Born in Huế, Cà Phê Muối / Cafe Muoi (Salt Coffee / Salted Coffee / Salted Cream Coffee) is the latest star in Vietnam’s coffee scene.
A bold brew topped with a silky, lightly salted cream — it’s unexpected, indulgent, and absolutely addictive.
History of Ca Phe Muoi
Cà Phê Muối — or “salt coffee” — might sound a little strange at first, but don’t worry, nobody’s dumping spoonfuls of salt into your cup.
Instead, it’s whisked into the creamy froth on top, giving that sweet-salty balance (kind of like salted caramel) that makes the coffee taste deeper and smoother.
This drink was first created in 2012 by a lovely couple in Huế, Mr. Phong and Mrs. Hương, who wanted something special for their little café.
The name actually came from Mrs. Hương’s favorite online love story, which feels so fitting for a drink with a “slightly salty” twist.
Vietnamese coffee culture has always thrived on creativity — from the beloved Ca Phe Sua Da (iced coffee with condensed milk) to Hanoi’s egg coffee, Daklak’s avocado coffee, and Saigon’s Bac Xiu.
Salt coffee is just the latest star in that tradition: surprising at the first sip, but unforgettable by the second.
What started as a local specialty quickly won hearts in Huế and soon spread across Vietnam, becoming a must-try for both locals and travelers alike.
Best spots for salt coffee in Huế
Cà Phê Muối Origin (owned by Mr. Phong and Mrs. Hương): Coffee Shop 1, Coffee Shop 2
Ingredients
- Vietnamese Coffee: You can use either instant Vietnamese coffee or freshly brewed coffee made with a traditional Phin filter. For convenience, I’m using instant coffee here (just make sure it’s black and unsweetened).
- Whipping cream: In Vietnam, many cafes use non-dairy topping cream to keep costs low (nothing wrong with that!), but real dairy whipping cream takes the flavor to the next level.
- Icing Sugar: Some places sweeten their coffee with condensed milk instead.
- A pinch of salt.
Instructions
Prepare a strong shot of Vietnamese coffee. Stir in condensed milk.
Whip cream with sugar and salt until the cream is thick but still pourable and frothy.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour in the coffee, and gently spoon the salted cream on top. Grab a straw or spoon, give it a light swirl, and savor your homemade Cà Phê Muối.
Expert Tips
Coffee – Any brewed coffee works, but Vietnamese coffee brings that deep, bold kick.
If you’re visiting Vietnam and looking for gifts, check out my post on the best Vietnamese coffee brands to bring home.
Salt – Start with table salt, or try sea, coarse, or pink salt. Adjust to your taste.
Cream Ratio – Play around with the balance of coffee and cream until it feels just right for you.
Vegan Option – Swap heavy cream with your favorite plant-based cream for a dairy-free twist.
When in Huế – Don’t stop at Salt Coffee! Be sure to try Bun Bo Hue, Huế-style dumplings like Banh Nam, Banh Bot Loc, Banh It Tran, traditional Che (dessert soup), as well as Huế-style vegan dishes and royal cuisine.
More Refreshing Vietnamese Drinks & Desserts
Sinh To Bo – Avocado Smoothie
Sua Bap – Vietnamese Corn Milk
Tra Sua – Vietnamese Milk Tea with grass jelly or boba pearls
Che Khuc Bach – Vietnamese Panna Cotta Dessert
Kem Chuoi – Banana Coconut Frozen Dessert
Sua Chua – Vietnamese Yogurt
Banh Flan – Vietnamese Flan
Salted Coffee (Vietnamese Cà Phê Muối)
Equipment
- 1 hand mixer
Ingredients
- 2 shots strong Vietnamese coffee (about 2 oz / 60 ml)
- 1½ tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- Ice cubes
- ½ cup whipping cream / heavy cream (120ml)
- 1 tbsp icing sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the coffee.
- Combine the coffee with condensed milk, then set it aside.
- Mix whipping cream with sugar and salt, then use a hand mixer with one beater to whip the cream until it's frothy.
- In a glass with ice cubes, pour in the coffee, and top it off with some salted cream. Time to savor!
I tried. It’s so tasty. Thank you for your recipe. Now I can deink salted coffee at home.
Herzlichen Dank für dieses Rezept – verbrachte gerade 3 1/2 Wochen in Vietnam und lernte neue Kaffeearten kennen – egg coffee und eben salt coffee
Entschuldigung für meine späte Antwort. Es freut mich, dass du eine angenehme Zeit in meinem Heimatland hast. Wir haben sogar den Kokoskaffee, dessen Rezept ich später schreiben werde :).
This worked exactly as written, thanks!