found.

Nestled amongst the eclectic shops upon leading up the café the sight of a VW camper via the 1950’s immediately greets you. Next you can’t but notice the cacophony of colors that make up the shop along with an eye catching exterior.

With an intention to introduce the concept of recycling to young Vietnamese the colorful doors and window frames of the café are made from reuse wood and are painted in fun and vibrant colors.

Even before you’ve looked at the menu stepping into KuJuz feels like a moment where you actually get to take a peek through that magical looking glass.

THE BEST CAFES IN SAIGON YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NOW (PT.3)

(Image Courtesy of Flickr, Debbs.)

Inside the exterior is equal parts inviting and intriguing.  The interior is a peaceful space with décor that’s just as colorful as the outside.  It’s sparks a cozy and eclectic vibe that’s both refreshing and cool. There’s a definite relaxed feel to it to this café and one that after a few days amongst the busy city is inviting.

It must be noted that the sturdy community style wooden tables, regal solid chairs and decent Wi-Fi connection makes this Saigon Café a great place to catch up on some emails or get some work done.

There’s also seating outside and the patio has it’s a character all its own.  Something akin to your own private backyard lined with greenery and even a small water fountain it’s another great option to chill out, read a book or write a postcard to someone back home.

What about the coffee you ask?  We’re almost there but first there’s something you need to know.

One of the more interesting aspects of KuJuz is that at this café you make your own drink. It’s basically a self-serve café where, with the help of some friendly staff, you choose your favorite drink and mix it your own way.

This type of business concept literally translates into an endless number of coffee and tea options literally at your fingertips.

And the coffee does not disappoint.  Everything you have come to expect from a Vietnamese coffee is right there for you in your tall iced glass or your piping hot mug.

As if all that wasn’t enough to make this Saigon Café stand out another cool aspect is their pay system. For the most part drinks are VND50,000/glass (about $2.25 USD) but if you pay VND100,000 (that’s around $4.50 USD) you can explore and enjoy as many drink as your heart desires.

THE BEST CAFES IN SAIGON YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NOW (PT.3)

(Image Courtesy of Flickr, Debbs)

KuJuz even let’s its patrons leave and linger around the surrounding shops and pop back in whenever needed to get refreshed.  The whole place screams “Home away from home”.

KuJuz is a definite hidden gem in Saigon (for now) and one that definitely should be included on your travel itinerary.

HERE’S A QUESTION…

What hidden gems to do you to offer people traveling to Vietnam?

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Subscribe to ChestBrew for more of the Best Cafes in Saigon and to get a coupon on our ridiculously strong coffee

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

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The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt.2, ID cafe)

The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt.2, ID cafe)

When it comes to finding the best cafes in Saigon let all of your worries go. Coffee and cafe culture is an absolute staple of life in Vietnam.

The best cafes in Saigon Pt.2

Take a trip to any of the major cities such as Saigon and Hanoi and you’ll find street style cafes, Indie Cafes, a handful of Western chains and more. There’s absolutely something for everyone and with the thousands of coffee havens that are yours to explore we thought we’d highlight a few of what we think are the best cafes in Saigon to help you out.

If you love fashion and art as much as you love coffee be sure to check out our last post to know where to go for your joe.

We hope you’re well caffeinated and continuing on with our Best Saigon Cafes series next up is I.D. Café.

You can find this hidden gem of a cafe at 34D Thu Khoa Huan Street | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City District 1, Vietnam.

We must have hit this café up at least 4 or 5 times in a single trip while in Saigon. To be honest, it doesn’t look like much from the street, but once upstairs this cool little café with lounge chairs and coffee tables, free wifi, a/c, magazines and papers to read is an absolute hidden treasure.

From the first visit I was hooked to the cafe that’s tucked along the stretch of shop houses in District 1. The two-floor coffee shop has a décor that’s cozy, industrial and the perfect place to settle in.  The retro style armchairs are comfy and stylish and the walls lined with vinyl records and stencils along with the lighting and music create a cool and creative atmosphere.

Located just one block north of Ben Thanh Market, I.D. Cafe offers the perfect break from the beautiful chaos of the market.

The coffee is great here including of course an exceptional Cà phê sua đá (Iced Vietnamese Coffee) along with cold coffee blended treats, exotic fruit smoothies and for those looking for a different kind of refreshment they serve a nice assortment of local beers, ciders, wines and cocktails.

If you’re hungry they offer a full menu of both Vietnamese and Western foods that are reasonably priced and seriously tasty! Think burgers, fried rice and noodle soups not mention lots of desserts including passion fruit and chili ice cream.(Hungry yet?)

Without a doubt I.D.cafe is a must if you’re traveling in Saigon.

If all that doesn’t convince you I suppose you’ll just have to bookmark this page and check it out for yourself on your next trip to Vietnam.

HERE’S A QUESTION:

What’s your favorite style of café?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…

Subscribe to ChestBrew for more of the Best Cafes in Saigon and to get a coupon for a discount on our ridiculously strong coffee.

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

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Premium Whole Bean Vietnamese Coffee

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Ground perfectly for 1-Step Brewing

The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt. 1, L’Usine)

The Best Cafes In Saigon You Need To Know About Now (Pt. 1, L’Usine)

If there’s one thing that Saigon has it’s a healthy coffee scene. Our own personal treks through Saigon have spoiled us with some of the best coffee tasting experiences we’ve ever had.

Best Cafes in Saigon

Keeping in mind there are thousands of cafes in Saigon to choose from whether you’re looking for your morning jolt, a chill place to get some work done, a place to duck in to avoid the drench of rainy season or a simple and sweet after dinner dose with friends the choices can definitely be overwhelming.  We spent quite a bit of time researching ourselves and hey, if you ever do find yourself in Saigon let us help you out.

In our Best Cafes in Saigon series we’ll share our favorite cafes that go above and beyond simply serving drinks, post a few pics so you can get a feel for the ambiance and toss in some of the details to get you there and enjoying a good cup of cà phê yourself.

Alright, first on ChestBrew’s Café Must Menu is L’Usine.

Are you like me and love when fashion and coffee come together? Well welcome to L’USINE: Fashion, Lifestyle, Cafe,Gallery.

Best Cafes in Saigon

With two locations in Saigon, the original is located at Dong Khoi. Hidden inside an alleyway with paintings and other crafts for sale this is one of my favorite places to go early in the morning for a tall and strong iced coffee alongside a yummy lemon tart.

The atmosphere is so pleasant with their contemporary furniture, faux trees lined with beautiful lights, large windows that allows tons of natural sunlight in and high Victorian ceilings.  L’Usine is a hidden gem and a quiet retreat from the busy streets below.

Their second location a few miles away at Le Loi is another great place to refresh and recharge yourself.

The cafe offers a full Western style breakfast menu with lunch and dinner options as well. Their tuna salad is delicious! Their desserts are divine and their coffee bar includes lattes, cappuccinos and of course Cà phê sua đá (Sweetened Vietnamese Iced Coffee). If you happen to be a tea drinker I highly recommend the blossom flower tea!

Best Cafes in Saigon

To top it off both locations have an attached eclectic boutique where you can browse clothes, shoes, jewelry and find some beautiful and unique gifts and souvenirs.

L’Usine also hold the occasional fashion show turning their café and boutique in a runaway for local fashion designers to showcase their talent.  How cool is that?

Keep in mind that both L’Usine locations are pretty busy from open to close but if you ask us it’s absolutely a must try at least once every trip.

HERE’S A QUESTION:

What cafes can you recommend in Vietnam?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…

Subscribe to ChestBrew for more of the Best Cafes in Saigon and to get a coupon for a discount on our ridiculously strong coffee.

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

buy Moon Bear

Premium Whole Bean Vietnamese Coffee

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Ground perfectly for 1-Step Brewing

How To Offer The Best Product Ever

How To Offer The Best Product Ever

A staggering 100 million businesses are launched annually, according to a GEM Global Report. With that information you can understand that the idea of having a unique product is one thing. The actual execution of creating that product and bringing it to the market is a whole other challenge.

How to offer the best product ever

(Image Courtesy of Flickr, Khánh Hmoong)

Like any good business great will tell you in order to meet the needs of the market you have to be able to fill a gap that currently exists. You must believe that you have a better offering than your competitors and you have to do the hard work to create a brand that brings the best of that offering to life.

We successfully identified “the gap” and figured out how to be the first supplier of 100% Vietnamese coffee to the United States.  It was common knowledge that we admired hard work and that the Vietnamese coffee roasting industry we would establish would employ some the hardest workers we knew.  To make the business model even more in line with our company beliefs, that coffee would be marketed to help hard working people in the Western world get stuff done.

Now the task was to actually find the bean that would fit the bill.

Before we first set out to find the best bean in Vietnam we knew that in order to find that bean we would have to know what else was out there.

And so with a round trip ticket in hand, a couple dozen TripAdvisor bookmarks on our Ipads and a thirst for purpose we mapped out all the best cafes in Saigon.

Now, if you’ve been to the capital city you’ll know this was no small feat. I mean cafes are to Saigon like the grains of sand are to the beaches of California.  Despite this we committed to the idea that no challenge was too big, especially when we had coffee as our go to research resource.

We narrowed down our points of caffeinated interest to specifically District 1, an area that has a population of 204,899 people and is located in the middle of the city. D1 is considered the financial center of Saigon and Vietnam and also happens to be known as the best spot for shopping in Vietnam with loads of shopping centers and fancy high end retailers.

With just over 2 weeks of dozens of early morning meetings with industry experts and suppliers to attend and late nights ahead of us we were sure that’d we’d be able to get a taste of the fuel we needed to help drive our own Project of Purpose.

We traveled the country and shook hands with some of the most noted players in the Vietnamese coffee game as well as some new players that were trying their hand in the market.  We discussed the ins and outs, the logistics, legalities and pragmatics of the proposal.

After our meetings we felt we were on the right track.  It was imperative to meet with the big guys but we didn’t stop there.  We knew how important the “little guys” were and how important it was to understand what the actual experience of drinking the coffee was.

How to offer the best product ever

We explored small mom and pop owned cafes that had no more than a few colorful child size tables and chairs outside to sip and enjoy the city scenes.  We took in the big 3 floor chain coffee shops that welcomed you with the most glorious blast of air conditioning. Not to mention trying the brews from the Vietnamese lady on the corner pouring drinks straight from her street cart.

It was much more of an experience than I ever thought it was going to be and we learned many things along the way.

Insights such as coffee is life in Vietnam. From morning to night the locals are drinking their hot and iced coffees as the rush of the scooters, taxis and people fly by.  It’s meant to be had in the morning, after breakfast, post lunch and most certainly after dinner.

There is not a corner you can turn without seeing a selection of cafes that are full of customers. Which means don’t be too hopeful if you hit up a café where there are no seats available because people don’t rush their coffee time.

And if you love a particular cup of coffee get your fill because unless you’re mapping out your every step you’ll probably never find the place again.

Most importantly we learned that coffee in Vietnam isn’t something that people drink to power through their day, it’s not just a daily habit and it certainly isn’t taken for granted.

Having coffee in Vietnam means that you’re sitting down to slow down your own perspective as the rest of world whizzes by.  It’s a time of day where you sit with others for hours at a time quite possibly not saying a single word but just observing the world around you.  It’s a tool to open the door to a solid session of self-reflection taking in all you can so that when you finally do rise from your chair you’re doing so having settled into your place in this world just a little more.

Did we find great coffee?  Absolutely, but far greater than that we discovered the “secret” to offering the best product possible.

We realized that in our quest for the perfect bean rather than getting caught up in nailing down the perfect “taste profile” what we should have been doing was taking notes from the Easterner’s lifestyle.

The coffee, no matter where we went was on point, that’s something the people of Vietnam have mastered.  But how, where, when and with whom you enjoy it has so much to do with how that cup of brew goes down.

And that’s a lesson that we’ll take refills on any day.

HERE’S A QUESTION…

What compels you to choose a product?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…

Subscribe to ChestBrew for more awesome stories and for a coupon to get a discount on our ridiculously strong coffee.

Nice to meet you

We're Minh and Teresa and we love coffee

buy Moon Bear

Premium Whole Bean Vietnamese Coffee

buy cold brew

Ground perfectly for 1-Step Brewing