The Truth About Coffee in Vietnam

[@gp1567]

Wrong: Robusta coffee is NOT of low quality just for being robusta. There are high quality robusta beans as there are low quality arabica beans as well. What happens is that robusta coffee has a higher caffeine content which makes it taste bitter and flatter than the more complex taste compounds of arabica coffee. Only the ignorant and the coffee snobs affirm that robusta is inferior to arabica coffee.

[@l3coffee360]

Wow 😊

[@tp7988]

Don't let the haters get you down. I appreciate that you took the time to make the video. I was born in Viet Nam and raised in the states and I always like it when people like you make the effort to make interesting educational videos. To the morons who don't see that part of it, you'll never satisfy them. As for the fact that you don't speak the language and the one guy (hater) was mad about it seems silly. I'm impressed that you used Google Translate as a workaround. Bravo.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Thanks. People are so sensitive. If you have a KZbin channel, you learn to deal with haters very early on. If you don't, you'll go nuts!

[@phatle2737]

who cares about high quality, vietnamese people prefer the taste of "low quality" beans so why droning on higher or lower quality? you comparing western taste of plain espresso coffee with vietnamese taste of cafe sua da, those are like 2 different drinks

[@gp1567]

@Phat Le, I agree with you. Saying that robusta coffee beans are all of low quality shows the ignorance of the author of this video, because, yes, there are high quality robusta beans. Both beans come from different species and the perception of robusta coffee beans been all of "low quality" has to do with its higher caffeine content, which makes the coffee to taste bitter and flatter in comparison to arabica's.

[@gp1567]

Yes, there are low quality robusta beans and the same applies to arabica's. That been said, high quality robusta beans do exist. Robusta beans are popular in Vietnam because of its dominant CLIMATE type as robusta coffee plants thrive in humid tropical climates and are more resistant and not as finicky as arabicas. Arabica plants, on the other hand, grow and produce better on high altitude, that's to say, in much cooler conditions, and they are way more care demanding, that's why arabica coffee tends to be more expensive than robusta coffee. Vietnam doesn't have very high mountains that arabica plants need in order to produce good, hard, dense beans that are more appropriate for roasting to perfection. Most arabica coffee we buy from supermarket shelves are, generally speaking, of low quality because they are cheaper coffee grown in improper conditions (low altitudes).

[@user-cs1gh4pu9v]

Thank you for sharing this video! I really enjoy black coffee as well as the sweetened iced coffee. I hope that all Vietnamese farmers get the help they need for growing better Robusta and other varieties. The general western coffee opinion of Robusta isn't good, however it doesn't mean that it Robusta isn't good coffee. I really enjoyed seeing Lộc 's shop and roaster and hopefully, one day, be able to visit Vietnam and be able to visit L3, as well as other cafes . In the United States, in New York, there is a coffee roastery, Nguyen Coffee Supply, buying and roasting Vietnamese coffee (robusta, arabica and blending both).

[@alexensoluna7340]

Small production video, but very well done, tastefully. By watching your Video, I wanted to visit Vietnam one of these days. Thanks Job well done.

[@caovannam1303]

I'm from VN. If you have order coffe and sales in you country, Plz contact me via email: [e-mail]

[@garyskyner5855]

Vietnamese coffee is the best in the world. I find so smooth almost creamy. After watching your video, I now know why it is so creamy - the butter!

[@vizwise4455]

I was surprised (pleasantly) as well

[@haulecong8940]

Someplace actually uses fishsauce when roasting coffee bean to increase the aroma of coffee (Vietnamese here)

[@2604Kim]

where is it located in vietnam?

[@kklum6998]

Very factual and accurate. Vietnamese coffee is addictive. Unfortunately for me, I am on a low-sugar diet, sigh. I am now on a cold brew with Arabica beans. Would like to try Robusta and also Liberica bean cold brew. Kudos

[@minhnguyen-lk2ym]

you may say that arabica beans are "higher quality" (relative to robusta) but I hope Vietnam doesn't grow this variety because its dull taste sucks. what's the point of being "higher quality" when the locals don't even like the taste

[@vivianeb90]

I am not a coffee drinker. Never liked the taste and too much sugar with caffeine just gave me the shakes. BUT then I had Vietnamese coffee and that is the only coffee I like to drink when I get the chance now. And it did not give me the shakes either for some reason. Vietnamese coffee is really delicious. However I never tasted the fish sauce in it... this is the first time I hear of it.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I think it just adds a little richness to the roasting. I've heard Vietnamese people say that's crazy, that they don't add fish sauce to the roasting, but I also know the guy who does it in the video and he's a very well studied coffee roaster. Personally, he doesn't think it's necessary but he said it's common in Vietnam.

[@vivianeb90]

@@itchyfeetonthecheap The fish sauce as an ingredient is very interesting. Your friend certainly seems experienced in coffee making. Maybe it started as an interesting way to differentiate oneself from other coffee makers in the market and then it spread around? Or maybe it really adds to the flavor? I will definitely try it some time because I am curious about the difference. Or maybe you could make a video of it. Hehe ; )

[@remnant888]

It's all about acquired taste... We love the original local taste of local beans that apeal to the local ppl...

[@armshah9156]

Nice one! Yeah..Been there many time and Vietnam Coffee is a MUST have for me.

[@EZTechClass]

Thanks for your sharing, I used to drink a lot of Vietnamese coffee growing up My brain is falling in love with high-cafein robusta and now it take quite long time with adopting to arabica coffee which is very popular in US where I am living now. I know arabica but traditional robusta Vietnamese coffee did a better job in waking me up and bringing in more focus. Maybe a blend of arabica and robusta can help ?

[@thuhuongnguyen1807]

As a food tour guide working and living in Hanoi, I recommend you Egg coffee for your very next time visit Hanoi

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I tried it when I was in Hanoi. It was very rich. I liked it, but maybe only once a week.

[@thuhuongnguyen1807]

Yeppp. Vietnamese coffee is quite rich. Happy to hear that you was in Vietnam! Thanks for visiting!

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I lived in Vietnam for 2 years. I loved it.

[@thuhuongnguyen1807]

Wow. So cool! Nice to know you

[@TheDavenguyen91]

I would like to confirm that any true Vietnamese coffee maker will put in some fish sauce to the coffee when they roast. Yes, I live in Central Vietnam, die hard coffee addict. And for you OP, keep up the good works.

[@JhonJrCoffee]

What kind of fish sauce ?

[@trangbenavidez8729]

Please take a chance and taste a Arabica Catirmor and the spot light of Vietnam Moka; it will change your mind about Vietnam, we blend them 3 in our coffee shop and the customer LOVE IT

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

What's your coffee shop? Where is it?

[@maisondav1d]

What brand do you recommend for cafe sua da? I only know of trung nguyen

[@ReflectionsHdmstrss]

Who says Robusta beans are low quality? Arabica beans got a marketing campaign going. This is a matter of taste and people's subjecting their own senses to advertisements.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Fair enough. I think you can say that Arabica produces a smoother coffee, but some people prefer bitter.

[@serenanguyen8477]

I'm a little bit sad when people around the world always say that Vietnamese coffee is the second kingdom of coffee just after Brazil, but then Vietnamese coffee quality still cannot be guaranteed... If it can be maybe Vietnamese coffee will be more popular to the world, do you think?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Many farms are switching to better quality beans, but that's expensive to do and a risk. I think it will get better though.

[@koungwaithar2845]

Let me know how to add the ingredients to the coffee beans?

[@stephentoellner2306]

I like your informative video and your style in how you present it. I have been to Vietnam several times and I have added L3 as " must visit " place next time! Thank you for the video. One question on the fish sauce, was it added when the coffee beans were roasted, or afterwards sometime? Thanks!👍

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Immediately afterwards, when they were still hot in the mixer thing. The roaster noted that not all places add fish sauce - he usually doesn't - but it's common in Vietnam.

[@l3coffee360]

L3 Wellcome 🤗🥰🤝

[@JuneAndStuff]

Great educational video... thank you for sharing!

[@justpossibly]

Excellent video! I just went to Vietnam and I wondered what they added to the beans/roast. Now I know, thanks!

[@Buullon]

Hello, I've been watching some of your videos, I like it! Maybe the quality sound is a bit poor but it is interesting. Good job! Just a thing, that'd be great to have the location of the places you are showing in the videos.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I agree, the sound is an issue that I struggle with... especially in Vietnam. I'm planning on getting a better mic though, so hopefully that will help.

[@MegaThorz]

Thanks man! it is a really well made video

[@KACZMARCZYK4369]

surprised that Vietnam is the world's 2nd largest producer

[@lifeofdidi8515]

best coffee ever...

[@Kawaii_Life.]

Fish sauce?? Do you remember how that tasted? and Wow. What a difference in videos from your most recent and this one you shot back in 2016 lol

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

It was delicious, but I don't think the fish sauce makes much difference. I know what you mean about the videos before. It took me a really long time to be comfortable on camera.

[@zachphung175]

With the added butter, fish sauce, sugar and salt. Did you notice a big difference in taste? or what do you think those additives added to the coffee tastewise?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

It added some very subtle flavors, but when it's ground up, brewed, and mixed with sweetened condensed milk, I don't think it's that noticeable.

[@avatardele]

Are the 'arabica' beans harvested in Vietnam?

[@clearasvodka]

Exactly how I remembered it. Liquid diet. Great video BTW.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Thanks very much. Did I tell you that I'm moving to Chengdu?

[@clearasvodka]

Yes, I remember you mentioning that. I think you will like it. The savory dishes and the laid back lifestyle. Chengdu is an up-and-comer. The New Silk Road will run through that area. Chengdu is the new hub for high tech OEMs. CAN DO, CHENGDU!

[@bullrun44]

Thank you for this video.

[@spaguetterino9269]

Dude awesome vid . Like quality.

[@somerandomguy122]

You khow the word "cafe sua da" is ice and milk coffee in english right ?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Yeah, "coffee milk ice" to be exact.

[@biglance]

really amazing video....i am impressed, hope you are well, peace from China.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Thanks very much. Where in China are you? I'm in Chengdu.

[@biglance]

Itchy Feet on the Cheap Cool man! I am near Xiamen, Fujian. Have a good week! peace.

[@__2rus]

wait what's the name of the cafe owner again?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Lop

[@dayuhanspace]

whoa !i cant imagine smelling fish sauce in my coffee. thats crazy

[@JhonnnyTheMan]

i love crab-sauce in my cooffe and a little bit of goat to

[@chuck90504]

filtered or espresso? Which and why?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Depends on the mood, the weather, how much time I have, etc. I will probably drink one of each per day. If I had to choose though, I'd go with the espresso. There's just more POW! to it.

[@ninja1676]

chuck90504 who give a shit about what it s just drink it don’t be picky it just a freaking drink so what?!

[@kimcuong4073]

i love this

[@solk.2175]

Drinking one now.. lol

[@chrisbrown8748]

Hmmm this series looks good and it's one of the few I haven't watched on Vietnam soooooo maybe I will download these for offline viewing (KZbin Red sub) and watch it while flying from New York to Hanoi this November.

[@macboerTV]

Where is this joint?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

L3 coffee? It's in Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong Province on Phu Loi street between 30 Thang 4 and Tran Van On.

[@macboerTV]

Thanks.^^

[@yaessimp3535]

love your vid . my house is selling coffe too

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

+dao nguyen where do you live?

[@EmilyCedenoMlleNoko]

Je preference cafe noir, sans lait. Black!

[@solk.2175]

Wow fish sauce in coffee beans ?? ⚠️ allergy 🤧 for those who has fish allergies

[@gimmedavidb]

A problem with Vietnamese coffee beans is that they're over-roasted. They burn it basically.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

It works if you add a ton of sugar, but I can't drink 2 cups of coffee a day that has that much sugar in it.

[@th3p00r5]

fish sauce in coffee?

[@EZTechClass]

Yes, it's very popular ingredient of Vietnamese coffee roaster

[@contentsv]

@@EZTechClass wait what . No, it's not

[@contentsv]

@@EZTechClass i'm vietnamese and i have never heard that

[@contentsv]

@hammy Galaxy sr, wrong person

[@hoaihuonghanoi]

I am vietnamese

[@kingchakazulu7762]

I miss Phuc Long coffee...

[@ninja1676]

Ulysses Ly Are you sure about 80M? They are way more than that.

[@Vlstudies]

Great video!

[@JhonJrCoffee]

A fish sauce ??? In coffee????

[@user-pt7tv]

wep.. I've just drunk a cup of fishsauce and condense milk

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

It's good for you. It'll put hair on your chest.

[@Jupe367]

Perhaps somewhere in your translation,, you may have your facts incorrect about the fish sauce. Vietnamese coffee do not include that ingredient. One other point, remember that you are on his soil, it is "unfortunate" that YOU can't speak Vietnamese .

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

I was told by a Vietnamese coffee roaster that it's common to add fish sauce. I watched him pour it in.

[@Jupe367]

So you say.. Sounds like your fact is NOT based on research. You haven't visited the famous manufacturing coffee plant in Vietnam where coffee beans are export around the world. I would tell you the name of the company but I'd rather you do some homework.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

+Jupe367 actually I tried to get a tour of the Vinacafe coffee plant in Bien Hoa, but they didn't get back to me. I don't know if that's the one you're talking about but it was the first in Vietnam and pumps out a ton of instant coffee.

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

+Ulysses Ly I love Vietnamese coffee. It's so delicious. I don't know where you got this western fusion thing from. Die hard Vietnamese coffee fans seem to be angry about this video, but I'm not sure why.

[@Jupe367]

Itchy feet on the cheap. There are several coffee exporters and players in the market, most are located in HCMC. They also export high quality, pre-ground coffee beans, not instant. Please don't misinform the viewers.

[@smileandlaughs]

Did you said fish sauce?

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

Yes. This has been a debated topic in this comment section. Some Vietnamese say that it's never used, some say it adds flavor.

[@binzsta86]

WTF fish sauce?

[@SL-lo5gu]

But now they have battery coffee in Vietnam

[@itchyfeetonthecheap]

+luy sinet I heard that. Scary stuff.

[@ThuyNguyen-io4hm]

Itchy Feet on the Cheap it’s not true guys. I’m a vietnamese 100% and I live in Buon me thuot which is the biggest coffee center in Viet Nam. In front of my house, they make coffee twice a week and they NEVER use fish sauce or BATTERY. Can you tell me where did you film the place make the fish sauce coffee? I’m really surprised

[@bullrun44]

sammie Kim, there were several arrests in the last year by the Vietnamese police of bad business people mixing batteries either before roast or after a roast to give it texture and color. That is true.

[@caovannam1303]

@@ThuyNguyen-io4hm I'm from VN and your and answee truth? I finding buyer coffee of VN. contact me via email: [e-mail]

[@MariusMooore]

FISH SAUCE?!!! Dammit. Good to know, if you're veg.

[@phuonganhnguyen3100]

fish sauce in coffee ? seriously ?

[@TheWings1993]

Có đó bạn.

[@abdulazzlinhajiuthman2953]

Vietnamese make coffee battery for us!!! Boikot their any coffee products. I hate that matter. Im coffee lover!!

[@caovannam1303]

sorry about that? this it small matter in VN. If you want try good coffee of VN. Plz contact me by email: [e-mail]

[@bobfrieser6987]

Vietnamese diet is over all full of non recommended stuff. Lots of carbonhydrates amongst that sugars, bad fat and salt. Also of course the healthy greens. Problem is: it's delicious. However a bowl of the famous pho is, despite the healthy elements, as bad for you as a big mac! All a matter of taste and self-responsability.

[@captainobvious9189]

Said the fat American...