Why Vietnam Is the World’s Second Largest Coffee Exporter

When you walk into any Vietnamese city—Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Lat—you’ll find a coffee shop every few steps. It’s not just a convenience; it’s a ritual. For both locals and long-term expats, drinking coffee in Vietnam is as natural as shaking hands. But beyond the cafes lies a serious coffee industry: Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world.

Vietnam produces over 1.7 million metric tons of coffee annually, making it the globe’s second-largest coffee exporter—just behind Brazil. Around 95% of that is Robusta, grown mainly on the Central Highlands and in the south.

How Did Vietnam Become a Coffee Giant?

Vietnam’s rise in global coffee markets began during French colonial rule in the 19th century, when coffee was first introduced to the country. Originally planted in the Annamite Highlands—now known as the Central Highlands—coffee quickly took root due to the region’s fertile soils and elevation.

While Brazil leads in overall volume, Vietnam has narrowed the gap considerably and now rivals it in annual production tonnage. Though most of Vietnam’s output has historically been low-cost Robusta, the country is actively working to expand Arabica cultivation and improve overall coffee quality.

Where Is Coffee Grown in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s coffee regions are split largely by climate and elevation:

• Central Highlands (Tây Nguyên): Home to the majority of Vietnam’s coffee farms, especially around Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Lam Dong provinces. This area produces both Robusta and, increasingly, Arabica.
• Southern Lowlands: Primarily Robusta-growing regions, including Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and Binh Phuoc. These areas have tropical climates suited to high-yield, heat-resistant Robusta varieties.
• Northern Highlands: A newer frontier for Arabica production, with cooler temperatures and higher altitudes allowing for more complex cup profiles.

Efforts are underway to expand Arabica in the north and central highlands, with experimental plantings of unique varieties such as Indonesian Kopi Luwak (known locally as Cà Phê Chồn).

What Makes Vietnamese Coffee Taste Different?

Vietnamese coffee is famous for its intense, sweet-and-bitter profile. That signature taste comes from a combination of factors:

• Robusta Dominance: 95% of Vietnam’s coffee is Robusta, which is naturally more bitter, higher in caffeine, and has a stronger, earthier flavor than Arabica.
• Dark French-Style Roast: Vietnamese roasters typically use a heavy, dark roast akin to traditional French roasting—deep, smoky, and intense.
• Butter or Oil in Roasting: Some roasters add butter or plant-based oils during roasting to enhance body and richness, contributing to the heavy mouthfeel.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Locals often brew coffee using a small metal drip filter (called a phin) and serve it over a generous layer of sweetened condensed milk, balancing the bitterness with intense sweetness.

The entire brewing process using a Ca Phe Phin (Vietnamese coffee dripper) can take 10–20 minutes, slowly extracting strong coffee into a glass already layered with condensed milk. The result is a thick, sweet, and bold drink that’s uniquely Vietnamese.

What Is a Ca Phe Phin and How Does It Work?

The Ca Phe Phin is a small metal pour-over dripper that sits atop a glass. It works slowly, drop by drop, extracting concentrated coffee directly into a glass of sweetened condensed milk. Here’s how it works:

• A metal filter with a press-down disc is filled with finely ground coffee.
• The filter is screwed down to apply pressure.
• Hot water (around 90–95°C) is poured over the grounds.
• Coffee drips slowly—often taking 10–20 minutes—into the glass below.
• The final drink mixes strong black coffee with sweetened condensed milk, often served over ice.

This slow-drip method is a daily ritual for many Vietnamese people and reflects the country’s slower, more communal approach to coffee drinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vietnam the second-largest coffee producer in the world?

Yes, Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter globally by volume, producing over 1.7 million metric tons annually. Brazil is the largest. Most of Vietnam’s coffee is Robusta, which is more productive and easier to grow in large quantities than Arabica.

What type of coffee is Vietnam known for?

Vietnam is best known for its Robusta coffee, which makes up around 95% of its production. However, the country is increasing Arabica cultivation, especially in the northern and central highlands, with efforts to improve quality and expand specialty coffee offerings.

What is a Ca Phe Phin?

The Ca Phe Phin is a traditional Vietnamese single-serving metal coffee dripper. It sits on top of a glass and slowly drips strong brewed coffee through finely ground coffee under pressure. It’s designed to be used with sweetened condensed milk for a sweet, bold drink.

Why is Vietnamese coffee so sweet?

Vietnamese coffee is typically served with a generous amount of sweetened condensed milk, which balances the intense bitterness of the dark-roasted Robusta coffee. The slow drip extraction enhances the strength, making the sweetness essential to the overall flavor profile.

Does Vietnam grow any Arabica coffee?

Yes, Vietnam grows Arabica coffee, especially in the northern highlands and parts of the Central Highlands. While Robusta dominates, Arabica cultivation is expanding, with some farms experimenting with specialty varieties and processing methods.

What’s special about Vietnamese coffee culture?

Vietnamese coffee culture is deeply social and ritualistic. Drinking coffee is a daily, often slow, activity shared among friends. The use of the Ca Phe Phin, paired with condensed milk, creates a unique, sweet, and strong coffee experience that’s central to daily life.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Vietnamese Coffee Fans

If you enjoy the bold, dark-roasted profile of Vietnamese coffee, try FrontStreet’s PWN Golden Mandheling. This Indonesian classic delivers a thick body, heavy sweetness, and low acidity—traits that parallel Vietnam’s dark French-style roasts. For something more balanced yet still rich, their Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon offers chocolatey depth with a touch of fruit, ideal for exploring how different roast levels shape flavor. Both beans showcase the kind of boldness and body that resonate with fans of traditional Vietnamese-style coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.