Salt coffee – a unique beverage combining the bitterness of coffee, the sweetness of milk, and a subtle hint of saltiness – has emerged as a culinary sensation, particularly over the past year. Originating from the ancient city of Huế, Vietnam, salt coffee is not just a drink but a symbol of creativity in Vietnamese coffee culture. This article will dive into what salt coffee is, its origins, the ingredients that create its distinctive flavor, how people describe its taste, what international tourists say about it, and why it has gained such popularity recently. Finally, we’ll introduce the instant salt coffee product by UFO Coffee. (800-1000 words)

The Origin of Salt Coffee in Huế

Salt coffee is considered a specialty of Huế, first created over a decade ago at a garden café on Nguyễn Lương Bằng Street in Huế. According to the café owners, the idea for salt coffee stemmed from a romantic short story titled “Salt Coffee,” which tells of a young man who drank coffee with salt to evoke memories of his coastal hometown. Inspired by this tale, Trần Nguyễn Hữu Phong and Hồ Thị Thanh Hương, owners of Cà Phê Muối (Salt Coffee Café), experimented and perfected the recipe, creating a drink that blends salty, sweet, and bitter flavors in perfect harmony.

However, the concept of adding salt to coffee isn’t exclusive to Huế. Historical records suggest that the practice has existed globally, particularly in coastal regions. Sailors and fishermen, lacking fresh water during long voyages, used seawater to brew coffee, accidentally discovering a unique flavor. In 1906, the American publication Interstate Druggist noted that Dr. William C. Alpers added salt to coffee to enhance its taste, boosting sales for his company. Nevertheless, Huế’s salt coffee has carved out its own identity, becoming a cultural icon of the city.

Ingredients of Salt Coffee

Salt coffee from Huế is made with simple ingredients, but its magic lies in the perfect balance of flavors. The key components include:

• Pure coffee: Robusta or Arabica beans, freshly roasted and ground, brewed using a traditional Vietnamese phin filter to preserve its bold flavor. The quality of the coffee is crucial, with beans ideally roasted within 7-10 days for maximum freshness.
• Condensed milk: Adds a creamy sweetness that complements the coffee’s bitterness.
• Whipping cream or fermented milk: Creates a smooth, rich texture, topped with a frothy layer that defines Huế’s salt coffee.
• Refined or pink salt: The “soul” of the drink, a pinch of salt (3-5g per serving, depending on taste) adds a subtle salty note, balancing the bitterness and enhancing the sweetness.
• Boiling water: Used to brew the coffee through a phin filter at 90-95°C to avoid scorching the grounds.

The preparation follows a traditional method: rinse the phin with hot water, add ground coffee, tamp it down, and pour 25ml of boiling water to bloom the coffee, followed by 50ml more to drip slowly. Meanwhile, mix salt with whipping cream, whip it to a frothy consistency, then combine it with condensed milk and pour the brewed coffee over the mixture. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon may be added for extra flavor and visual appeal.

How People Describe the Taste of Salt Coffee

The flavor of salt coffee is a harmonious blend of three distinct notes: bitter, sweet, and salty. Upon the first sip, a gentle saltiness touches the tongue, followed by the creamy sweetness of milk, and concluding with the lingering bitterness of coffee. This creates a rich, multi-layered taste experience. Many describe it as “familiar yet surprising,” “bold but smooth,” and “addictive from the first sip.”

Experts explain that salt (sodium chloride) reduces the bitterness caused by chlorogenic acids in coffee while amplifying sweetness and subtle acidity through taste bud stimulation. This makes salt coffee an ideal choice for those who want a flavorful coffee without excessive sugar, especially for people monitoring calorie intake or managing diabetes. However, some note that improper preparation can result in an overly salty taste, which may overpower the drink if not balanced carefully.

What International Tourists Say About Huế’s Salt Coffee

Salt coffee has not only won over local palates but also captivated international tourists. According to a 2024 CNN Travel article, salt coffee has become a trending culinary topic, especially on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Foreign visitors often describe it as “an unexpected but perfect combination” or “a taste of love – salty, sweet, and bitter.” Many have been inspired to recreate salt coffee at home, drawing from their experiences in Huế.

The original Cà Phê Muối at 10 Nguyễn Lương Bằng Street welcomes hundreds of international guests daily. Tourists praise the traditional phin brewing method, which allows them to watch coffee drip slowly while blending with the creamy salted foam. Visitors from Europe and the U.S. compare it to salted caramel drinks but note that it retains the distinct character of Vietnamese coffee. Some initially find the saltiness unfamiliar but are won over after a few sips, appreciating the nostalgic ambiance of Huế’s cozy cafés.

Why Has Salt Coffee Become So Popular in the Past Year?

In 2024, salt coffee skyrocketed in popularity both in Vietnam and globally, largely due to its viral presence on social media. Videos showcasing how to make salt coffee, reviews of Huế’s iconic cafés, and aesthetically pleasing shots of the frothy drink garnered millions of views. Its inclusion in the menu of major chains like Starbucks Vietnam (May 2024) further cemented its status as a must-try beverage.

The trend of seeking novel culinary experiences has also propelled salt coffee into the spotlight, appealing to younger generations and tourists alike. Affordable pricing (15,000-30,000 VND per cup in Huế) and the ease of replicating it at home have made it accessible to a wide audience. Additionally, brands like Elys Coffee have begun exporting salt coffee to international markets, from Asia to Europe, elevating the global profile of Vietnamese coffee culture.

UFO Coffee’s Instant Huế Salt Coffee

To bring the authentic taste of Huế’s salt coffee to everyone, UFO Coffee has launched its instant Huế salt coffee, capturing the essence of this iconic drink in a convenient package. Made from 100% pure robusta coffee, blended with condensed milk, creamy foam, and a touch of refined salt, this product delivers the signature bitter-sweet-salty flavor of Huế’s specialty.

Preparation is effortless: simply mix one packet of UFO Coffee’s instant salt coffee with 75ml of hot water (80-100°C), stir, and enjoy a café-quality drink at home. Perfect for busy lifestyles, it’s also an ideal gift to share Huế’s coffee culture with friends worldwide. UFO Coffee prioritizes high-quality ingredients, free from artificial flavors, ensuring a safe and healthy product.

Experience the unique flavor of Huế with UFO Coffee’s instant salt coffee today!