Top 10 Vietnamese Coffee in Manila

(SPOT.PH) Robust and aromatic is how you would usually describe your average Vietnamese coffee. Also known as ca phe sua (or ca phe sua da if you like it on the rocks), this popular beverage served with condensed milk dates back to the decades-long conquest of the French in Indochina. This eventually paved the way for modern day Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture. With the burgeoning number of Vietnamese restaurants in the Metro over the past years, it’s about time we introduce you to a different kind of brew—and we’re not talking about third wave coffee.

From well-known chains to obscure holes-in-the-wall, we’ve sacrificed sleep and done the hard work for you and judged them based on strength, aroma, and sweetness. If you’re tired of your same old cuppa, let this list help you get started.

All of SPOT.ph Top 10 lists are researched, paid for, tested, and selected by the writers and editors. They are discreetly conducted without any notice made to the restaurants or their owners.

IMAGE Erika Dizon

10. P.H.A.T. Pho’s Vietnamese Coffee (P95)

P.H.A.T. Pho’s Vietnamese coffee is a sure win if you have a sweet tooth. At P95, you get half a cup of coffee that’s lightly roasted and served in a steamy water bath to keep its thick layer of condensed milk nice and warm. Its fruity aroma will immediately lead you to the conclusion that the drink will be a sugary one, but that's all right because you can always ask the friendly servers to go easy on the sweetener.

Strength level: 2/5

P.H.A.T. Pho has branches at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City and Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.

IMAGE Erika Dizon

9. Zao Vietnamese Bistro’s The Vietnamese Filter (P155)

Although it is the priciest one on the list, Zao's Vietnamese coffee is an absolute steal if you don’t like your coffee too strong. Vietnamese coffee beans are known to be full-bodied and rich, but some people prefer their coffee mild. Don’t be dismayed if it has a faint aroma as its mellow flavor makes up for it. This is a good option if you plan to have some after dinner as it won’t keep you up all night.

Strength level: 1/5

Zao has branches at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City; Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City; and Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan City.

IMAGE Erika Dizon

8. Hanoi Corner’s Hot-Ice Brown Coffee (P89)

You can tell Hanoi Corner’s Vietnamese coffee is a brawny one from the scent alone. The Hot-Ice Brown Coffee is sure to give you enough kick to jumpstart your day. Choose to have it with or without a metal drip filter (or phin), either way, you’d get the same milky ca phe sua that’s rich and slightly acidic with a fruity aftertaste.

Strength level: 5/5

Hanoi Corner is at Santol corner Aranga Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City.

IMAGE Erika Dizon

7. Ba Noi’s + Ca Phe’s Classic Vietnamese Coffee (P110)

Here’s a strong contender. Literally. Contrary to tradition, Ba Noi’s + Ca Phe’s Classic Vietnamese Coffee’s condensed milk is served separately from the black coffee. With that, customers can control the sweetness of the drink’s full-bodied flavor—a definite plus for caffeine aficionados who consider sweetness a touchy issue.

Strength level: 4/5

Ba Noi’s + Ca Phe is at G/F UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.

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6. Jam & Viet Sandwich House’s Hot Coffee Milk (P68)

A whiff of Jam & Viet Sandwich House’s Vietnamese coffee will transport you to the streets of Saigon. Its nutty flavor is elevated by the distinct taste of the sweet condensed milk, which can be a tad too overwhelming if you take big gulps. Nevertheless, the texture is smooth and almost silky.

Strength level: 3/5

Jam & Viet Sandwich House is at 5110 Filmore Street, Palanan, Makati City.

IMAGE Erika Dizon

5. Pho Hoa’s Ca Phe (P120)

Pho Hoa’s Ca Phe may be the creamiest of them all. The mellowness and aroma of the coffee, however, can get overpowered by the thick condensed milk. Clearly, it’s for people who prefer creaminess over sweetness, but that doesn’t make it any less tasty!

Strength level: 3/5

See a list of Pho Hoa branches.

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4. Dalat Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine’s Vietnamese Coffee (P99)

Dalat is the newest Vietnamese restaurant on the block. Even though they're known for their rice meals, their caffeinated beverages should not be overlooked. With beans imported directly from Vietnam, Dalat’s coffee is as real as it gets. The aroma is fruity while the coffee is slightly acidic but nowhere near bitter.  

Strength level: 4/5

Dalat Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine is at Bagtikan Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City.

IMAGE Erika Dizon

3. Vina Trang Cuisine’s Ca Phe Nong (P75)

Patience is a virtue when it comes to Vina Trang Cuisine’s Ca Phe Nong. Also served with a drip filter, they give the Vietnamese coffee to you in an instant, allowing you to witness each drop. Its familiar earthy aroma is simply irresistible, and the drink has just the right balance of sugar. You’d have to wait three to five minutes before you can drink it so try your best to keep your hands to yourself and respect the process!

Strength level: 3/5

Vina Trang Cuisine is at 8839 Sampaloc Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City.

IMAGE Erika Dizon

2. Wabi-Sabi’s Vietnamese Coffee (P75)

It’s difficult not to love Wabi-Sabi’s Vietnamese Coffee because their black coffee is already silky on its own. The common aromatic sweetness of Vietnamese beans is present but you’d be surprised to find out that its chocolate-y flavor melds perfectly with the condensed milk sitting on the bottom of the glass. Perhaps the winning component of this drink is the stout base itself. We recommend you have a taste of the black drink first before stirring in the sweet condensed milk to know what we’re on about.

Strength: 4/5

Wabi-Sabi has branches at Tomas Morato, Quezon City and Malugay Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City.

IMAGE Erika Dizon

1. DiCofi’s Vietnamese Coffee (P110)

You know you’ve found something special when you’re willing to brave the horrendous Makati traffic for it. DiCofi’s Vietnamese coffee will make you do just that as their famous caffeinated drinks are a sure champion with its strong brew flaunting a slight caramel taste. Its rich aroma is as delicate as your first sip, while having it with ice doesn’t take anything away from the experience. Despite being the only one on the list to be served without a drip filter, the beautifully balanced sweetness and creaminess of DiCofi’s Vietnamese coffee makes for a velvety treat. We’re sure you’d be sipping until the last drop!

Strength level: 4/5

DiCofi is at Valero Plaza Condominium, San Agustin Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.