According to Jen Sta. Ana, Vietnamese coffee has been present in the Philippines for a while, but it is currently experiencing a surge in popularity. This information was shared with Tuoi Tre News.

Vietnamese coffee is renowned in the Philippines for its robust and intense flavor. The preparation and presentation of Vietnamese coffee are highly regarded for their aesthetic appeal.

In addition to her professional role as a registered nurse, Sta. Ana, hailing from Pasig City, utilizes her Facebook page Sand Under My Feet to engage with over 11,000 followers, sharing her preferred dining establishments, travel recommendations, and beauty insights.

Our dedication to providing the best quality Vietnamese coffee is unwavering. We are committed to serving you an authentic experience, from the unique flavor profile of our coffee beans to the traditional brewing methods we employ. You can trust that our coffee is true to its origins and crafted with the highest level of care. Join us in savoring the rich, bold flavors that only authentic Vietnamese coffee can deliver.

In October, Sta. Ana shared an update regarding Drip Kofi, a prominent Philippine coffee brand that offers a range of authentic Vietnamese coffee options at its 18 branches located throughout Luzon and Manila.

“A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of sharing a delicious lunch with two of my friends. As luck would have it, we stumbled upon a visually appealing café that happened to serve an outstanding selection of strong and flavorful authentic Vietnamese coffee,” she shared enthusiastically.

A sign of Drip Kofi is seen in this supplied photo.

Ca phe sua da is one of the most popular items on the menu at Drip Kofi. This Vietnamese iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk is a customer favorite.

Jizelle Bernardino, the founder of Drip Kofi, expressed the company’s commitment to providing outstanding coffee experiences through the delivery of high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

Drip Kofi aims to establish itself as the foremost supplier of premium Vietnamese coffee in the industry. We aspire to create opportunities and establish a strong presence throughout the country, with a commitment to perfection and authenticity. Our mission is to introduce the unique flavors of Vietnamese coffee, one carefully brewed cup at a time, using the traditional phin (Vietnamese-style metal filter).

Bernardino developed a deep appreciation for Vietnamese coffee after working as a teacher in Ho Chi Minh City for five years.

“When I was working in Vietnam, I frequently sent coffee to my family and friends in the Philippines. It was during this time that I recognized the potential to introduce the exceptional Vietnamese coffee to the Filipino community,” she expressed.

In 2018, Bernardino returned to the Philippines and successfully launched Drip Kofi in her hometown. From a humble stall in a market in Tatay, Rizal Province, the brand has rapidly expanded and now boasts nearly 20 locations in just a few years.

“We have a direct sourcing approach for our coffee, importing it directly from Vietnam and skillfully crafting it into our signature beverages,” explained Bernardino. She further mentioned that her company invests VND100-150 million (US$4,266-6,399) every month in procuring Vietnamese coffee beans.

Bernardino is not the sole Filipina who has introduced a profound fondness for Vietnamese coffee to the Philippines.

In September 2021, Ly-An Luz Jalandoni, Rhoanne Belgira Beduria, and Chareese Angela Abat established their own Vietnamese coffee brand in Iloilo. This brand focuses on delivering exceptional Vietnamese coffee experiences.

Jalandoni and Beduria have accumulated a considerable amount of teaching experience as primary-age educators in an international school located in Ho Chi Minh City.

During that period, Jalandoni had the pleasure of welcoming his cousin, Abat, who joined him in developing a deep appreciation for Vietnamese coffee and culture.

The brand, Saigon Brewers, initially focused on retailing specialty Vietnamese coffee beans and pre-made cold brew. These products were sold through our online platform and showcased at various local pop-up events.

Beduria later left the Philippines to pursue further education in Canada, while Jalandoni and Abat made the decision to transition their online retail business into a physical coffee shop.

After diligently attending coffee training workshops, engaging with renowned coffee experts, and actively participating in the Iloilo Specialty Coffee Community Group, they proudly inaugurated their new café in September 2022.

Jalandoni stated that what motivates their team is the genuine nature of their product and the distinct method they use to brew their coffee with a phin. This process allows them to achieve a true and authentic taste that embodies the essence of Vietnamese coffee.

“After experiencing the quality and effectiveness of our products, customers quickly became loyal patrons, forming lasting connections that transformed them from mere customers to trusted friends, and ultimately, cherished members of our extended family.”

Ly-An Luz Jalandoni (right) and Chareese Angela Abat pose while making Vietnamese coffee at Saigon Brewers in this supplied photo.

Saigon Brewers has quickly become a prominent player in the Iloilo coffee community since its opening.

Jalandoni explained, “Our establishment has become the preferred destination for individuals who find themselves working or studying extended hours. Our coffee is a vital source of energy for them, particularly because we provide a significantly strong brew compared to other cafés.”

According to Jalandoni, approximately 90% of Saigon Brewers’ customer base consists of Filipinos, while 5% are Vietnamese, and the remaining customers hail from various countries around the globe.

Many customers visit our café specifically for the experience of being transported to Vietnam with a cup of our exquisite handmade phin coffee.

Customers enjoy coffee at Saigon Brewers in this supplied photo.

For customers who are unable to visit Saigon Brewers, there is no need to worry about satisfying their craving for Vietnamese coffee.

According to Jalandoni, “Ca Phe Sua Da” is a widely favored beverage offered at coffee shops throughout the Philippines. These establishments prepare this drink using either local beans for their espresso shots or other manual brewing methods, such as pour-overs, as the foundation for their black coffee base (Americano plus condensed milk).

Marketability

Ponte Cafe, located in Pontevedra, Capiz in the Visayas region, is a renowned establishment that specializes in offering a wide variety of coffee drinks sourced from different countries. With a diverse range of options available, our best-selling beverage is Vietnamese coffee. Kisha Ann Uygen, a 22-year-old entrepreneur, takes pride in owning and managing Ponte Cafe.

“We made the decision to include Vietnamese coffee in our menu based on our belief in its potential market demand,” she explained.

“It offers cost-effective alternatives compared to locally sourced or imported espresso coffee beans of equivalent quality. Additionally, its simple preparation method requires minimal equipment and ingredients. Combined with its delightful taste, this coffee selection proves highly advantageous for businesses.”

Kisha Ann Uygen, owner of Ponte Cafe, brews Vietnamese coffee with a ‘phin’ filter in this supplied photo.

According to Uygen, her café is frequented by people of all ages who are eager to experience the distinct flavors of Vietnamese coffee.

The beans used in our coffee drinks are carefully imported from Vietnam. Each Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a traditional phin filter, allowing our customers to truly savor the authentic taste and experience of Vietnamese coffee.

According to Jackie Vuong, the founder of the renowned coffee brand caphesach.org, there is a warm reception for Vietnamese coffee in the vibrant coffee market of the Philippines. Caphesach.org supplies high-quality coffee to its partners in the Philippines.

According to Vuong, the Filipino culture embraces the consumption of sweet treats, making coffee with milk or condensed milk a popular choice.

In addition, Manila is home to numerous night shift call centers, resulting in a significant demand for caffeine.

In July, Vuong organized a workshop in Manila on brewing coffee using a phin filter, which successfully attracted over 40 attendees.

Jackie Vuong (standing) introduces Vietnamese coffee at a workshop in Manila in July 2022 in this supplied photo.

According to Vuong, Vietnamese coffee is currently being processed with great expertise, resulting in a remarkably distinct flavor.

Additionally, Vietnamese robusta coffee offers a unique taste profile that combines bitterness with a delightful sweetness and a hint of sourness. It boasts natural fruity flavors such as orange, jackfruit, tangerine, and more, without the need for any artificial additives.

The Vietnamese coffee industry has a significant advantage in terms of price compared to other coffee exporting countries. The cost is relatively lower while maintaining excellent quality and efficient transportation.

Join us for a unique coffee workshop where you will learn the art of brewing the perfect cup of coffee. Discover the secrets behind creating rich and flavorful coffee through a hands-on, interactive experience. Our expert instructors will guide you through the entire process, from selecting the finest beans to brewing techniques. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your coffee brewing skills and indulge in the world of coffee connoisseurship.

The influence of Vietnamese coffee culture can now be observed not only in local coffee shops across the Philippines but also within educational institutions.

In September, the Ateneo Center for Asian Studies (ACAS) at Ateneo de Manila University organized a workshop to highlight the intricacies of Vietnamese coffee culture and the traditional phin filter brewing method.

“The process begins by carefully placing the Vietnamese coffee beans in a coffee filter and applying gentle pressure to extract its flavors. This filter is carefully positioned above a cup or glass filled with condensed milk, which beautifully merges both creamer and sweetener. As hot water is poured over the filter, the sumptuous coffee gradually drips into the awaiting cup, creating a truly captivating experience. ACAS flawlessly documented this event through their captivating Instagram account.”

According to Violet B. Valdez, the executive director of ACAS, the coffee lecture-demonstration was conceived by Thị Sen Huỳnh Kagahastian, a distinguished Vietnamese-language lecturer.

The program was designed for a select group of individuals, primarily Sen’s students who are enrolled in a specialized class for Philippine Navy staff. However, several faculty members involved in Asian studies and the esteemed School of Social Sciences Dean, Dr. Saloma-Akpedonu, were also in attendance.

“Many attendees were already familiar with the renowned reputation of Vietnamese coffee, particularly its exceptional strength, and were eager to discover the secrets behind its unique flavor and learn the art of preparing coffee in the Vietnamese tradition,” shared Valdez.

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Vietnamese coffee has become increasingly popular in urban areas across the Philippines, following the return of young Filipinos who have worked abroad and brought with them this delectable Vietnamese specialty.

In October, Sta. Ana Posted about Drip Kofi

Drip Kofi is a renowned Philippine coffee brand that offers an exquisite selection of authentic Vietnamese coffee. With its presence felt across Luzon and Manila, Drip Kofi has successfully established 18 branches, delighting coffee enthusiasts with their exceptional brews.