Da Nang’s coffee scene is a dynamic and exciting blend of our deep-rooted traditions and the latest global specialty trends. A Da Nang coffee shop is not just a place to get a quick drink, it is a vital social space. It’s where friends meet to chat, where business deals are made, and where people take a moment to relax and watch the world go by. We have found that our coffee culture is a wonderful surprise. The coffee profile is strong, rich, and bold – much like the strong coffee you enjoy at home – but it is prepared with a distinctly Vietnamese flair and sweetness that is a true delight to discover. This guide from Vietnam Story will explore the very best of Da Nang’s coffee culture, categorized by the kind of experience you are looking for, from the most traditional brews to the most modern, stylish cafés.
The taste of tradition: Essential Vietnamese coffee drinks
Understanding these iconic drinks is the first step to diving into our coffee culture. These traditional brews are the heart and soul of Vietnamese coffee and can be found at nearly every local shop and humble street-side stall. These are the classic flavors that define our coffee tradition. Let’s explore what makes each one so special.
| Coffee drink | Description & flavor profile | Where to find it |
| Ca phe sua da (Classic iced coffee) | This is the most famous and beloved Vietnamese coffee. It is made with strong, dark Robusta coffee that is slowly dripped through a metal filter called a phin. The coffee drips over a layer of sweet, thick condensed milk, and is then poured over a glass full of ice. The taste is incredibly rich, bold, and wonderfully sweet. | You can find this everywhere! For the most authentic and cheapest experience, look for the small, traditional, street-side stalls where you see locals sitting on tiny plastic stools. |
| Ca phe trung (Egg coffee) | This is a true Vietnamese specialty, a decadent treat that is more like a dessert. It features a thick, creamy, and frothy topping made from whipped egg yolk and condensed milk, which floats on top of a cup of rich, hot coffee. The taste is like a sweet, liquid tiramisu or a coffee-flavored custard. | You will find this at specialized spots. I recommend trying it at Egg Coffee 3T or at a vintage-themed cafe like NAM House Cafe. |
| Ca phe dua (Coconut coffee) | This is the perfect drink for our tropical heat! It is a refreshing and delicious blend of strong coffee that is mixed with frozen coconut milk or cream, creating a sweet, nutty, and slushy-like beverage. | The famous Cộng Cà Phê chain is renowned for this drink, but many specialty shops now offer their own unique and delicious versions. |
| Bac Xiu(Milk-first Coffee) | This is a much milder and milkier version of our traditional iced coffee. It has more condensed milk and a little less coffee, making it a great choice if you prefer a sweeter, less intense flavor, similar to a sweet latte. | You can find this in all traditional and modern cafes. |
READ MORE: Unveiling Cà Phê Trứng: The Legendary Vietnam Egg Coffee Experience
The modern movement: Specialty “Third-Wave” of coffee
In recent years, Da Nang has enthusiastically embraced the global “third-wave” coffee movement. These modern cafés focus on high-quality Arabica beans, single-origin sourcing, and precise brewing methods like pour-overs and perfect espressos. These are the spots for true coffee connoisseurs and those looking for a quiet, modern workspace.
These cafes are where you’ll find the highest quality beans and the most skilled baristas. Here are my top picks for a premium coffee experience.
| Cafe name | Vibe & highlight | Best for |
| XLIII Specialty Coffee (also known as 43 Factory Coffee Roaster) | This place is all about uncompromising quality. It has a beautiful, minimalist, industrial design with its own on-site roastery and a dedicated tasting bar. They focus exclusively on high-quality, single-origin specialty Arabica beans. | Serious coffee enthusiasts who are looking for the absolute best espresso or pour-over in the city. It’s also a great place for those who are interested in barista culture and want to learn more about the coffee-making process. |
| Brewman Coffee Concept | This cafe has a very stylish and calming Scandinavian-minimalist design. It’s known for its creative and delicious signature drinks and, importantly for travelers, its reliable and fast free Wi-Fi. | Digital nomads and remote workers who are looking for a quiet, modern, and comfortable space to work, with reliable Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets. |
| À la Cafe | This is a true hidden gem, located on a quiet, tree-lined street. It has a very intimate and contemplative atmosphere, with a beautifully converted attic space that feels like a secret escape. | Anyone who is looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a quiet moment of slow, mindful coffee appreciation. |
READ MORE: A Journey for the Senses: How to drink Vietnamese Coffee
Thematic and iconic cafés: More than just coffee
Some of Da Nang’s most famous cafés are major attractions in themselves, known for their unique architecture, their incredible atmosphere, and, of course, their spectacular views. These cafes offer a full experience, where the ambiance and the setting are just as important as the coffee itself.
The vintage and local aesthetic
- Cộng Cà Phê: This is a very famous chain throughout Vietnam, known for its unique “Communist Chic” theme. The decor is inspired by old-school, subsidized-era Vietnam, with army-green walls, rustic furniture, and vintage memorabilia. Their signature Coconut Coffee is a must-try. Their locations often have fantastic views of the river or the beach.
- NAM House Cafe: This charming cafe is designed to feel like a Vietnamese house from the early 1990s. It is filled with antiques, old books, and curiosities, creating a wonderfully nostalgic and retro vibe. It’s a fantastic place for taking unique and atmospheric photos.
- Trinh Cafe: This serene and poetic cafe features beautiful, traditional wooden house architecture blended with lush, green gardens. It creates a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere and is famous for its unique and delicious Avocado Coffee.
The best cafés for views & location
- Wonderlust Coffee & Souvenir: Located right near the Han River and the famous Dragon Bridge, this modern, multi-level café is all about the view. Head to the upper floors for a fantastic, panoramic vista of the river and the city skyline.
- Son Tra Marina: Located right by the sea on the beautiful Son Tra Peninsula, this café is famous for its stunning Santorini-style architecture, with brilliant white walls and blue accents. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a coffee with breathtaking ocean views.
- SKY36 (at Novotel Da Nang): For the ultimate luxury experience and the most incredible view in the entire city, you must visit SKY36. Located on the 36th floor of the Novotel hotel, this is Vietnam’s highest sky bar, offering an unparalleled panoramic view of Da Nang.
READ MORE: Best Da Nang souvenirs: A shopper’s guide for Indian travelers
How to enjoy coffee like a Vietnamese person?
In Vietnam, coffee is meant to be savored slowly. We don’t grab it to go. The experience is about relaxing, chatting with friends, and taking a break from the busy day. Coffee shops are our social hubs. Our traditional coffee beans are typically dark roasted, which gives them a very bold, unique, and powerful flavor profile that is quite different from the lighter roasts you might be used to.
Location guide and the future of Da Nang coffee
Da Nang’s best coffee shops are generally concentrated in two main areas, each offering a different kind of experience. Knowing where to go can help you find the perfect cafe for your mood. Here’s a quick guide.
- Han River / City center (Hai Chau district): This area is best for the cafes with spectacular views (like Wonderlust and Cộng Cà Phê), the charming vintage spots, and for the convenience of being able to walk from one place to another.
- Beach / An Thuong area (Ngu Hanh Son district): This area, near My Khe Beach, is the hub for the modern, third-wave specialty shops (like XLIII Coffee and Brewman) and is a very popular spot for digital nomads.
The coffee scene in Da Nang is constantly evolving. The competition between cafés is thriving, which is pushing both the quality and the creativity of the drinks (like the new trends of Salt Coffee and Yogurt Coffee) higher and higher. You will also see more and more cafés hosting cultural events, live music, and art exhibitions, further integrating the wonderful coffee experience with the local arts scene.
Conclusion
Ultimately, to truly understand Da Nang, you must experience its coffee culture. The city’s coffee shops are its social heart, the places where the daily rhythm of life unfolds. Whether you are savoring a sweet, strong cà phê sữa đá on a bustling street corner or enjoying a meticulously crafted pour-over in a serene, modern cafe, you are doing more than just drinking coffee – you are participating in a cherished local ritual. It is in these moments of pause and connection that you will find the true, welcoming spirit of our city.
At Vietnam Story, we believe that the best travel memories are often found in these simple, authentic moments. Let us help you discover the hidden gems and local favorites of Da Nang’s coffee scene. Contact us today, and let’s plan a journey that is as rich and flavorful as a perfect cup of Vietnamese coffee.