When people think about Vietnamese coffee, what often comes to mind is the bold taste of drip-brewed phin coffee, the sweet indulgence of Saigon iced milk coffee, or the rich creaminess of Hanoi egg coffee. Yet in recent years, another name has captured attention across Vietnam and beyond: salted coffee.

At first glance, many wonder: “Is salted coffee simply coffee mixed with salt?”

The answer is a clear no.

Salted Coffee – A Creation from Hue

Salted coffee has its roots in Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital. Hue is known not only for its historical landmarks and royal cuisine but also for its refined, delicate flavors. It was here that creative baristas experimented with the boldness of coffee and the surprising twist of salt, leading to the birth of a brand-new drink.

• The result is not a cup of coffee that tastes overtly salty. Instead, the salt plays a subtle but powerful role:
• It enhances the bitterness of roasted coffee, making it smoother and less harsh.
• It brings out a balanced sweetness when combined with condensed milk or cream.
• It leaves a lingering aftertaste that is both unique and unforgettable.

This clever mix has transformed salted coffee into a specialty that represents Hue’s artistry in food and beverage creation.

A Delicate, Thoughtful Brewing Process

The charm of salted coffee lies not only in its ingredients but also in the way it is crafted. A traditional Hue-style salted coffee often goes through three meticulous steps:

• Brewing the base – using medium-roasted Vietnamese coffee, slowly extracted through a phin filter to create a strong, aromatic base.
• Blending salt with milk or cream – the salt is carefully mixed with condensed milk or whipped cream, ensuring just enough to highlight flavors without overwhelming them.
• Bringing it all together – the salted cream layer is added to the hot coffee, creating a rich, foamy top that is both visually appealing and delicious.

This careful preparation turns salted coffee into more than just a beverage—it becomes a thoughtful, well-balanced experience in every sip.

Why Do People Love Salted Coffee?

Salted coffee has become popular not just because it’s “different,” but because of the unique harmony it creates:

• Bitterness is softened and made more palatable.
• Sweetness is highlighted without being cloying.
• Saltiness doesn’t dominate, but instead amplifies the complexity of the drink.

For many, salted coffee is refreshing yet comforting—a perfect example of how Vietnamese coffee culture continues to innovate while staying true to its roots.

Hue Salted Coffee by UFO Coffee – Authentic Yet Convenient

While salted coffee originated in Hue, not everyone has the chance to travel there just to try it. That’s why UFO Coffee has introduced its own version of Hue Salted Coffee in instant form.

• Authentic flavor: Staying true to Hue’s recipe with a bold coffee base, a gentle touch of salt, and creamy richness.
• Convenient: Just one sachet and hot water (or even over ice), and you have an authentic salted coffee experience anywhere, anytime.
• Cultural inspiration: Each cup carries not only flavor but also the story of Vietnamese creativity and tradition.

With UFO Coffee’s salted coffee, you don’t have to choose between convenience and authenticity—you can have both in one cup.

Conclusion

So, is salted coffee just coffee with salt? The answer is no—it is much more than that. It’s the art of balancing flavors, the creativity of Vietnamese baristas, and the cultural pride of Hue condensed into a single cup.

And thanks to UFO Coffee, this once-local specialty is now accessible wherever you are. With every sip, you can taste the boldness of Vietnamese coffee, the subtlety of salt, and the creamy balance that makes salted coffee so unforgettable.

Have you tried UFO Coffee’s Hue Salted Coffee yet? If not, maybe it’s time to discover why this unique drink has become one of Vietnam’s most talked-about coffee creations.