Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnamese Coffee Workshop & Tasting

Summary

Brew filter & phin coffee in saigon taste bánh đậu xanh and hear roasting crackle

You’ll taste Vietnamese coffee two ways in Ho Chi Minh City, try Bánh Đậu Xanh and cocoa cashews, watch beans roast up close, and hear stories from local guides who really care about their craft. Expect laughter, new flavors, and maybe a moment or two where you forget you’re just visiting.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you know there’s a right way to slurp Vietnamese coffee?” That’s how our guide, Linh, kicked things off in Ho Chi Minh City. I was still shaking off the morning humidity when we sat down, but the smell of roasting beans kind of woke me up better than any alarm. Linh handed us these tiny cups and some Bánh Đậu Xanh — little mung bean cakes that crumble like sand but melt sweet on your tongue. I tried to say the name right, but she just laughed and said it was close enough. The whole thing felt less like a class and more like hanging out in someone’s kitchen.

They showed us two different ways to brew — first with this filter blend (I think they called it Lacàph?) paired with the cake, then later the phin brewer for that slow drip style. Watching the hot water drip through made me weirdly patient; I guess good coffee doesn’t rush. The cocoa-coated cashews they brought out were ridiculously addictive — I probably ate too many, but nobody seemed to mind. At one point we all leaned in to listen for the “first crack” as they roasted a small batch right there. It sounded like popcorn popping, only richer somehow. The air got thick with this nutty aroma — honestly, if you could bottle that smell…

I didn’t expect to get pulled into Vietnam’s bigger coffee story either. There was this short film about how coffee culture changes from Hanoi down to Saigon — street corners, tiny stools, people talking over their cups. Made me notice things outside differently after we left. It’s funny how sharing a table with strangers and a few snacks can make you feel part of something local for an afternoon. Still think about that first sip sometimes when I’m back home and my regular coffee tastes kind of flat by comparison.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vietnamese coffee brewing and culture

• Begin multi-sensory coffee experiment
• Brew two Lacàph coffee blends
• Taste Lacàph Filter Blend with Bánh Đậu Xanh
• Watch small batch Lacàph Phin Blend roasting
• Enjoy Phin Coffee with cocoa cashews
• Watch mini-documentary on Vietnam coffee culture

Top questions

How long does the Vietnamese coffee workshop last?

The workshop is about two hours long.

Is food included during the Ho Chi Minh City coffee tour?

Yes, you’ll have Bánh Đậu Xanh (mung bean cake) and cocoa-coated cashews along with your coffee tastings.

Do I need to bring anything for the Vietnamese Coffee & Culture workshop?

Nope! Just bring yourself uncaffeinated—everything else is provided.

Will I learn how to brew Vietnamese phin coffee?

Yes, you’ll brew with both filter and phin methods using Lacàph blends.

Is hotel pickup included for this activity?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Does the workshop include information about Vietnamese coffee culture?

Yes, local guides share stories and show a mini-documentary about Vietnam’s coffee traditions.

What’s included

Your time includes hands-on brewing of two Lacàph core blends with all equipment provided, guided tasting of filter and phin coffees paired with Bánh Đậu Xanh and cocoa-coated cashews as snacks—just show up ready to sip and snack; everything else is covered on site.