Everything You Need to Know About Salt Coffee – The Unique Specialty of Hue

Salt coffee, an intriguing blend of the bitter taste of coffee and the salty flavor of salt, has become an essential part of Vietnam's specialty coffee culture. More than just a drink, salt coffee offers a unique experience that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. Let's explore the uniqueness of this specialty drink!

Origins of Salt Coffee

Salt coffee has been around for a long time, especially in coastal regions like Scandinavia, Hungary, and Siberia, where people brewed coffee with brackish water, creating a unique flavor by combining fresh and salty water. Sailors and fishermen also used saltwater when fresh water was scarce, which led to the habit of enjoying salty coffee.

In Vietnam, Hue is known as the birthplace of modern salt coffee. A café on Nguyen Luong Bang Street in Hue created this drink by brewing coffee from a filter, allowing it to drip down into salty cream, resulting in a unique caramel flavor. Salt coffee quickly became a famous local specialty and a source of pride for the people of Hue.

>>> Read more: Hue Salt Coffee - A Unique Icon of Hue

There are also stories suggesting that salt coffee originated during the French colonial period when the Vietnamese created it by substituting salt for sugar due to a sugar shortage, resulting in a distinct flavor.

While there are various theories about its origin, salt coffee has become a unique symbol in Vietnamese coffee culture, enriching the coffee experience and becoming a must-try drink for visitors to Hue.

How to Make Perfect Salt Coffee

Making salt coffee may seem simple, but it holds many secrets to achieving the perfect flavor. Both the preparation of ingredients and the brewing process require attention to detail.

Essential Ingredients

First, choose the right type of coffee. Use medium-roasted Robusta or Arabica beans to preserve the rich flavor. For the salt, you can use either sea salt or refined salt, depending on your taste. Finally, water is key; use moderately hot water to ensure the coffee dissolves properly.

Brewing Process

The process of making salt coffee involves these simple steps:

1. Add coffee, a pinch of salt, and cocoa powder to a filter, pour hot water to steep, and discard the first batch of water.

2. Add more hot water to the filter and wait for the coffee to drip into the cup.

3. Whisk plant-based cream with salt and fresh milk until frothy.

4. Mix sweetened condensed milk with brewed coffee, then add ice.

5. Pour the salted cream on top and enjoy.

If you want to learn more in detail and discover tips from professional baristas, join and experience making Hue Salt Coffee.

Tips for Making the Best Salt Coffee

To make a delicious cup of salt coffee, pay attention to the amount of salt. A moderate amount will enhance the coffee's flavor, but too much salt can be overwhelming. Additionally, the quality of the coffee plays a significant role in the taste. Therefore, it's important to choose clean, pure coffee from a reputable brand to ensure both flavor and safety. Avoid using flavored or instant coffee to fully enjoy the true, rich taste of coffee.

Benefits of Salt Coffee

Adding salt to coffee can actually bring several interesting health benefits. Salt helps reduce the bitterness and acidity of coffee while enhancing its sweetness and smoothness, improving the overall taste experience.

The amount of salt added to coffee is usually very small, so it doesn’t have any negative impact on health. In fact, when consumed in moderation, salt coffee can offer several health benefits, including:

• Reducing the risk of dehydration

Caffeine in coffee can lead to dehydration, but the salt helps balance fluid levels in the body, preventing this issue. However, this doesn't mean you should skip drinking water—it's still important to maintain an adequate water intake throughout the day.

• Supporting digestion

Salt stimulates the production of digestive fluids, making it easier for the body to process food. Coffee’s high acidity can sometimes cause discomfort like acid reflux or heartburn, but adding salt helps neutralize the acid, making it gentler on the stomach. It can also help protect your teeth from acid damage.

• Improving alertness and focus

Caffeine helps keep you alert, and salt can speed up the absorption of caffeine, helping you feel awake and focused more quickly. This is especially useful when you need to concentrate on work or studying.

• Providing essential minerals

Salt contains important minerals like potassium, sodium, and chloride, which help with fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle health.

• Supporting lower blood pressure

Some studies suggest that salt can help the body produce nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and can lower blood pressure. However, people with high blood pressure should still limit their salt intake, aiming for no more than 1.5g of salt per day.

While salt coffee has many potential health benefits, it’s important to monitor your intake of both salt and caffeine. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to 2,300 mg per day for adults. Salt coffee is a unique and beneficial drink, but moderation is the key to maintaining good health as with any food or beverage.

Famous Salt Coffee Shops in Hue

With the rise of salt coffee culture, many coffee shops have emerged, offering unique and unforgettable cups of salt coffee. Here are some must-visit salt coffee spots in Hue that you shouldn't miss.

Cà phê Muối - Salt Coffee

Cà phê Muối Đặng Thái Thân - Salt Coffee shop is a pioneer in Hue's salt coffee scene and has successfully become a local specialty. With nearly fifteen years of experience, the cafe not only draws in visitors with its delicious drinks but also stands out for its tranquil and spacious green environment, offering a peaceful vibe for coffee lovers.

PhinHolic

Located in the heart of Hue, PhinHolic is more than just a coffee shop; it's an ideal destination for those who love Hue's salt coffee and want to explore the distinctive flavor of Phin coffee. This place offers not only a chance to savor coffee but also a deep dive into the art of brewing and the coffee culture of the area.

Laph Coffee

As you step into Laph Coffee, you'll be immediately captivated by its innovative and unique space. Every detail, from the design to the arrangement, reflects a sense of creativity and finesse. Of course, the signature Hue salt coffee flavor is a must-try, charming visitors from all over the world. It's not just a cup of coffee; it's a wonderful experience—a journey of the creamy sweetness of milk, the distinctive aroma of coffee, and the unique salty flavor of salt.

>>> Explore more Top Salt Coffee Shops in Hue

The Difference Between Salt Coffee and Other Types of Coffee

Salt coffee stands out with its unique combination of the bitter taste of coffee and the salty flavor of salt. Compared to other coffee types, salt coffee offers a completely different experience.

• Milk Coffee

Milk coffee is one of the most popular choices in Vietnam, with the sweetness of milk softening the bitterness of coffee. Instead of creating a strong flavor, milk coffee offers a gentle and easy-to-drink experience. This makes it a favorite among many foreign visitors when they come to Vietnam. Especially when exploring milk coffee shops in Saigon, offering unforgettable experiences.

• Egg Coffee

Eggs and coffee – two ingredients that seem unrelated, yet together they create a unique flavor. Egg coffee combines the rich taste of coffee, the creamy yolk of the egg, and the sweet, subtle flavor of sugar. Now, egg coffee is not just a drink, but a cultural icon of Hanoi, attracting many visitors who seek out famous egg coffee spots to experience it.

• Black Coffee

Black coffee, with its bold, unadulterated bitterness, is ideal for those who love a stronger taste. However, black coffee can be a bit too harsh for some. On the other hand, salt coffee adds a new depth to the flavor, enriching the tasting experience.

• Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is a perfect choice for those hot summer days, with its coldness providing relief from the heat. However, the chill of the ice may dilute the coffee’s bitterness. This is in contrast to salt coffee, where the salty flavor blends seamlessly with the bitterness of the coffee, creating an intriguing balance that is hard to find in other coffee types.

The Culture of Salt Coffee

Salt coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a special part of Vietnamese specialty coffee culture.

• Salt Coffee in the Morning

Vietnamese people often start their day with a cup of salt coffee to wake up and prepare for the challenges ahead. The distinctive flavor of salt coffee stimulates the mind, bringing energy and vitality to the start of the day.

• Pairing with Banh Mi

Banh Mi, a Vietnamese baguette with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior, is more than just bread—it’s a culinary icon. Filled with various savory meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and flavorful sauces, it offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Pairing salt coffee with a Banh Mi makes for an ideal breakfast. The salty notes of the coffee perfectly complement the savory-sweet flavors of the Banh Mi, creating a harmonious and satisfying start to the day.

Cultural Insight

Salt coffee, and Vietnamese coffee in general, is a symbol of simplicity and elegance in Vietnamese culture. Drinking salt coffee is not just an ordinary act but a part of tradition, where people gather, chat, and share precious moments. Salt coffee is not just a drink, but a bridge connecting people, the past, and the present.

Conclusion

Salt coffee, with its unique blend of the bitter taste of coffee and the salty flavor of salt, has become an essential part of Vietnam's specialty coffee culture. From its history to its preparation methods, each cup of salt coffee holds a distinct character, reflecting the cultural identity of this region. Whether you’re a coffee lover or have never tried it before, a cup of salt coffee will undoubtedly offer you an unforgettable experience. Explore this specialty to experience the unique charm of Hue's Salt Coffee, Vietnam!

Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Coffee

1. Is it good to drink salt coffee in the morning?
   Yes, you can enjoy salt coffee in the morning. It helps wake you up and provides energy for the day ahead. However, it’s best to consume it in moderation, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine.

2. Can salt coffee cause insomnia?
   Like other types of coffee, salt coffee contains caffeine, which can cause insomnia if consumed in the afternoon or late at night. If you're sensitive to caffeine, it's advisable to limit your intake during these times.

3. How long can salt coffee be stored in the fridge?

   • Black Salt Coffee: Can be stored overnight in the fridge without souring, and may even become richer and thicker. However, after two days, the quality decreases significantly.

   • Salt Milk Coffee: It’s best not to keep it overnight as the milk can sour and affect your digestion. If you need to store it, keep it in the fridge for 1-2 hours only.

4. What type of coffee can I use to make salt coffee?
   You can use any type of coffee. However, dark-roasted coffee often provides a stronger, more distinctive flavor when paired with salt. Both Arabica and Robusta coffees work well, depending on your personal preference.

5. How much does a cup of salt coffee cost?
   A cup of salt coffee typically costs between 15,000 to 70,000 VND, depending on the café and brand.

6. How many calories are in a cup of salt coffee?
   A 100ml cup of salt coffee contains about 170 to 210 calories, depending on the amount of ingredients used.