About this video

• Video Title: I never drank coffee until I moved to VIETNAM
• Channel: Travis Travels Vietnam
• Speakers: Travis (implied from channel name)
• Duration: 00:09:01

Overview

This video explores the deep-rooted coffee culture in Vietnam, highlighting its historical significance, the prevalence of Robusta beans, and the diverse ways coffee is enjoyed. The speaker shares personal anecdotes about their own coffee consumption habits after moving to Vietnam and introduces viewers to various popular Vietnamese coffee drinks.

Key takeaways

• Vietnam's Coffee Production: Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter globally, producing nearly 20% of the world's coffee, with a strong focus on Robusta beans.
• Historical Context: Coffee was introduced by the French in the mid-1800s, but large-scale cultivation began in the 1980s through an agreement with East Germany, which provided resources in exchange for coffee. The collapse of East Germany meant Vietnam never had to repay the debt, leaving them with a robust coffee industry.
• Cultural Significance: Unlike in the West where coffee is often about productivity, in Vietnam it's a vital part of social connection, with people gathering in coffee shops to chat and play games.
• Popular Vietnamese Coffees: The video showcases four main types:
  • Cafe Den: Black coffee, described as "rocket fuel."
  • Cafe Sua: Black coffee with condensed milk, offering sweetness.
  • Cafe Dau: Coconut coffee, blended with coconut cream, ice, and topped with coconut flakes, popular with foreigners.
  • Cafe Mui: Salt coffee, a mix of black coffee with a thick, whipped salty cream, which balances the bitterness.
• Bonus Coffee: Cafe Bo, avocado coffee, a unique blend of avocado and coffee, topped with coconut flakes.
• Robusta Dominance: Robusta beans are primarily grown due to ease of cultivation and higher yield, aligning with historical production goals and becoming the preferred flavor for many Vietnamese people.