Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnamese Coffee Workshop & Tasting

Summary

Hands-on coffee making in Saigon with local flavors and stories

You’ll learn to brew classic Vietnamese coffees in Ho Chi Minh City with a local guide—taste creamy bạc xỉu, try salted cà phê muối from Huế, and finish with a wild yogurt-honey creation. Includes all drinks and snacks plus stories you won’t find on Google. It’s warm, hands-on, and leaves you craving another cup.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried salted coffee before?” That’s how Li greeted us as we walked into the little café tucked off a noisy street in Ho Chi Minh City. The air inside was thick with the smell of roasted beans—like someone had just opened a bag right under your nose. I was still sticky from the walk over (Saigon humidity is no joke), but somehow that made the first sip even better. There were five of us, plus Li, who claimed he’d been drinking cà phê sữa đá since he was eight. He laughed when I tried to say ‘bạc xỉu’—I definitely butchered it—but nobody seemed to mind.

We each got our own little phin filter, which felt surprisingly heavy for something so simple. Li showed us how to pack the grounds and pour just enough hot water—he said you can’t rush Vietnamese coffee or it gets “grumpy.” The drip took ages, but waiting was half the fun. Someone’s phone buzzed; nobody checked it. We tried three coffees: first the creamy bạc xỉu (it tasted almost like dessert), then cà phê muối from Huế—salty and sweet at once, with this odd story about a lovesick barista that Li told halfway through. Last came the “Phin Con Panna,” which piled yogurt and honey on top of strong brew; honestly, I didn’t expect to like it but ended up scraping my glass clean.

I’m not much for desserts but they brought out this bánh mì thing at the end—a weird little pastry that looked like bread but tasted more like cake? Still not sure what was in it. There was a lot of laughing and some awkward attempts at Vietnamese (I think one guy ordered “milk chicken” by accident). By then it was raining outside, so we just lingered over our cups, watching scooters splash by through foggy windows.

It’s funny—I’ve had fancier coffee workshops before, but none where I left feeling like I’d actually made something myself or understood why people here love their coffee so much. If you’re looking for a day trip in Ho Chi Minh City that isn’t just sightseeing, this Vietnamese coffee workshop is worth squeezing in. I still think about that salty-sweet taste sometimes when I hear rain on glass.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vietnamese coffee workshop experience

• Learn about three Vietnamese coffees
• Make Bạc Xỉu coffee
• Make Cà Phê Muối coffee
• Make Phin Con Panna coffee
• Taste all crafted coffees
• Enjoy Vietnamese Bánh Mì dessert

Top questions

Is this Vietnamese coffee workshop suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's designed for both beginners and enthusiasts—no experience needed.

What types of coffee will I make during the class?

You’ll make bạc xỉu (milk coffee), cà phê muối (salted coffee), and Phin Con Panna (yogurt-honey fusion).

Are drinks and snacks included in the price?

Yes, all coffees and snacks—including a bánh mì-inspired dessert—are included.

Where does the workshop take place in Ho Chi Minh City?

The class is held at a café location in Hồ Chí Minh City; exact details provided after booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you'll need to get to the café on your own.

Can vegans or those with lactose intolerance join?

No, it's not recommended for vegans or travelers with lactose intolerance due to dairy use.

How long does the workshop last?

The exact duration isn't listed but expect an interactive session long enough for three brews and snacks.

Are there any health restrictions?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your experience includes all necessary supplies for brewing three types of Vietnamese coffee—with plenty of freshly roasted beans—plus a sweet bánh mì-inspired snack to finish things off. Just bring yourself; everything else is provided at the café in Ho Chi Minh City.