Discovering Salt Coffee - A Unique Icon of Hue
Just as Saigon has iced milk coffee and Hanoi has egg coffee, salt coffee is the symbol of Hue’s coffee culture. In the past, salt coffee was a well-kept secret known only to the people of Hue. The mere mention of this unique beverage left many unable to fathom the extraordinary flavor it had. If you have the chance to visit this ancient city, do not miss this exceptional drink.
Hand-Dripped Coffee - The Key to Hue’s Flavor
In the diverse world of coffee, Hue maintains its traditional style with hand-dripped coffee using a Vietnamese filter (Phin). Despite the prevalence of modern and speedy coffee machines nowadays, the locals in Hue still favor the slow process of hand-dripped coffee. This preference is evident as one can observe people spending more time enjoying coffee in Hue than anywhere else. Each drop of coffee slowly falls into the cup, creating concentric circles that blend with the aroma of coffee, forming a unique and captivating cultural portrait of Hue, attracting numerous visitors to this place.
Vietnamese farmers always carefully select ripe cherries either by hand-picking (Source: flic.kr)
For first-time visitors to Hue, the taste of this coffee might be unfamiliar, possibly even more bitter compared to other coffee varieties. It may initially pose a challenge, but as they invest more time and linger, they will discover the sweet aftertaste and the rich aroma of traditional hand-dripped coffee. The people of Hue appreciate bold flavors, and sometimes, just a hint of ice without additional condiments allows them to relish the distinct flavor of coffee in their own way.
Icon of Hue’s Culinary Art
Sipping the flavor of salt coffee is an experience, a key to unlocking a deeper understanding of the soul and coffee culture in this ancient land. Originating from a garden coffee shop on Nguyen Luong Bang Street about a decade ago, some say salt coffee has its roots in a love story. However, it cannot be denied that salt coffee is an innovative creation that Hue has gifted to us.
It is said that Hue is a dreamer, and that flavor emanates from the philosophy of love, believing that one must experience various tastes like bitterness, sweetness, and saltiness for love to be complete. The deep and contemplative nature ingrained in the lifestyle of the people of Hue is evident in their dedication to introspection, seeking meaning and beauty in everything around them. Perhaps that is why the cuisine of Hue, and especially its coffee culture, is not an exception. Even as coffee transforms over time, it must still embody the richness and various flavors that make it uniquely Hue.
Memorable Unique Flavor
Salt coffee is not just a beverage; it is an unforgettable flavor experience. Each drop of coffee, combined with fresh milk, condensed milk, and a touch of salt, creates a rich and distinctive Hue flavor. Drinking a cup of salt coffee is an art, from the process of brewing with a Vietnamese filter to stirring evenly after the filter has drained. The waiting time for each drop of coffee to fall onto the layer of milk foam, the velvety sensation, and the lingering aroma on the tongue, coupled with the combination of salt, sweetness, and bitterness of coffee, create a unique flavor. The people of Hue appreciate taking their time, as it aligns with their nature, allowing them ample time to savor and enjoy every bit of the flavor that salt coffee brings.
Destination
Indulge in this unique flavor at original salt coffee shops in Hue, such as Nguyen Luong Bang (Number 10) and Dang Thai Than (Number 142). Under the shade of green trees, you will feel the serene atmosphere, the gentle sound of conversations, and savor a distinctive cup of salt coffee. Do not miss the opportunity to experience this peculiar and delightful flavor when you visit this beautiful city.
